Module Six

            Free trade is the ability to freely trade goods and services with other countries without the intervention of the government. This gives American’s as well as other countries the opportunity to trade goods and services which would otherwise cost more if their country produced it.  It also increases the profit margins of the businesses involved.  Free trade may cause the loss of some jobs in America and abroad; however, the benefits of free trade outweigh the cost in loss of jobs.  The loss of jobs in one area can be made up in another area.  There needs to be a different way of viewing what possible employment opportunities are out there and the individuals need to be flexible in what is chosen as a career. 

            Free trade can give not only the American entrepreneur the opportunity to build successful business, but provide better opportunities for businesses in other countries.  I think that free trade is extremely important to America and other countries.  It gives everyone world-wide the opportunity to grow and succeed.  I think that sometimes Americans believe that they are entitled to certain privileges just because they live in America.  It is a privilege to live in America, but we cannot sit back and expect things to be handed to us and not have to put forth any effort.  Americans will be left behind if the attitude that I deserve this just because I live here is not changed.  There are many people in other countries fighting to come here for the opportunity to work.  They have the strong desire to work and will do what it takes to get the job.   I understand that a lot of people believe that free trade is ruining America and we need to buy more American products.  If there are ways to have items produced at a much lower cost why not purchase those products and gain a profit?   There are products that other countries produce that cost much less than if it were produced in America.  There are products that America produces at a much lower cost than other countries are able to produce it and this is where free trade comes in and gives the businesses the opportunity to make a profit.  There are advantages to items being produced at a much lower cost and Americans should not be afraid of the idea of free trade.  The false perception that Americans will go under if free trade continues is simply not true.    

            According to Freidman the new middler is someone who is not afraid to learn a new skill and develop that skill.  They have a passion for their work and curiosity that drives them to improve on an idea.  They are adaptable to various situations and hunger for something new.  They are led by ambition and a drive to know how something works and how to improve on it.  They have the ability to stay one step ahead of the latest computer improvements that are eliminating jobs.  The new middler can design a program that makes other individuals work faster and smarter.  They are able to continually design programs that make them untouchable. 

            The new middler has the ability to explain a product to a potential customer in a way that the potential customer can see that the product will benefit them and provide a profit to their business.  They have the ability to collaborate with others both inside their business and outside of their business to increase both profits and efficiency.  They have the ability to manage a highly efficient supply chain and maintain that efficiency.  The new middler also needs to be able to navigate the Web and use proper judgment in discerning the accuracy of the information needed among all the information that is on the Web.  The new middler is not afraid of change but welcomes it and has the drive to learn new skills.

            CQ+PQ>IQ, is curiosity quotient plus passion quotient is greater than intelligent quotient.  Employers find it far more profitable for them to hire an individual who has a higher curiosity and greater passion for what they are doing.  A person with the higher intelligence quotient is still important, but not nearly as profitable to a company, most times they do not have the passion and curiosity that is needed.  The individuals with the passion and curiosity seem to be more productive and are able expand their knowledge in many areas.  They will delve deeper into a situation and discover what works, what does not and what they can do to improve on it.  They thirst for knowledge and are not afraid to do what it takes to discover new and better opportunities.  These individuals are highly motivated and have a very strong desire to succeed.  These individuals are very valuable to a business and usually provide greater profits for a business.

            In this day and age an individual is able to take their curiosity to a much higher level as the tools they have at their fingertips are much greater.  The Web provides the individual with tools needed to gather information and discover new possibilities.  The curious individual is able to grow and learn at a much faster rate and with a deeper knowledge.  They are apt to keep themselves untouchable as they have the ability to adapt to new situations. 

            Free trade is a valuable tool in today’s flat world.  A business can increase its profit margin and allow better opportunities for other less fortunate countries by the use of free trade.  I think that those who grasp on to the idea of free trade will benefit most from it.  With all of the technology available the new middler is required to constantly change and grow in new ways in order to become the untouchable employee.  They need to stay on top of their game to avoid being replaced by computers.  They need to possess a strong passion for what they are doing with the curiosity to push them along.