OUT OF SIGHT -If New Zealand could generate a Steve Jobs – or another Rod Drury – we would all share in the positive outcomes.

BY Benedict Reid

Published by Young Entrepreneurs Ltd, 14 May 2014

RRP US$9.99 available from www.outofsighthq.com

Managed by Mary Egan at Mary Egan Publishing: mary@maryegan.co.nz.

A gripping novel for young adults and a new on-line community with business mentors – respected business leader Peter Shirtcliffe has developed a unique experience encouraging teenagers to explore the possibilities of self-employment

What would happen if we told teenagers not to focus on getting a job?

Every responsible adult knows that young people will enjoy a richer, more rewarding life if they find a vocation that suits them. But what if that vocation didn’t involve “a job”? What if teenagers were encouraged to develop their entrepreneurial abilities and explore the possibilities self-employment? This is the vision behind Out Of Sight. Instead of the typical career paradigm of schoolwork followed by exams, job applications and a salary, we would like to suggest an alternative.

Entrepreneurship doesn’t just reward the entrepreneur.

There is plenty of evidence that the ability to control one’s own destiny is a powerful predictor of personal happiness. One recent study found that self-employed people tended to be more satisfied with their roles than employees. Many also find starting their own business leads to higher financial rewards. But the benefits go far beyond individual contentment. Society as a whole benefits as new enterprises take off, generating revenue and employment opportunities that pay dividends at all levels of society.  

If New Zealand could generate a Steve Jobs – or another Rod Drury – we would all share in the positive outcomes.

What Peter Shirtcliffe is doing about it.

In an effort to contribute to a solution, Peter Shirtcliffe decided to try a new approach. Storytelling is the oldest form of teaching and inspiration so he commissioned the novel Out of Sight. But this is more than just an engaging novel, it also comes with free membership to an online community. The Out Of Sight Base enables budding entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas, team up with other young people and find mentors who can help them bring their idea to market.

Out of Sight – the novel

Start a band, make lots of money, change the world. That’s the goal. Rob loves music. The trouble is, music doesn’t love him. People cover their ears when he starts to sing. But maybe there’s another way Rob can make an impact. He’s got a bunch of friends who are really talented. David can make the guitar do anything he wants. Jimmy is a star on drums. And David’s little sister Michelle turns out to be an ace on the bass. Together they form Out Of Sight. Now they just need a manager with initiative. Rob sees a vacancy.

Then there’s Sarah. She’s the smart, cool friend everyone needs, and the band’s No. 1 fan. But Sarah needs to raise money for medical treatment overseas. Maybe Out Of Sight could stage a charity gig. Rob sees an opportunity to launch the band and show his friend just how much he cares. Out Of Sight is a gripping story. Teenagers will recognise the characters, identify with their dreams, and discover how initiative and teamwork can kick-start an exciting career.

About Peter Shirtcliffe

Peter’s business career stretches back to the 1950s and takes in some of New Zealand’s most successful enterprises. As a partner in a stockbroking firm he had a close-up view of the way new companies came to the marketplace. His numerous directorships showed him the link between leadership and success, while a spell chairing the New Zealand Trade Development Board revealed the value of wide-ranging support networks. As Chairman and Director of Telecom NZ he was able to play a key role in the ongoing development of a huge and diversified organisation.

Despite his many years at the top of the corporate field, Peter has never lost sight of the need for the entrepreneurial spirit to be nourished at the grassroots. He firmly believes a thriving business sector is vital to provide growth and drive innovation at all levels of society. In setting up Young Entrepreneurs Ltd (the organisation behind Out Of Sight) he is inspired by the idea of nurturing enterprise wherever it appears. Peter’s business career has been an exhilarating experience. Now he has a simple goal: to enthuse today’s young generation with the exciting possibilities that self-employment offers.