Avoid the Recession Effect

Avoid the Recession Effect
By William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson

Everyone’s talking about it. And companies are preparing for it. Recession. It’s clear that there is some kind of economic down–turn on the horizon. Nothing makes a recession happen like corporate belt–tightening in anticipation of a recession. Now’s the time to prepare yourself so that you remain in control of your career. Here’s what you need to do to recession–proof your career:

Bolster Your Brand. During a challenging economic period, highly differentiated branding becomes even more important. To survive and thrive, your company needs innovation – which comes from creativity – which derives from a diverse workforce of individuals who are maximizing their unique strengths. So, building your brand will help you give your company what it needs. All while making you an indispensable resource. Personal branding is the most effective way to clarify and communicate what makes you different, special and valuable. It allows you to stand out from your peers. Unclear about your brand? Use this tool.

Build Bridges. Reach out to former colleagues. Strengthen relationships with customers and business partners. Take a former boss to lunch. Do what you need to get those bridges in working order, should you have to cross them. Schedule time with yourself to work on building and cultivating your network each day. Are you a power networker? Find out by spending a minute on this quiz.

Grow Your Google Quotient. If you do find yourself looking for work, you want to make sure you can be found online. A Google search is as standard as a reference check in a job search. If your online identity doesn’t impress recruiters or hiring managers, you will be eliminated from the short–list. Online identities are not built overnight, so investing now will reap rewards should the recession ax come down on you. To start, get a handle on the power of your current online ID with this complimentary tool.

Walk to the Water Cooler. If those around you don’t know who you are or what you do, management will think they don’t need you when it is time to start preparing the layoff list. You must consistently make others aware of the value that you are bringing to your organization or project. The value of networking with your colleagues, employees and professional neighbors should not be underestimated. So get out of your office, connect with those around you, and be attuned to opportunities and trends within your company and externally.

Get Active. Professional associations provide the greatest opportunity to demonstrate your value outside the company. Should you find yourself looking for a new job; the connections you make at your local AMA or Society of Professional Consultants chapter will help accelerate your transition into a new role. Remember, it’s more valuable to belong to fewer organizations and take leadership roles that enable you to get to know the entire membership.

Create Career Karma. Now’s not the time for a ‘me me me’ attitude (as if there is ever a time for centering solely on the self). Helping others recession–proof their careers is one of the greatest karma–building actions you can take. Remember, what goes around comes around. If you build great karma now, goodness will come back to you at some point when you truly need it. To get a daily dose of karma building advice, register here.

Start Counting. Measure the value you bring to your employer. Whether it is increased revenue, reduced cost, improved efficiency, increased sales leads, or reduced attrition, find a way to quantify your contribution to your organization and to the company overall. And be sure your manager is abundantly aware of this.

Re–do Your Resume. The time to get your resume, bio, and cover letters in order is at least six months before you hear you have been put on the layoff list. And to make sure yours stands out from the stack of others touting similar credentials and experience, hire a qualified, professional resume writer. They are well worth your investment.

Call In a Career Coach. Every great athlete has a coach; you should too. From helping you excel in your current position to enabling you to find the ideal job elsewhere, career coaches are critical to turning a good career into a stellar one. Invest in a career coach now versus later.

Reconnect with Recruiters. You don’t have to be actively job searching to be in touch with an executive recruiter. Remind recruiters with whom you’ve worked, who you are and what you have to offer. Also, seek their advice on what is happening in your particular field or job function. They have their fingers on the industry’s pulse and can give you a perspective you can’t find anywhere else.

Remember, it is those who are prepared for the recession who will sail right through. Others will have to endure the choppy waters. So get your ship in shape now and make a concerted effort to ensure your desired outcome. Just reading the tips in this article isn’t going to make them happen. So, take some time now to add these items to your to–do list so you’ll be in the best possible position should the looming recession impact your job.

Join William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson for an exclusive, complimentary TheLadders.com Webinar on Thursday, April 17th from Noon to 1 pm EST.

Virtual Visibility: Ten Steps to an Online Brand that Will WOW Recruiters

In this one–hour webinar, William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson – partners in Reach Personal Branding, authors of the bestselling book, “Career Distinction: Stand Out by Building Your Brand”, and leading authorities on Online Identity – show you exactly what you need to do to build and maintain a stellar online profile. They share with you the secrets of virtual visibility that will take you from online obscurity to a visible, valuable brand. If you want to attract the attention of executive recruiters and hiring managers, don’t miss this event. Space is limited. Reserve your seat now.