Getting Ready for a Layoff

I do encourage you to stay away from the doom and gloom discussions. But, I also encourage you to be prepared at all times for the possibilities. One such possibility is that your company could lay you off- or you could find yourself out of work. So here are a few tips to help you feel more in control and prepared if that happens:

Ø Have your resume updated and keep 3 versions on hand (1 generic, 1 specific to your current field or a primary field you would pursue, and 1 for a secondary field you might pursue)
Ø Have two to three people review your resume with your target field/audience in mind
Ø Spend 1 hour per week examining the help wanted ads to identify where opportunity exists and what fields seem to be doing well
Ø Pick up your local business times and get more familiar with the job climate in your city
Ø Consider if now is the time to change careers/fields, move cities, etc… It’s actually a great time to make a break if you ask me.
Ø Take coffee breaks with those you like and trust. Now is the time to make up for all those “meant to connect” appointments you failed to make time for in the past. Opportunities are out there- and those people may know about them. Keep the conversation upbeat, optimistic and full of opportunity. Let them know you are keeping your eyes open for possibilities in the event of a layoff. (Everyone is doing this- so it won’t be a surprise.)
Ø Brush up on your skills. Take a class. Become a voracious reader. Learn something.

Even if you don’t experience a layoff the above will be a great exercise to remind you of your worth, challenge your current status and state of mind, and allow you to play with the possibilities.

Enjoy the ride.

Win by Being Yourself

I was very humbled recently to learn that I was nominated as one of Pennsylvania's 50 Best Women in Business. I've only owned my business for slightly more than a year and a half. That in itself is pretty telling. I've worked very hard during that time. However, more importantly, I believe the award has less to do with my hard work than it does my genuine love for what I do.

When you are doing what you should, naturally, it shows. When you are doing what you love, it shows. You can't fake it. Its transparent.

My nomination came from a woman I met through a mutual business woman and friend. She is an extraordinary business woman who seems to know everyone in our city. She has a knack for identifying smart business women who also LOVE what they do- and they do it well. She selected 4 of these such women to be nominated for the award. I could not be more honored.

I planned my business for a brief 6 months before leaving a corporate climate. I dreamed of each facet of business and developed a game plan for how I'd approach it (even if very naive). But, most importantly, I chose a profession that was a natural fit with who I am and what I already love doing. I believe this was the key to my success.

Take chances. Try something new. But, try to stay true to who you are. Choose a profession that follows your passions, values and ideas. Have fun with it. It will show- and it will help you to be even more successful.

First Steps to Getting that New Job

As a coach, I work with a number of people who want to change professions (yes, even in today's climate). We work on identifying the areas they'd like to explore and when they are ready, we begin actively pursuing work in those fields.

I cannot tell you how many times I find people getting caught up in the details way too early. They evaluate a job posting with x-ray eyes and feel that they need to love and embody each detail to even consider it. Save your time! If it fits the field you are looking for and it fits 75% of what you'd be interested in APPLY. The devil is in the details- but that can and will be worked out during and post-interview. If you like them and they like you - there is room for negotiating most of those details anyhow.

Remember, the job description is meant to be an introduction to the job, duties, responsibilities, etc.. Different companies and fields do it differently. Some exaggerate who they want or who they don't to ward off the lazy, less than interested, absolute non-fits, and those they learned painful lessons from in the past. Others low-ball the salaries. Hey, if your going to dream- dream big! "I want the perfect person who will work night and day meticulously and I want them for minimum wage." Still others, the most reputable of firms will be honest and fair in the job ads and descriptions. (And, here's a hint- those are the ones you want to work for.)

How many people do you know who negotiated a higher salary then was originally posted in the job? I know a great many. How many people negotiated work at home hours even when the ad said, no tele-commuting or home offices. Yep, again- quite a few.

Evaluate the opportunity not the details too closely. There will be time to state your case after you've wowed them and you both agree this would be a great match.

A quick and personal story: I was honored to work for a very distinguished firm years ago in the military contracting field. When I left the founder of the firm called me and told me he'd pay me what ever I wanted to stay on board. What ever I wanted? Wow. I asked him why he'd make such a generous offer. I was far from the smartest person on staff or the greatest business generator. He said it was my initiative. I had the greatest initiative he'd ever seen and he wishes he could bottle it. Initiative was never in my job description. It had nothing, on paper, to do with my value, but it was everything to the person who mattered most. I still left by the way. It wasn't about money.