Build Your Life Raft Ahead of Time

You thought you were set for life! A hefty bonus plan, lucrative stock options, supportive boss, solid reputation, and recognition by senior management as being on the fast track. Then, the unthinkable happened. A hostile takeover made your job redundant. You're too young to retire, too old to live as a hippie, and too comfortable in the lifestyle that you carved out for yourself.

You're not sure what to do. The one thing you've learned, however, is that in these turbulent times of mergers, acquisitions, and an uncertain business climate, there is no such thing as job security.
Meet Jim, a 45-year-old account executive who watched as layoffs thinned the ranks of the company where he worked for the past 14 years. Not only was the economic downturn of 2001-2002 taking a toll, but also the company decided to relocate much of its sales and sales support operations from Chicago , where Jim worked, to another city. Needless to say, Jim was thrilled to get another job inside the company that allowed him to stay in Chicago and advance his career.

A year later, however, Jim was told his new job was being relocated. With six months' advance notice, Jim began to network to find his next opportunity. He felt optimistic when a large financial services company invited him in for an initial interview. He truly believed that it was only a matter of time before he secured another position.

Then one day Jim read a news headline that changed his employment prospects: The financial services firm that he believed would be his next employer was being bought out by a larger financial conglomerate. Jim was back to square one in his search for a new job.
As Jim's story illustrates, nagging uncertainty persists in today's job market, despite the improvement in today's economy. The only way to navigate in these difficult conditions is to build your life raft ahead of time -- long before the ship you're in heads for the rocky shore of uncertainty. Once you have built your life raft, it will become a permanent fixture of your professional life, ensuring that it's always there - just in case you need it.

Dispelling the Job Security Myth

You must be realistic today. To do what you must to survive, you need to shed the traditional concept of job security. Eliminate your entitlement attitude -- the belief that "if I do what's expected of me, I'll have a job tomorrow." Even longtime employees must drop the notion that "if I work long hours and do my job, I'm entitled to advancement." All too often people look for security outside of themselves, and in particular expect that their employer will "take care of them." The truth, however, is that in both economic good times and in bad, you are your own best asset.

• Longevity is not valued in today's job market. Just because you've "been there" for years is no guarantee that you'll be employed tomorrow.
• You cannot look to your employer or your long-term clients for security. Your true security comes from the knowledge of the value you bring to your company and your clients.
• If you believe that others control your destiny, you will be limited in your opportunities and the scope of your career. Recognizing your talents, expertise and leadership enables you to market yourself continually.

As you become more self-reliant, you will acknowledge the value you bring to the marketplace and your ability to make a difference. You'll recognize and accept the need to self-promote, to continually showcase your talents, abilities, expertise and leadership within your company and/or professional circle - whether you have a job or you are looking for the next opportunity.

How to Build Your Life Raft
Building your life raft is not about a quick-rich scheme. It's about being strategic for the rest of your life to improve your marketability.

• Look at your career change as an opportunity.
• Get a support system. Everyone needs coaches and/or transition counselors to help.
• Invest in career-counseling and networking books to give yourself as much information and insight as possible.
• Build a reputation for making things happen.
• Hone your interpersonal skills to fit in and stand out simultaneously.
• Become a master at networking to find your next opportunities and as an ongoing strategy for your career.
• Don't wait for your annual review to see if the ship you're on is sinking.

To improve your self-marketing, you must identify and examine the value-added services you bring to your company, your clients. Thinking and acting like an entrepreneur, you must constantly market yourself and your expertise.

• Identify your "intellectual property" of ideas, talents and expertise.
• Brand yourself as a true professional.
• Become fluent in non-verbal communication.
• Enhance your oral and written communication skills.
• Be sensitive to gender issues in the way you communicate, act in business, and relate to others.
• Master business protocol savvy, being comfortable in business-social situations and conversing with peers and professionals who outrank you.

As a result, you will become empowered to take charge of your life and your career. With a fuller knowledge of who you are, your strengths and talents, you will understand and appreciate what you bring to the table.
Where Do I Begin?
If you are embarking on the journey to find your next career opportunity, first you have to identify your launching point. Take a step back from your current situation, assess where you are and identify changes that you need to make. Look inward, acknowledging that there are no shortcuts to success.

• Look at your current situation as an invitation to explore the next phase of your career.
• Build a personal circle. Surround yourself with professionals who can help you. Start making phone calls and invite people out to breakfast, lunch, etc.
• Itemize all your past successes that demonstrate your talents. This will enable you to speak about your contributions without discomfort.
• As you network with others, seek input about opportunities in their industries or companies. Find out where and how you might be able to make a contribution with your knowledge, experience and expertise.
• Design a 30-second commercial that explains specifically what you bring to the table. Tell people why they need to hire you rather than wait for the invitation. Include information that tells people who you are as a person.
• Polish your packaging, making sure your appearance, the way you speak and act, and your business etiquette are impeccable.

How Can You Remain Employable?

If you have a job, you can't rest on your laurels or the strength of last year's appraisal. You must continually market yourself inside your organization so that others will recognize the contribution that you make. This is not about "tooting your own horn" or trying to "get all the credit" for a project, but rather about adopting an entrepreneur's attitude toward what you do and the value you bring to your clients (in this case your employer). Go the extra mile to showcase your talent and expertise. Be proactive in how you can influence how others see you positively

• Understand the goals and objectives that are expected of you. Deliver more than is asked for. Set goals to challenge yourself which will also contribute to the company's performance.
• Look for opportunities to be seen and heard. Contribute to meetings and group projects.
• Establish a reputation as an expert. Extend your help, advice and your expertise to others. Be the "go to" person for information or insight into how things can be accomplished.
• Make your boss look good. Maintain a pleasant relationship regardless of your personal feelings. You're more likely to get ahead if you have the support of your boss. Don't take this vital connection for granted.
• Manage up. Never assume that your support system is guaranteed. Understand that the players may change. That means making sure colleagues and managers on the level above you know who you are and the contribution that you make.
• Promote other people's talents. If you champion others you will increase your value as a team player and as a true leader.
• Push yourself to become more outgoing. Hang out at your cafeteria, health club, etc. Look beyond your structured circle internally to other departments. Become familiar with what they do by paying a visit and asking questions. Introduce yourself and area of expertise so that you will be seen as a teamplayer. If they need your help or expertise, offer it freely .
• Nurture relationships with others who have been successful. What can you learn about the way they think, speak and act?
• Educate yourself. Go to seminars. Read books, journals and professional periodicals. Attend courses. Make a conscious investment in yourself and your reputation, not only for today but for the future.
• Volunteer for a company project or a company-sponsored charity event. Let others get to know you in a different context. Showcase your ability to organize and take responsibility.

Launching Your Life Raft

As you take positive steps to promote your talent and expertise, you'll make more meaningful connections within your professional circle. This will put you in touch with others who will champion you, and with those whom you can champion. This is the essence of launching your life raft, making the commitment to your career and investing the time and effort to chart your own course. You're the captain of your own ship and in command of your destiny - but remember the power of a strong network that ensures you're not sailing alone.