Seven Strategies For Riding Out The Storm
By Roz Usheroff
Sometimes, the working world can take a turn for the worst. My
good friend Anna Fredericks of the Canadian Professional Sales
Association tells me that, in a recent online survey of members, 77
per cent of CPSA members said that it is much more difficult to
close a sale now than it was two years ago.
So, whether you think the economy is headed for the exits, or
the rollercoaster ride of the stock market is merely making your
portfolio nauseous, it's not the time to resign yourself to the
worst and throw in the towel. Change is inevitable, and it
inevitably changes everything. Remember that things rarely turn
out the way we expect them to. Rather than waiting passively to
see what comes of this latest crisis of confidence, you can take
control of your career and position yourself positively no
matter what the future may bring. Today I would like to offer
you, with gratitude to all those who have served as champions
and mentors to me in my own career, The Usheroff Institute's
Seven Strategies For Riding Out The Storm:
Avoid Doomsday Scenarios.
No one likes a naysayer, and misery only loves company for a
very short time. While it is tempting to dwell on the apparent
hopelessness of it all, such behavior becomes self-defeating and
can ultimately lead to career sabotage. You can avoid the
Chicken Little syndrome by tuning out the constant barrage of
negative news we face, taking a positive long view of the
situation, and communicating that attitude to all those you come
in contact with. Optimism is infectious.
Develop the Consultant Mentality.
Even if your organization is not contemplating downsizing, this
really helps to focus on what is important in your current
position. Imagine yourself as a contract worker with six months
left on a one-year contract. Ask yourself: What would I have
done differently in the past six months to improve my
performance? Then ask yourself: What can I do in the next six
months to ensure that my contract is renewed? When you adopt the
consultant's mentality, you'll be amazed at how priorities
rearrange themselves to produce results.
Treat Yourself As A Brand.
Take some time to determine your best skills and what makes you
an expert within your company. Concentrate on showing that your
expertise contributes to your organization. Be a team player at
all times, but make sure you are differentiating yourself in a
positive way. Back your brand with integrity, consistency and
the highest level of professionalism, and your contributions
will be noted.
Make Your Network Your Net Worth.
Sometimes, if not always, it's who you know. Identify the power
bases within your organization and find a way to spend time with
key influencers. Expand your networks internally and externally
so that your expertise and achievements reach a wider audience.This
takes time, so make sure you become more discriminating about the
number of meetings you attend – don't be that 'me-too' person. And
work social events as part of your strategy: whether you stay with
your organization or leave, you want to be in the best possible
position.
Become Your Personal PR Department.
For this, you have to tread that fine line between
self-promotion and merely blowing your own horn. You can do this
by positioning your ideas within a broader corporate framework
or perspective. If you take ownership of your projects without
seeking entitlement, your employer will see you in a positive
light. Add to your value by learning to anticipate your markets,
adopting a win-win attitude, and giving more to your job than is
expected. Treat others as if they might be your next boss, just
in case they are.
Develop Exemplary Interpersonal Skills.
Adopt "host" behavior by imagining that everyone you meet is a
guest in your home. Try and find a common bond, as they will
remember you and your attentiveness to them. Work on your
conversational skills, including small talk. By becoming less
of an explainer and more of a clarifier, you will be regarded as
the person who cuts to the chase and doesn't get lost in the
details.
Project A Winning Image.
Most people say they form an opinion of others within 30 seconds
to two minutes of meeting them. So, forget about the latest
fashions and make sure you craft a crisp, classic, professional
look. First point goes to you. Combine a confident conversational
style with positive posture and body language, and every movement
and gesture will showcase you as the complete package.
Finally, your ability to set these strategies in motion will
more than help you survive these scary times – they will help
you thrive in the future. And your corporate grapevine will take
care of the rest. As Will Rogers once said: "Get someone else to
blow your own horn and the sound will carry twice as far."
Warmest wishes,
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