Seven Strategies For Riding Out The Storm

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,