Increasing Your Career Currency

(page 2 of 2)

• Network…relentlessly. One constant in business is that people prefer doing business with those they know and trust. When you're face to face with others, they get to know you as a person first, and a career professional second. Who you know is an important complement to what you know.

• If you tend to be shy in social situations, use "bashful busters." Pretend you're meeting someone at the function. Commit to memory a few lighthearted icebreakers, such as: "Hi, I'm networking." "Was the chicken a safe choice?" or "Good thing for name tags, how else could we ever start a conversation?" Have your 20-second "elevator pitch" and business cards handy, but always ask how you can help the other person.

Build Value On the Job Now

• Become indispensable. Roll up your sleeves and know that your boss and colleagues are doing the same. Expand your skill set so that you can offer more to the company (an immediate way to increase your career currency).

• Align your day-to-day objectives and activities with your boss's. Your pet projects will become meaningless if they don't support management's goals. Conversely, your value to the company rises commensurately with your contributions to the bottom line.

• Explore moonlighting or freelancing if you feel your job may be threatened or believe it's a good defensive move. This will give you an inside look into the outside world before you exit. Just be sure that any extra projects you take on don't interfere in any way with the dedication or energy you put forth for your current position.

• Don't hide your light under a bushel. Some people lay low during downsizing, hoping they'll stay under the radar—and clear of layoffs. On the contrary, those who help out, work hard, volunteer, mentor others, and excel under adversity are highly regarded and remembered. Be a hero under fire.

• Be a promoter. There's a difference between being a shameless bragger and a subtle self-promoter. When you sing the praises of your company, some of the glory is inevitably reflected back on you. Consider writing for the company's e-newsletters or Intranet, professional blogs, journals, and trade publications, or speaking at local business functions.

• If your ideas are constantly being dismissed or you are not being heard, it may be time to start a serious job search. But first take this opportunity to hone your managing up skills with a difficult boss. Being a proactive problem solver and office diplomat is a lifelong, transferable skill, which is especially useful with bosses whom I call "Terrible Office Tyrants™ (TOTs)."

These are managers who "act out," particularly during stressful times. Set limits to bad behavior around you, and you'll increase your career currency. You'll be more productive, and you'll model appropriate leadership skills. (P.S. Good CEOs are not fond of TOTs, either!)

Learning hard-won lessons from tough times is helpful, as long as you don't dwell on the negative. The key is to use this downturn as an opportunity to "turn up" the possibilities. With some reflective time, positive energy and determination, you will increase your career currency as the recovery gradually takes hold.

Lynn Taylor, CEO of Lynn Taylor Consulting, is a nationally recognized workplace expert and author. Her forthcoming newly released book, Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant™ (TOT): How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job (John Wiley & Sons, July 2009), advises employees on how to manage difficult bosses, and employers on how to humanize their workplace. Taylor's online community forum is at: www.TameYourTOT.com

Business Exchange

Track and share business topics across the Web.