Resources, Relevancy Can Help Ease Layoff Fears

January 29th, 2009 by Erin Posted in Business, LinkedIn, Twitter | No Comments »

They say layoffs haven’t been this bad since the Great Depression.

Bloody Monday – January 26, 2009 – At least six major U.S. companies from manufacturing and service industries slashed nearly 72,000 jobs.  That’s on top of the 200,000 job cuts that have been announced this year, and the nearly 2.6 million jobs that were lost in 2008.

This news is enough to send anyone – employed or not – into a tailspin. In fact the other morning, I heard a radio dj discussing the “top warning signs that a pink slip is coming.”

I think it was meant to be funny, but it really wasn’t. All it did was instill even more fear and loathing.

So the question I pose: How do you cope when you’ve been laid off, or suspect you’re about to be?

The answers are simple: resources and relevancy.

Pushing a resume around won’t get you anywhere in this market. You must – in fact, you’ll be forced – to use the power of Web 2.0. Today, business is conducted online through social networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter – even Facebook. It may be a no-brainer to join one of these sites, but the key is stay on top of them and use them to your advantage. Believe it or not, you can get ahead with sites like LinkedIn. All you need is a little know-how.

Which brings me to my next point: relevancy.

Stay relevant when, as they say, you’re “on the beach.”  Don’t waste away, wallowing in your own self pity.

Network – and educate yourself on the best way to do it.

Volunteer with a purpose. Set up a business plan or budget at a local nonprofit.

Keep up with technology, especially as it relates to your field. Did you know that LinkedIn and IBM have partnered to create a new networking service? It’s a dynamic program that will integrate LotusNotes, Connections and LotusLive – and it has the potential to open crucial new doors in the world of professional networking.

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Yes.

Economists predict that the recession will turn around after the second quarter of 2009.

Until then, keep your head in the game – and don’t forget to laugh. 

 

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