How to weather a recession

These are character building times, as the old timers would say. And now is a good time to reflect on changes that you can control to make a positive impact on your life and others. If you want to raise the status of your indispensability at work, it’s time to show that you have an iron clad spine and a large set of… um…. attitude. Listed below are some ideas to get started on your attitude adjustment. Although these ideas were generated from the point of view of success on the job, most of these habits would transition quite well at home.

Complain Less

Don’t waste your energy, or anyone else’s with whining and complaining. Recessions are stressful and the threat of layoffs are one of the best known cures for a good night’s sleep. Now is the time for you to dig in and show some backbone. Try to be a morale booster during tough times.

Work Smarter

Focus on your ideal customer and avoid “one size fits all” philosophy. Do what you do best and don’t try to be everything for everybody. Spreading yourself or your company too thin will ensure mediocrity at a time when you and your company need to stand out.

Become Irreplaceable

Learn a new skill. Assume more responsibility. Understand what your company needs and be willing to take on multiple roles. Making your company more successful is one way to solidify or advance your career.

Stay on top of technology

What can the internet do for you? Try a conference call to save thousands of dollars instead of bringing everyone together for a meeting. Share photos, spreadsheets and other documents real time with more than one person online, usually for free. Voip phones, instant messaging, and blogs can allow you to provide personal contact with clients without leaving the office and nearly free. Email instead of sending letters or faxes. This saves costs of ink, postage, and equipment.

Be Visible

Now is not the time to take an extended vacation; nor come rolling in at 9:30. You may be earning less due to cutbacks, but you need to contribute 100 percent if you want your company to survive and continue to be employed. Don’t just keep your nose to the grindstone, stand out and be a positive force at work. Do people actually know who you are and what you can do for them?

Never stop networking

Make a list of 50 people who are not part of your inner circle. Send them an email, make a phone call, or stop by just to say hello. The more people that you know, the more opportunities you may find in a time of need.

Have a plan “B”

Be sure to keep your resume updated and return head hunters calls, just in case. Always live within your means and put more emphasis on “saving up for a rainy day.” It’s a great idea to have more than one income source if you have opportunities for part time and weekend work.