Employment-wise 2009 was an uncomfortable year for lots of people. It seems like either someone was unemployed or they knew someone that was unemployed. Everybody knows at least one person that was effected by the recession. Many were thrown into circumstances beyond their control. Steps taken to control their situations didn’t always yield expected results as they had a decade ago.
As we take stock of the things we tried and the results that were acheieved or not. We need to consider how much we stepped out of our comfort zone. If last year you did not step out of your comfort zone, then this year you need to start doing things differently.
Ways you can step out of your Comfort Zone
- Social Networking
- Commenting on Blogs
- Blogging
- Face to Face networking
- Use the phone
- Informational Interviews
- Public Speaking
Thanks for the gentle nudge Wes! …if at first you don’t succeed; try, try again!! More employers are looking at what dislocated workers are doing with their time while unemployed. LinkedIn is being used more often to view candidates professional networking skills.
If you find yourself unemployed, it would help if you considered volunteering. Community service is a great way to give back to your community. There are many worthwhile organizations out there that would love to have some of your time…and who knows, it may lead to a part time or full time opportunity or even a networking connection that has a job opportunity!! Good Luck!
Absolutely! Volunteering is probably the best way for you to keep your skills fresh and to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds. Every person you meet has the potential to be a great networking connection or even a friend for life.