What’s In It For You?

You hear it on the radio and TV. You read in the papers and on the internet. We have been engulfed by a financial crisis. You see financial analyst and investment analyst everywhere telling you how the financial uproar is affecting you, personally. They say everything from, don’t panic and pull your money out of the banks, to this is a great time to invest – buy, buy, buy!

While some people are facing unemployment and foreclosure, there are also some people who are financially stable that will weather the storm. Whichever state of affairs you reside in be grateful. Know that in either case, this financial crisis may afford you the best opportunity yet.

Companies are folding, downsizing and losing market share. Companies are going to have to rely on fewer people to perform more amounts of work. So, what’s in it for you?

Still employed? Take this opportunity to take on additional responsibilities in your area of interest. For example, you’re in the accounting department, but want to transition to the marketing department, see where you can help. This will start you on your path of getting experience in your field of interest and make a way for you to begin easing into your dream career.

Employed or not employed? Expand! Use this employment downsizing to market your skills to other companies who may not be able to afford full-time staff with benefits, but need your area of expertise. Outsource your expertise (ex. marketing, accounting or human resources) to companies by consulting full-time, part-time or contractual. You’ll help them save money, but still get the company’s needs met, and you’ll become an independent consultant making extra part-time money or create a new job for yourself.

Consulting is really my disguise to tell you to start your own business! Think about the needs of the people and businesses today. What are their needs? Is there any business currently meeting this need? How can you meet their needs?

Have a small business? Use this opportunity to grow, grow, grow. As a small business, many times, you are faced with needing additional human capital with expertise in a certain field, like, accountants or bookkeepers. The downside is that you don’t usually have enough monetary capital to make it happen. Here’s your opportunity to help and be helped! Take on an employee that doesn’t have much experience, but has passion, enthusiasm and confidence that they can get the job done. Rather it’s a non-paid, minimally paid or bartering form of payment, you will help fill your needs while helping someone transition into their dream career, gain more experience or will lead to paid employment. As your business does well and you make more money, pay them, and if you like their work refer them to as many people as you can, so they can make more money, as well.

So don’t panic, invest. Invest in yourself. You can no longer continue to allow big businesses to have the control and power of your destiny. You have talent, skills and experience. Use them. Get in where you fit in.