Yesterday, I caught the tail end of a news report with advice on holding onto your job during a recession. I didn’t get it all, unfortunately, but a couple of points made were: work harder, work longer hours, and negotiate a pay cut so employers will be more inclined to keep you. It occurred to me that this is a knee-jerk reaction that can keep people from looking at the long-term value they deliver. Fortunately, there is good advice on recession-proofing your career; for example, Annie Fisher, in her, March 15, 2008 column, provides eight strategies.
As I see it, however, paying attention only during times of economic downturn, or after a layoff, is short sighted. As well, it often results in a narrow focus on job title as the basis for finding new opportunities. It’s an old habit and an ineffective one – especially as job titles have become increasingly commoditized. Better to have and communicate a base of value that can sustain your career through economic cycles and through the persistent pressures of our faster and flatter world.
How do you arrive at your base of value? Well, the most effective way is to uncover your personal brand. Knowing the unique value you deliver, as well as the attributes, skills, and strengths that drive that value, is one of the best career management strategies available to you. And there’s no better time to get started than now!
Cross-posted at Threshold Consulting Blog
I launched this Blog with one objective - to provide unique insights and practical advice for using the power of personal branding to achieve your goals. It’s dedicated to those who want to be wildly successful by maximizing what makes them unique, relevant and compelling. 
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