Stay Employed In A Down Economy

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If you are fortunate enough to have a job in today’s economy, you must “network internally” to keep it! Being good at your job just isn’t enough. You need to promote yourself with the right people. Yes, it’s both what you know and “who you know” whether you work in a small or large organization that will help you stay employed. Yes, continually learn new things, but equally, hang with the right people; learn from them and also share your knowledge and the good work you are presently doing.

Networking with the right people will broaden your expertise, provide you with insight, help you gain influence and make you a more valuable contributor to the organization. Being well networked will go a log way towards keeping you employed. Why? Because you will learn from others where your strengths and talents can best be applied so you can help the organization succeed. Bottom line… When you network and learn from the top talent in your organization you will become a valuable asset that the organization will want to keep in a down economy.

Knowing the right people can open many doors of opportunity especially if your network of people is made up of high caliber, high quality relationships. It’s not the size of your network that counts. A small “quality” network of connected people is your ticket to success. Friendships in other parts of the organization are great, but don’t mistake them for real networking partners. Your network should serve more than just a social engagement.

The entire foundation – yes the very essence of networking – is the exchange of value between people. With that statement in mind, the following information can help you develop a strong internal network, involving the right people, who can provide you the best internal network.

Seek out individuals in the organization who display a positive but realistic attitude.
Don’t hang with the complainers or losers. Back away from negative or energy draining people. Cut loose from the people who can hold you back. Their bad reputation will rub off or worse yet, you will become known by the bad company you keep.

Network and develop relationships with those who you believe can offer you solid and honest development feedback, those who are enthusiastic and inspire you. They can be the spark, energy and sounding board, which can drive you to greater performance.
Don’t leave your job opportunities and your career to chance. Pick the right people who can help you achieve your goals, those who can pave the way for your long-term success in the organization. Start with showing an interest in them and they will most likely return the favor. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help, but be sincere; no one likes to be used. If you are truly looking out for the greater good of the organization, good people will help you. As you gain information and insight, don’t forget to reciprocate. Share your newfound knowledge.
Don’t just focus on the official hierarchy of the organization. The administrative assistant to the CEO or other senior ranking individuals can be a key member of your network sphere. If they are good – and most are – they really do know what’s going on within the organization. They often know where the problems are, which you can then volunteer to fix.

Don’t overlook the people in customer service. They can quickly tell you where the product or service problems are located. You can then offer to look into bad situations and help alleviate them. Look at networking this way… Every employee from the receptionist to the president of the company has their network of co- workers and can provide you with information, which you can use to help the organization become more efficient and effective.

Networking is a two-way street. Figure out how you can help others and contribute to the greater good of the organization. As you become more informed with solid working relationships you can then provide others with information and suggestions that they can use to further their career. You will create more value in both yourself and your quality network as you begin to connect more and more dots together for the betterment of the organization.

In addition to helping you stay employed, networking with the right people can make your job more rewarding and enjoyable. You will be more “in the know” and become surrounded with the movers and shakers within the organization. You will become a leader rather than a follower. You will move from being competent to become an organizational expert. You will be able to have impact. Now, go grow your quality internal network!

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You MAY reprint the information contained in this article as long as no portion of the contents are modified and it used “exclusively” within your organization and credit is given to Ingbretsen Consulting. Please contact for republication.

About Ingbretsen Consulting LLC:
Coach and author Roger Ingbretsen is a certified executive coach and organizational developer, providing organizational and career guidance to professionals, managers, supervisors and all individuals looking for "real world" career development and business information. His entrepreneurial approach will help you learn how to plan, lead and succeed in your career. Roger is the creator of the “New 2011” Leadership Development Coaching Experience©” and author of the personal development reference eBooks, “Plan Your Career Now: The Survival Guide for the American Workplace” and “Master Your Career: Proven Strategies for Career Success©.” To know more and claim dozens of Rogers free articles go to www.ingbretsen.com or call 509 999 7008.

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