FOUR STICKY STRATEGIES FOR STAYING EMPLOYED

FOUR STICKY STRATEGIES FOR STAYING EMPLOYED

Ever wondered how some people manage their career in a way that seems – effortless? A constant stream of plum projects, job opportunities, and even promotions seem to come easy and drop in their lap. So how exactly do they do it, and more importantly, how can you do it? The answer is “stickiness.”

Ever wondered how some people manage their career in a way that seems – effortless? A constant stream of plum projects, job opportunities, and even promotions seem to come easy and drop in their lap.

So how exactly do they do it, and more importantly, how can you do it? The answer is “stickiness.”

In advertising, sticky products, companies, or brands keep people coming back for more. The stickier the product, the more likely it will fly off the shelf and be in high demand.

In the corporate world, sticky employees stay employed longer, bounce back from setbacks quicker, and discover hidden job opportunities that non-sticky people never even know about.

Below are four “sticky” strategies to help you stay employed in a tough economy…

1. Get excited about your career! Sticky people enjoy their job and enjoy sharing information to help advance projects, teams, and companies. Having a great attitude, a sense of humor, and a strong competitive spirit makes others want to be around you.

One more thing. Confidence is a must. Arrogance is a showstopper.

2. Become a jack-of-all-trades. One way to be sticky is to become knowledgeable in several key areas so that you can float seamlessly from opportunity to opportunity. This is an excellent strategy during turbulent times as groups are trimming resources and shutting down lines of services.

Letting managers, program managers, and senior leaders know that have two or three key skillsets, and add value in a variety of ways gives you a leading edge over others who may be looking for the same opportunity.

3. Carve out a niche for yourself. In addition to being a jack-of-all-trades, you also want to position yourself as an expert or the “go to” person in a specialized area. This is how you can become invaluable to an organization.

Take one of your natural talents or areas of interest and then learn everything you can through training, books, and mentors. When you become “the source” for information, and share your knowledge freely with others you’re not only helping advance your department, but you’re also making yourself sticky and indispensable to that organization.

4. Be a resource to others. People are the jet fuel behind your career. They can promote you, hire you, or introduce you to others who could potentially hire you. The key is to build and nurture a powerful professional network before asking for anything in return such as a referral, recommendation, or job lead.

Professionals are naturally drawn to those who are well informed and well connected. Be sure to tell your network about new technologies, events, professional opportunities, and news and information that may interest them. Send out quick e-mails with links to books, white papers, press releases, news articles, or websites.

Finally, volunteer to connect them with others who could potentially solve a problem, recommend a solution, or advance their career. By taking the time and initiative to help out others in your network, you’ll be creating a network who wants to help you advance your career.

Making yourself sticky means that those in your professional network look to you as a valuable resource. So step up and get sticky! You’ll find that you’re able to stay employed longer, bounce back from setbacks quicker, and managing the ups and downs of your career will seem – effortless! Ahhhhhhh J

If you'd like more tips to advance your career, visit our website for career tools, resources, and coaching support at: www.CareerCoaching360.com

Sherri Thomas is President of Career Coaching 360, an international speaker, and author of "Career Smart - 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand." Career Coaching 360 (www.CareerCoaching360.com) provides career planning, management coaching, and leadership development support to help professionals change careers quickly and easily.