FotoKrafts
                                               (An Ex-Software Professionals Enterprise)


                 Recession-proof your Job by C Mahalingam


                  All economies and industries go through the cycles of boom and depression. It tests  the resilence and tenacity of
                  corporations and individuals alike. The following quote is attributed to Warren Buffet "it is only when the tide runs
                  out, we will know who has been swimming naked". Naked or not, it does hurt every swimmer ! The current slow down
                  is taking its toll in terms of job losses and gloomy scenes at engineering campuses. Here are some suggestions for I.T
                  Professionals, to help secure you to your seat during this turbulent weather.

                 * Build your brand : Building a brand is more than just being visible. Brands communicate certain attributes like trust,
                     value, quality, owners pride and the like. It would be worthwile to stand before the mirror and take a test to figure out
                     where we are in terms of these attributes. Those who score high on all attributes have a much better chance of their
                     jobs being protected. Professionals can and must evolve into brands and become recognized for their contribution,
                     value and dependability.

                 * Become an Internal Trainer : During difficult times, training budgets are usually scissored to save money. However
                     smart organizations understand that the cost of not training is much higher than the cost of training. This dilemma
                     is overcome often with identifying talented and competent internal trainers. They can add tremendous value as they
                     combine technical knowledge with the uniqueness of the organization and its requirement. By opting to be an internal
                     trainer, you increase your value to the organization many-fold and secure your job a lot better.

                *  Walk the extra mile to delight your customers : The only job security any time (good or bad) is a delighted customer.
                    There simply is no substitute for this. And smart employees know this all the time and go that extra mile every time to
                    delight the customer. So, think smart and hard on finding ways to serve your customer even better.

                 * Stay away from rumour mongers : During difficult times, the rumour mill is very active. Rumour mills spread negative
                    vibes and usually involve bad mouthing the organization. Being part of this rumour mill only increases the negative
                    emotions and distances yourself from the decision makers. Be seen in the right crowd and never bad mouth your
                    Organization. Smart employees know the first ones to go during difficult times are those that bad mouth Organizations.

                * Learn niche skills : Look around, talk to your managers and HR folks to understand niche skills that your company is
                   scouting worldwide. Difficult times also need people who can win new customers and help businesses stay afloat.
                   Acquiring such niche skills can help you become valuable and many times even critical for business survival. Invest in
                   personal development.

               * Be active in social networking sites : This will help understand where the business is headed and what the industry trends
                   are. By networking with the right people and professionals, you will be able to make sense of the information overload.
                   Find comfort from dealing with positive minded people inside and outside.

               * Become a bit of a business scout : Many of us working closely with clients know what makes our clients lose their sleep and
                   how we can help them get better. It makes your job that much more secure if you contribute to building their business, no
                   matter how small it is. Successfull companies have always grown by farming the existing businesses and all of us can play a
                   role in looking for such oppurtunities.

               * Build bridges with key people in the organization : It pays to be in the right company. This is more than making 'fair weather
                  friends'. It means working effectively with your managers to keep client delight high at all times, helping colleagues to tide
                  over their problems and helping business excellence teams with process improvements. Organizations tend to care more for
                  such value creating employees even during difficult times.

                  The writer of this Good Advise is the Chief People Officer at Symphony Services Corporation. I have taken his exact article 
                  photocopy from some bulletin board and typed it out for you.

                   At FotoKrafts we suggest you get your non-working house-spouse to log in as a sales agent at our website or at our other
                   website www.artleaves.net. The sales commission even on low sales can pay off quite a few domestic bills and can effectively
                   recession proof your family during hire and fire times.


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