Just a year ago, we wrote about the challenges ahead in 2009 after such a difficult end to 2008.  Today we find ourselves in the 2nd year of a recession with a lot of work ahead.  

International wars on multiple fronts, pending health care legislation, retirees seeking (needing) employment due to failed investments, and hard-working middle-income folks getting squeezed more each day.  These challenges are real and can feel daunting to the average person.

I am convinced that it is up to each of us to break free of this doom and gloom.  And that means reflecting and taking action.  Whether you are a gainfully employed, seeking new employment, or looking to hire new employees, the keys will be to become nimble, agile and diverse.  

I was just reading about an unemployed construction worker who is seeking employment in plant management.  The construction industry has been hit harder that most by the downturn.  His choice was to fight that trend or make adjustments to better position himself in the marketplace.  An assessment of transferable skills, a rewrite of the resume, and some active networking into new circles are breathing life into his job search.  Sure it's hard work, and it can be scary to venture into unknown territory - but consider the alternative... 

So, my early advice in the early days of 2010 is to identify and market those transferable skills if you are in a job search. We all have them.  If you are an employer seeking to hire new people, look at those folks who can bring a fresh diversity of skills and abilities to your organization.  It will enable you to remain agile and capable of turning quickly when necessary.

Creative and innovative companies are hiring, and people with employable skills are being hired.  The only question is , "Why do the same thing over and over again, expecting different results"?  

Ask me about my "Heidelberg Printing Press" story some day...

Happy New Year!!!  As always, let us know if we can help.

- Lou G.