You hear it everyday on the news.  Over and over, we’re told that all indicators are trending towards a recession.  Some of them certainly are.  We know unemployment is climbing, oil prices are at record levels and the housing market is certainly in pain.  Inflation is at its highest point in 18 years.  If you’re employed, this just means that life will get more expensive.  If you’re unemployed or in an occupation that may get you there during a recession, it’s time for new strategy.

Let’s take a look at two things: recession proof jobs and recession proof career strategy.

Recession Proof Jobs.  Rather than waste your time reading a lot of text, here’s a list of jobs/industries that are usually safe in a recession.  While no industry is completely immune, these are safer than most.

• Healthcare
• Clean Technology
• Information Technology
• Sales
• Marketing
• Federal Government

If you’re unemployed or seeking a change, you may want to get into one of these industries before the recession.  Afterwards, it’s…..well, you know….impossible.

Recession Proof Career Strategy.  If you have a good job and don’t want to change it but are a little worried about the impact of a recession, here’s a technique that will ensure you aren’t on the top of the ‘hit’ list. 

The approach described here is called the Blitz Approach.  It is a team-based method for managing perception.  Most experts will tell you that you don’t need to make drastic changes in how you do your work during a recession.  Experts suggest you continue to meet and exceed expectations.  This is where the Blitz Approach has ‘real’ power.

1. This method works at any time and should be implemented as early as possible.  The steps to the approach are 1) define the career strategy/image you want to convey, 2) build a team of supporters such as co-workers, and 3) build and implement a plan to market your value to the company.  Remember, being average doesn’t necessarily ensure your job safety.  Bragging about your abilities can be irritating but consider what could happen when several people are telling others how good you are.  With so many people saying it, it must be true.  Of course, you’ll be expected to support your team as well.
2. In defining your career strategy or image you want managers to see, it’s important to exhibit value beyond what someone in your position would normally show.  Your managers must think that you are irreplaceable.  Convincing them by yourself is difficult but using others to sing your praises is far more effective and believable.  If you want to be seen as a great team player, then that’s what your team tells everyone.  Naturally, you’ll need to be aware of what they are saying and make sure your actions are in congruence with it.
3. To build a team, you’ll want to select what you may regard as high performers.  These individuals are usually safe in almost all markets.  They are talented, respected and often well-connected.  All of these factors are important to your survival.   You will share your desired image with your team and they will help you mange the implementation of it.  Your team will help you identify the best people in the company to influence.  Make sure you know whether to create a new perception or change an old one.  Your team members can find out what these individuals think of you, then you can figure out what you need to do to create a positive image of yourself.  You’ll also want to tap into the company’s informal networks (or the grapevines).  There are typically 3 of them: advice, communication and trust.  Tap into all of them.  These networks move info faster than email! So make sure you’re using them to send your messages.

If you’re interested in this method, the book will be out soon.  It’s called “Blitz the Ladder.”  I’ll also be posting more on the book’s website and blog.  Stay tuned for more tips.

blitztheladder.com