WORKWISE: Take on more work to improve job security
Make sure it solves a problem for firm
Its survey of 3,494 business professionals - 1,295 employers and 2,199 employees - finds an enormous 68 percent, up 5 percent from last year, favor increasing responsibilities. Looking for a new job with a higher salary fares poorly - down to 50 percent from 54 percent last year.
Most people don't view their companies as "markets," but people in marketing-related functions can provide real insight into how to create opportunity on the job. Dan Schawbel, personal branding expert in Waltham, Mass., says, "A regular 9-to-5 day is not enough during this recession. Workers should take on more work these days to provide more value within their organization or build a brand outside of work that may secure them, in case of downsizing."You benefit by being "perceived as a contributor and a hard worker instead of someone going through the motions," he says. "If you're content on taking the easy route, you'll be replaced by someone willing to work harder for (less)." Schawbel advocates social networking while doing the best job you possibly can because your current work becomes "a case study" for your next opportunity.
SOLVING PROBLEMS
You probably agree that self-promotion is essential at this time. Mark Roberts, managing director of Scottsdale's Pragmatic Marketing Inc., advocates the approach of the book "Tuned In," by Craig Stull et al. (Wiley, $27.95). Take Roberts' concept that market-driven companies will be the survivors and become market-driven within your company to determine exactly how to take on more work. Just loading up your desk with new projects isn't the best strategy. Identifying or developing ones that solve problems for your employer is.
Roberts points out that businesses are being hampered by the loss of their "go-to cheap resources," or vendors. This situation in your company - the equivalent of your market - presents opportunities for you to fill in gaps by taking on some of the work expendable employees used to do. However, if you're already feeling overworked, Schawbel says you must "work smarter and smarter. Punching a clock won't do it."
He emphasizes that remaining relevant to the company's mission is essential. In other words, don't look for projects to clean up compulsively. Instead, hunt for problems to solve that contribute to the future of the company, which will contribute to your job security. An avid technophile, Schawbel encourages Gen Y to become tech-savvy, an area in which he finds this cohort coming up short, because "other skills might help you get a job elsewhere in the company."
COMPANY AS MARKET
How can you convince your company that even though you're overloaded now, you could contribute even more by taking on more work? Sort your priorities, Roberts says, to focus on problem-solving. You can help companies cut costs, increase revenue or accomplish more with less, Schawbel says.
"Take a small amount of money and accomplish a lot with it (assuring) large impact," Schawbel says.
Such tactics may not be effective if your company is wilting financially. Company financials can tell you a lot. However, even if they do, Schawbel, the social networker, recommends you ask around to weigh the scuttlebutt.
"Everything is through people now," Schawbel says. "Spend the most amount of time networking with others."
The end result may be a new opportunity that evolves through what he calls "the laws of attraction" when, while researching your current company, you're also extending the reach of your personal brand.
Dr. Mildred L. Culp is an award-winning journalist. E-mail questions or comments to culp@workwise.net. Copyright 2008 Passage Media.
