Too many people are caught seemingly by surprise (for some odd reason) that all bets are off on promises of on-going employment. I regularly hear from people who must have missed the memo that employer loyalty expires every pay period.

These good people wake up, learn their employment is ending and wonder what to do next with their out-dated skills, weak networks and limited professional brands. Lack of preparation for this unfortunate but very real and all-too-common occurrence, makes a bad day worse. 

The time is now to start taking steps to strengthen your skills, network and professional brand.   

5 Must Do’s that Might Just Save the Day (and your career):   

1. Regularly Reassess the Marketability of Your Marketable Skills.  If what you know and what you’ve done don’t readily translate to something that helps solve a burning problem for someone else, it’s time for help. A good acid test: “If I had to make a living on my own doing what I know, would anyone pay me for my services?” If you can’t come up with a resounding yes, it’s time to invest in yourself.

2. Get Current. If you earn a pass on question #1, but the last time you took a refresher program was during the Reagan era, it’s time to get back into learning mode.  Find professional associations, your Alma Mater or any organization that can help bring you up to date.  And then do it.

3. Jump-Start Your Network. Make a list of the ten people you believe can help you immediately if you are in job trouble. If you’ve not kept up with these contacts and if you’ve not been giving (contacts, leads) along the way, it’s time to recognize that your network is your lifeline and that your line may not be there when you most need it. Reach out, reconnect, share something of value/interest. Establish dialogue and offer support long before you need it.

4. Use LinkedIn as your professional networking tool. Build a professional profile and keep it fresh as you expand your skills and add to your portfolio of professional content (#5). And here’s a piece of advice you will thank me for later: NEVER use the generic invitation when reaching out to connect. Always personalize your invitation when asking other to connect. The generic invite is a sure sign that the user is clueless. A tailored message shows respect and offers important context for the recipient.

5. Google Yourself and Get to Work. If nothing comes up, or, if things you don’t want your prospective employer to see are visible, it’s time to get to work. Read blogs in your profession or industry, and offer comments on leading blogs in your industry. Author a white paper.  Start your own blog. Join an industry organization. Volunteer to speak at industry events. Do things that get you out of your office and into the world where other influencers and potentially valuable networking partners can be found.  Content builds brand in this world.

And while you are doing all of this, remember to lock up your own domain name. Yes, your name. That’s “must have” professional real estate for this era.

The Bottom-Line for Now:

All of us should be working on the above items every day.  Nothing beats having current skills, fresh and valuable network contacts and a strong professional brand when you need it. Priceless.