Six Changes Employees Should Prepare for In a Recession

Courtesy of the professionals at Robert Half International -- share these strategies with your clients.

New Priorities:

Companies may be re-evaluating their programs and focusing on initiatives that will generate immediate revenue. Be flexible when you're asked to take on new projects, and work with your manager to identify initiatives that are most important to the company's bottom line.

Internal Moves:

Many companies may be filling open roles internally instead of hiring, so this could be a good time to put feelers out if you're interested in a different sort of position within your company.

Added Responsibility:

Employees may be asked to take on additional tasks as companies become leaner. Be willing to learn new skills; your firm may offer to subsidize training. Also, identify tasks that can be delegated or put on hold as your duties expand.

More Reporting:

Managers performing cost/benefit analyses of specific programs may request more detailed reports on the time and expense associated with your projects. Carefully track expenditures and monitor how your time is allocated so you don't have to scramble to provide this information. Also, proactively provide recommendations that can trim costs or improve a program's impact.

Pared Down Perks:

Firms looking for ways to reduce budgets may cut down on pricey "extras" -- for example, this year's holiday party may be a potluck, versus a lavish spread. Accept that sacrifices are being made. Try to maintain a positive disposition.

Layoffs:

It's not a prospect anyone likes to think about, but it's wise to be prepared, especially if your employer is struggling. Increase your networking activities and update your resume so you can launch an immediate job search if necessary.

Unemployment Rate Increase Heralds New Clients

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced today that the unemployment rate rose to 6.7 percent. That's a lot of unemployed people -- and a lot of people who probably need a professionally-written resume.

Now is a GREAT time for you to be contacting the media to share your job search insights, advice, and strategies. Their readers are HUNGRY for exactly this type of information.

What Do You Want in a Conference?

A few months ago, I conducted a survey of my readers about their conference "wishes."

Now, Career Directors International is using a similar survey process to plan its 2009 conference. Visit the organization's website and participate in the "Conference 2009 Weekly Survey Question." This information will be used to help develop the CDI conference next year.

5 Habits of Highly Effective Postcards

I love postcards. You've probably received one from me in the past year touting my special report, "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor." Postcards have a number of advantages over other types of direct mail -- and they get attention!

The United States Postal Services' "Simple Formulas" series offers an excellent analysis of the advantages of postcards. Here's an excerpt:

1. They're simple.
A postcard has to get someone's attention while they're going through the mail. And a disorganized mass of information just isn't going to do it. Simple headlines work best. Don't write a book. Make believe that every word is costing you $1,000.

2. They're timely.
When asked what was the most effective mailer he ever created, a highly regarded copywriter pulled out a postcard. On that postcard, in big bold type it said, "Your warranty expires October 26." Do you have a timely message for your customers? Use it.

3. They're printed on both sides.
What are you supposed to do now that your warranty is expiring on October 26? The answer to that question is on the other side of the postcard.

Your postcard has two sides. Use them. But that doesn't mean fill every inch. You may want to use one side like a poster and the other for a few details. Or put an ad on one side and a personal message on the other. Just remember to keep it simple.

4. They're attractive.
In some ways, the design of a postcard has to work harder than the design of any other media. There are no envelopes to open or gimmicks to play with. Your postcard doesn't necessarily have to be a work of art, but it helps to make it attractive.

5. They're measurable.
A postcard can also be a coupon, a gift certificate, or a ticket to an event. Ask people to present the coupon to take advantage of an offer or promotion. Counting coupons helps you measure the effectiveness of your promotions. That way you can better understand what worked and what didn't.

Get more business-building tips at http://www.usps.com/directmail

You can order inexpensive, effective postcards using a service like VistaPrint:

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