The Write Stuff

In this recession you may read the headlines and not be shocked to learn the housing market's in a slump. Recession this, layoffs that. What really needs to be underscored in these blight times is the ability to up your own game. Instead of the negative, let's talk positive shall we?

How about getting your game on? Rising your own personal stock. If an employer isn't going to, well then you take the bull by the horns and run, baby run. I'm talking about your brain power, your mojo, your moxie.

As I attended the annual conference of the American Society of Journalist and Authors this past weekend it actually felt good paying out of my own pocket. There's ownership, empowerment, and something kind of uplifting about flexing brain muscles during the weekend. As a recruiter I've noticed candidates can potentially gain a lot from networking through professional organizations and even though I was there wearing my writer's hat, I can't emphasize this enough. You're networking with people immersed in the profession and sometimes it helps to look around and know you're not in it alone.

I felt in a way like the various seminars were brain food. As I attended a few panels, listened to the keynote speakers, worked the room and exchanged business cards, all of the nuggets of wisdom were being digested in small bites. Case in point: during one panel, full-time freelancer/part-time hours, each panelist had a different way of organizing their day like one writer who has her own efficient system by interviewing sources on the west coast if she's working on deadline here in the east. Well, bits and pieces of information just adds more hardware to your toolbox of smarts.

Plus, you're surrounded by people who -- let's assume they're similar to you -- passionate about their profession. They, like you, are there to learn. Regardless of your profession if you are unable to attend an annual conference my suggestion is to at least join a professional organization. Most have members-only benefits like online job boards, message boards, and some may even post slides or presentations from various seminars at the annual conference. Be sure to check out the online resources and references which will get your motor running. And most of all, get in the game.

As a footnote, one of the biggest take-aways from the conference was a lesson learned which can really apply to any job in any industry: work smarter, not harder. Don't be a perfectionist. If you have done the work to the best of your ability, simply recognize it and move on.