Tips for Strategic Planning Following a Career Setback

I've recently suffered a major career setback. Since I teach about high performance and career growth, I want to share how I am addressing it. One day you will need this recipe yourself! My goal in my current "career" is to reach as many people as I can, and to help them achieve career success and satisfaction. For the last three years, the way to do this has been through LinkedIn. Unfortunately, LinkedIn recently made some unknown changes to their algorithm. Other Top Voices and I have noticed a drop of 70% to 80% in the reach of our posts. Since my goal is to share my knowledge with more people, that means my goal just took an 80% hit. In general, setbacks in performance are either due to: A) Something we did Or B) Something external, outside our direct control Mistakes, poor decisions, and missed deadlines are examples of A. They are in our control. Things like Covid, high interest rates, and reorganizations at work are examples of B, outside our control. LinkedIn's change is also case B, outside my control. When a setback comes from something in your control, you know clearly what you did wrong and what you need to change to restore your performance and progress. Fixing your own issues may take time and be difficult, but you know what to do. When the setback is due to something outside your control, you do not know how to fix the issue. So, how can we react when our performance is shattered and we do not know why? Here is my recipe: 1. Allow yourself a fixed amount of time to grieve (and complain if you wish). Emotions are real, and before you can move on you will need to sit with those emotions. But, do not get stuck in them. Curse your bad luck, pout for a minute, etc. Then, move to the next step. 2. Refocus on your core value. Whatever happened, go back to how you define high performance to ensure it is still relevant. I admit, I slipped into defining my own performance by how many people viewed my LinkedIn posts. This was a mistake. My mission is to help others, so getting views is a proxy, not a result. And, using LinkedIn is just a method for the mission, not the mission itself. 3. Adapt your core value if you must (if its value has decreased). In my case, the value of what I offer hasn't changed, the external delivery system has. 4. Once you adapt and/or increase your value, find new ways to deliver it if necessary. Luckily, I have other options for reaching people: my Substack newsletter, YouTube, etc. Since Substack has been such a good partner recently, I will start there. I have also refocused how I write on LinkedIn to make every post focused on my goal. 5. Test, measure, adapt, repeat! Really, this step is everything. Once you get past the grief, jump into action in this loop. Nothing can stop you if you keep working to refine, deliver, and showcase your core value. Comments? Here's my newsletter, which is my next area of investment: https://lnkd.in/gXh2pdK2

You've Been Laid Off - Now What? 7 Tips to Get Back on Your Feet Losing your job unexpectedly is difficult - I've been there. One day you're happily employed, the next you feel lost and unsure of your next steps. But there is hope! With some strategic planning and effort, you can get back on track quicker than you may think. Here are 7 tips to shift back into job search mode and land that next opportunity: 1. Process the emotions first. Feeling shocked, angry, sad - that's normal! Give yourself a few days to vent, mourn the loss, or do whatever you need to cope. You’ll be in a better mindset to act afterwards.  2. Update your resume that very day. The sooner the better to keep your momentum going. Focus on quantifiable achievements in your most recent position. 3. Connect with your network ASAP. Don’t suffer alone! Call on contacts, former colleagues, friends and let them know you’re available. Ask if they know of openings.  4. Amp up your online presence - polish up your LinkedIn profile with your latest experience. Consider joining industry networking groups on Facebook or Slack. Update any online portfolios of your work.  5. Research the types of roles, companies and contacts you want to target in your search. Get crystal clear on the specifics - don’t just apply wildly. 6. Set a schedule and goals to apply to a certain number of jobs per week and network with X number of contacts. Structure will keep you motivated.  7. Take exceptional care of yourself during this transition - exercise, eat healthy meals, get plenty of rest, lean on your support circle. You’ll need the extra energy. Stay positive - with strategic effort and patience, the perfect new opportunity lies ahead. You’ve got this! Many recruiters value professionals who’ve been laid off because it shows tenacity during a tough situation. Show them how resilient and energetic you can be! Now get out there, make some moves, and get excited about what’s next for you! For more information on this and other valuable topics to transform your job search, listen to my show, the Dream Job Equation with Ben Passman.

Getting laid off sucks.. But it doesn’t define you nor does it need to dictate your next steps. I experienced an economic layoff a year ago and I decided to take career pivot and growth steps to push forward. 1️⃣ Assess and Enhance Your Skills: Take the time to assess your current skill set and identify areas for improvement or expansion. Research the skills that are in high demand in your industry or desired field. Invest in professional development opportunities such as online courses, certifications, workshops, or industry-specific training programs to acquire those skills. By actively enhancing your skill set, you become more competitive and increase your career prospects after a layoff. 2️⃣ Leverage Your Network and Seek Mentors: Tap into your professional network to seek advice, connections, and potential job opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, industry contacts, and alumni networks. Let them know about your situation and career goals. Networking can provide valuable insights, open doors to hidden job opportunities, and offer guidance in navigating the job market. Additionally, consider finding a mentor who can provide guidance and support as you rebuild your career. 3️⃣ Rebrand and Tailor Your Job Search Materials: Update your resume, cover letter, and online professional profiles to reflect your most recent experiences and accomplishments. Highlight transferable skills gained from previous roles and demonstrate how they align with the requirements of your target positions. Tailor your job search materials to showcase your resilience, growth mindset, and adaptability, emphasizing how your past experiences have shaped you into a stronger candidate. Craft a compelling personal brand that stands out to potential employers. 4️⃣ Explore New Opportunities and Industries: Consider expanding your horizons and exploring new industries or professions that align with your interests and skills. Look for emerging industries or sectors experiencing growth that offer exciting career prospects. Research the trends, job market demand, and potential pathways for career advancement. Be open to taking on new challenges, roles, or responsibilities that can broaden your experience and accelerate your career growth. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt can lead to unexpected opportunities and new avenues for success. Remember, recovering from a layoff takes time and effort. Stay positive, remain resilient, and focus on continuous growth. By actively assessing and enhancing your skills, leveraging your network, tailoring your job search materials, and exploring new opportunities, you can boost your career growth and position yourself for success. #CareerGrowth #SkillEnhancement #Networking #PersonalBranding #career #customersuccess

This is a very tough time for myself, and my little family. However. The difficulty isn’t going to get the results I need. So here is a reminder, (for myself & for others) to find the strength when your heart is exhausted. “Turning Negatives into Positives: Regaining Professional & Personal Momentum 💼✨ We all face setbacks in our careers, but it's how we handle them that truly defines our success. Here are the reminders I’ll share, in hopes that we will transform negatives into positives and reignite our momentum: 1. **Acknowledge and Reflect:** Start by acknowledging the negative experiences or setbacks. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and what you've learned from it. This self-awareness is crucial for growth. 2. **Shift Perspective:** Challenge yourself to see the situation from a different angle. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the opportunities that can arise from it. What skills did you develop? What new doors might open? 3. **Set Clear Goals:** Define your desired outcome. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps will make them less daunting. 4. **Learn and Adapt:** Use the setback as a learning experience. Analyze what you could have done differently and apply those lessons moving forward. Adaptability & coachability is key to professional growth. 5. **Positive Self-Talk:** Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Replace self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your abilities and potential. 6. **Seek Support:** Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for guidance and encouragement. They can offer fresh perspectives and valuable advice to help you navigate challenges. 7. **Skill Enhancement:** Invest in continuous learning. Acquiring new skills not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field. 8. **Network and Connect:** Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities, friendship and collaborations. 9. **Celebrate Progress:** Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.☀️☀️☀️ 10. **Stay Persistent:** Regaining positive momentum takes time. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Your determination will eventually pay off.🙏 Remember, setbacks are a natural part of any career journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. 🔥🚀 #CareerGrowth #PositiveMomentum"

Getting laid off from a company can be a challenging experience, but there are several steps you can take to adapt and move forward: Take time to process: Allow yourself to acknowledge and process your emotions. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, including shock, disappointment, and even relief. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss, but also remind yourself that it’s an opportunity for new beginnings. Assess your financial situation: Evaluate your financial resources and create a budget to manage your expenses during the transition period. Calculate your savings, severance package (if applicable), and any other potential sources of income. This assessment will help you plan your next steps more effectively. Update your resume and online presence: Revamp your resume to highlight your accomplishments, skills, and experience. Update your online profiles, such as LinkedIn, and make them reflect your most recent work and achievements. This will enhance your visibility to potential employers. Reflect on your career goals: Take the time to assess your career goals, interests, and values. Reflect on what you enjoyed in your previous role and what you’d like to pursue in your next opportunity. Use this period of transition to reassess your career path and consider new possibilities. Expand your professional network: Leverage your existing network and reach out to colleagues, former managers, mentors, and industry contacts. Let them know about your situation and ask for their support, advice, and potential job leads. Networking can often lead to new opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. Enhance your skills: Identify any skills gaps or areas for improvement and invest in professional development. Take online courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications that can enhance your skill set and make you more marketable in your desired field. Stay positive and proactive: Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial during this period. Embrace the opportunity to explore new paths and be proactive in your job search. Set goals, establish a routine, and dedicate time each day to job hunting, networking, and self-improvement activities. Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional support services for emotional support and guidance. Connecting with others who have experienced similar situations can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Remember, a layoff does not define your worth or abilities. It’s an opportunity to pivot, learn, and grow. Stay resilient, remain open to new opportunities, and maintain confidence in your skills and abilities. With time and effort, you can adapt and find a new path that aligns with your goals and aspirations. https://lnkd.in/dXR8qMC

Bounce back after a layoff or restructuring. Keeping your confidence and pride high. Without a doubt, navigating a layoff or restructuring is challenging. Here are some actionable steps to help you bounce back better than before. Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths and reflect on your achievements. Create a “Brag Book” to document your successes and use it to build confidence and provide concrete examples in interviews. Update Your Personal Brand: Revise your resume and LinkedIn profile. Use targeted keywords and metrics to demonstrate your impact. Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a custom banner image that reflects your personal brand. Network Strategically: Reconnect with old contacts, attend industry events, and join professional groups. Use LinkedIn’s “Find Alumni” feature to connect with fellow graduates from your alma mater. Enhance Your Skills: Take courses and earn certifications to stay current. Use platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to access top-tier content. Attend webinars hosted by industry leaders to stay ahead of trends. Leverage Social Media: Share your knowledge and showcase your work. Create a content calendar to consistently post valuable insights and engage with your network. Use LinkedIn articles to establish yourself as a thought leader. Develop a Positive Narrative: Craft your story and practice your pitch. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers in interviews, turning your layoff into a story of resilience and growth. Seek Professional Help: Consider career coaching and mentorship. Work with a professional to develop a tailored job search strategy, refine your personal brand, and practice interview techniques. Stay Positive and Persistent: Set realistic goals, maintain a routine, and stay motivated. Create a vision board to keep your career goals front and center. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to track progress and adjust your strategy. 😍 What is currently or has helped you with a layoff? Let's spread kindness and share in the comments

You’ve gone through rounds of interviews, feeling optimistic about your chances of landing the role. Then, you receive the most defeating news from the hiring leader or recruiter: they have decided to offer the role to another candidate. Navigating through the aftermath of a job interview rejection is undoubtedly tough, yet it is a universal experience that often leads to growth and new opportunities. How can you turn a setback into a powerful learning moment? Professionalism and maintaining your personal brand is key. Here are a few tips to consider: 1. Embrace Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel disappointed. Give yourself time to process these emotions, but don’t let them define you. Then, look ahead with optimism. 2. Seek Constructive Feedback: Politely ask the interviewer for feedback. Their insights can help you identify areas for improvement, making you a stronger candidate for future roles. 3. Reflect on Your Experience: Dedicate time to consider what went well during the interview and where you could improve. This self-reflection is essential for personal development. 4. Expand Your Skillset: View this as an opportunity to acquire new skills or deepen existing ones. Engaging in courses, workshops, or self-study can enhance your abilities and open new doors. 5. Maintain Professionalism and Don’t Burn Bridges: Respond to rejection with grace and professionalism. A thoughtful thank-you note can leave a lasting positive impression and keep the door open for future opportunities. Remember, today’s interviewer could be tomorrow’s colleague or mentor. 6. Keep a Positive Outlook: This might be easier said than done, but it’s extremely important. Stay resilient and continue applying. Every interview is an opportunity to learn and grow. The right opportunity is out there, and your persistence will lead you to it. Rejection is merely a detour, not a dead-end. It’s all about perspective and perseverance. Embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and stay connected with your network. Your next opportunity might just be around the corner. I’d love to hear about your experiences with overcoming rejection. How have you turned a “no” into a “yes”? Share your stories and insights in the comments. #careereadiness #careeradvancement #interviewtips #interviewsuccess #professionalgrowth

I was laid off. And it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Despite consistently going above and beyond, my contributions were undervalued. It became clear that I wasn't a good fit for the company culture, and I found myself increasingly unfulfilled. Meanwhile, I had been nurturing a side hustle. I often wondered when the right time would be to take the leap and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams full-time. Being laid off taught me some lessons: 1. I was holding myself back, waiting for the perfect moment that would never arrive. 2. The layoff was the push I needed to turn my side hustle into my main focus. 3. I can't control the actions of others, but I can control what I do next. 4. Blaming external circumstances for our unhappiness only keeps us stuck. 5. True fulfillment comes from taking accountability for our happiness. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take: 1. Reframe setbacks as opportunities. Ask yourself, "What opportunities can come from this?" 2. Identify your passions and skills. What energizes you, and how can you use your talents to create value? 3. Take action, even if it's imperfect. Start small and focus on consistent progress over perfection. 4. Find your tribe. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and encourage your growth. 5. Embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn and expand your capabilities. If you're feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your career, know that you have the power to create change. Your setbacks can become your greatest springboards. What's one small action you can take today to move toward work that energizes you? 

The job market is brutal. Trust me I know. You recently embarked on a promising job search journey. Your qualifications aligned well, and initial discussions hinted at a bright future.   After engaging deeply with key decision-makers and even meeting with executive leadership, you felt confident. However, the journey took an unexpected turn. Despite positive signals, you were informed another candidate had been chosen. This news, after weeks or months of hopeful conversations and planning, was a heavy blow. — Rejection is tough—especially when you've invested so much time and emotional energy. But this is not the end! Here’s how you can bounce back stronger: → Seek Feedback: Use each rejection as a learning opportunity. Understanding areas for improvement is invaluable. → Network: Every interaction can expand your professional circle. Stay open to making new connections; they might lead to unexpected opportunities. → Reflect: Assess what you really want from your career. Align your job search with your true aspirations. → Stay Positive: Keep a positive outlook. The right opportunity will come, and your resilience will prepare you to seize it. → Create Your Own Opportunities: Sometimes, the right role doesn't exist yet. I found success by shaping my own path as a Fractional CMO. This allowed me to leverage my skills across various projects and industries, effectively creating opportunities where none seemed apparent. Rejection is not just a setback—it's a setup for future success. It teaches resilience, refines our strategies, and renews our commitment to our career goals. To those facing similar challenges: You’re not alone.  Keep striving; the right fit is out there. You. Got. This.