The way I define assets has changed. I formerly thought of an asset as something that held value – a vehicle, a home, a piece of equipment, furniture, or a piece of real estate. My definition of an asset has changed to “anything that produces a stream of income, particularly if it produces income that outpaces the rate of inflation.” Under that definition, very few items cut the mustard. A paying job is the one thing that always qualifies as an asset, especially in a recessionary environment. But a “job” isn’t tangible – YOU are the asset, and increasing your value at work is the surest way to secure your future.

Learning strategies, techniques, and tactics to increase your value in your boss’s eyes is something that we all should be undertaking. In all reality, losing your job at this point would be disastrous for the average person, since few employers are interested in growing their staff or increasing their payroll. Increasing your value should be high on the priority list!

How to make yourself more valuable

1. Learn a new language. There’s a very good chance your company is international or is affected by international events, or deals in some way with international customers, suppliers or vendors. If you’re the only person at your company fluent in Mandarin Chinese and you frequently purchase goods from China, your value just skyrocketed. If your company frequently sells to Latinos, learning to speak Spanish, when highlighted against the backdrop of your experience with the company, will make you stand out from your peers.

2. Further your education. Advancing your career by getting more education is how countless thousands have already made themselves more valuable at work. The fact is, by brushing up on skills valued by your employer, you automatically increase your own value. There are endless possibilities to further your education with schools such as Colorado Tech that all offer online programs. You can advance your career while still working WITHIN your career.

3. Enhance your critical skills. Could there be a more important skill than time management? When you learn to plan your weeks and organize your days based on your highest priorities, you’ll discover the peace of mind that comes from having a clear goal and a path to reach that goal. You’ll enjoy the well-being that results from a life in order. Your personal organization skills are obvious to most people in your company and using tools such as those offered by Franklin Covey, will help you be more organized and look it.

4. Broaden your contacts. Make sure you’re a recognized presence within your company. If you’re a nobody to everybody, then no one will miss you and you’re more likely to be on the next list of lay offs. Set up networking contacts in as many levels of your company as possible, from the entry level newbie to the administrative folks all the way up to the executives. When the boss is forced to make a decision about you or your position, your colleagues will have you in mind not only as someone that’s pleasant to have around, but will also be more likely to speak up about your positive contributions within the organization.

5. Network outside of your company. Your boss probably knows people in your industry outside your company, so should you. Network with other people inside your industry as well as with those in other industries. Being well connected means you call on others to help you bring more ideas and innovation to your own firm. After all, those are the only things that truly separate one firm from another. Join the Lion’s Club, Rotary, or some other local civic organization and get involved. Ask to speak to the group about your company and it’s accomplishments. Become the “face” of your company and your value will increase rapidly.

6. Cultivate your work ethic. Designate at least one day per week to come in earlier than everyone else and one night per week to work later than everyone else. Write it in your calendar and stick to it, but make certain you’re using self discipline to get something accomplished during that time (a smokin’ game of solitaire doesn’t count). If you can manage to impress your boss with your proactive attitude, you’ll be much less likely to figure in the next round of pink slips. A good attitude and a strong work ethic do more than just preserve your role within whatever capacity you’re currently working – if your position is no longer necessary, you might be asked to stay on in a different capacity simply because you’ve proven to be an asset who produces desired results.

7. Make sure your boss is never blind-sided. Nothing can ruin your day like getting hit with a massive problem from out of the blue. If you have the slightest inkling about something negative on the horizon, make sure your boss knows about it. Never allow him or her to get waylaid, especially by his or her boss. Office politics is all about saving face and if you can help your boss avoid embarrassment or negative surprises, you’re a much more valuable employee.

8. Be the employee you would like to hire. Doesn’t this one sum it all up? Put yourself in your boss’s shoes and ask what qualities you would like in an employee. Then do your best to emulate those qualities in your work life.

Today, a job is a lifeline and it’s vitally important to move between careers on your own terms rather than have those terms forced upon you because you weren’t deemed as valuable as the person in the next cubicle. By taking steps to increase your value at work, you’ll be better able to keep your career on track and you’ll probably enjoy it more as well.

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Most people don’t conduct their day rationally, instead they go about their day based on feelings. They live from feeling to feeling, like stepping on stones while trying to cross a river. The only question is, “Which stone is the closest to me now?” The end result is that they never really cross the stream, but they made a lot of effort! Doesn’t effort count for anything?

Though some people may disagree with me, the only thing that counts is producing desired results.

“People can be divided into two classes: those who go ahead and do something, and those people who sit still and inquire , why wasn’t it done the other way?” –Oliver Wendell Holmes

Doers, on the other hand, do whatever needs to be done to reach a goal that they themselves have set. They focus with a laser like intensity on what they wish to achieve, map out a plan to get there, then continuously take the next step in their plan. They develop a budget and live within it. When they ask for a raise, they have a game plan for the YES and the NO.

Feelers, are constantly taking their own temperature. “Do I feel like making that phone call?” “Do I feel like writing that report?” “Do I feel like answering that email?” “Do I feel like studying for that certification exam?” “How will it feel if the boss says no when I ask about a raise?” Feelers are drifting in a mysterious sea of circumstances and problems, never quite sure why they never get anything done, yet are always so tired. Comfortable? Yes. Satisfied? No.

A Doer makes his or her life purposely uncomfortable by intentionally doing those things that advance him or her toward their goals. Doers are comfortable being uncomfortable. A Doer knows the deep satisfaction reserved for achievers and since he or she actually accomplishes something, has a high self esteem.

“No one can make me feel bad without my permission.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

Feelers suffer from low self esteem but tend to blame it on other people. “She ‘made’ me so mad!” “He really upset me.” “No wonder I have low self esteem. Look at what I hear from my boss every day!” Here’s a hint: the phrase “self esteem” has a little clue about who’s in charge of it … it’s the first word of the phrase.

Doers experience more and more power and self control as the years tick by, but Feelers feel that their lives are slowly spiraling out of control. Doers know what each day holds for them but Feelers let the day’s circumstances tell them what to do. Doers experience joy all throughout the day but Feelers think every day is a hassle. Doers listen to others while Feelers wonder what someone else can do for them.

So which one are you?

It’s a difficult question to ask because there are times that we act both ways. The key is to learn to recognize your Feeler attitude and take steps to correct it. See? You’re changing already!

What things can you begin doing today, right now even, that will advance you toward you goals?

photo credit: warrenski

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A crummy economy has a way of making people look for bargains, no? I heard on the radio that “all you can eat” buffets are doing a blistering business because people want as much for their money as they can get. I don’t blame anyone there. Buffets can be great places to get more bang for your buck, but remember, “all you can eat” and “all you care to eat” are two totally different concepts.

Buffets are designed to do only two things:
1. Take your money.
2. Fill you up … quickly. Nutrition has nothing to do with it, but there are some healthy choices you can make.

Here’s some buffet secrets:

Buffets will give you oval plates that seem large, but since you don’t use plates like these at home, you aren’t always aware that they’re smaller. When you’ve filled one up twice, you probably still aren’t caught up to just one dinner plate from home.

Buffet plates tend to be shallower than the plates you use at home. You just can’t heap up the mashed potatoes and turkey tetrazzini like you can at home. Those little dessert dishes never seem to hold enough for me either…

Buffets love for you to drink sodas. Those fizzy bubbles tend to fill you up and make you eat less food. And besides, sodas are cheap! To make you drink even more, a buffet will over season many foods so you get and stay thirsty.

Buffets want you to eat lots of those big fat yeast rolls. Bread is relatively cheap when compared to meats.

Buffets will take their time in removing empty plates from your table. Five people eating at a buffet, two trips each = 10 plates. When your next door neighbors walk by, they will think you have some sort of eating disorder! Result: you leave sooner (or you bus your own table).

Buffets use uncomfortable chairs. An aching backside will make you long for the sweet comfort of your car’s bucket seats with the fine Corinthian leather.

To get the most from a buffet, look for the highest quality, freshest food you can find. Buffets can be worth it when they give you a nutritional punch, but to get that, you gotta avoid the overcooked, deep fried, high fat hog slop that characterizes so many. Opt for raw vegetables if they’re offered, baked chicken or fish, salads, and fresh fruits or sorbets for dessert. Personally, one of my favorite buffets is the mega salad bar, you know, the one with 9 different kinds of lettuce and greens and that has a dedicated salad bar attendee constantly bringing out fresh vegetables? By making selections like this, “all you can eat” isn’t really that bad!

photo credit: heldr

[tags]buffet, food, restaurant, eating out, dining out, maximizing money[/tags]

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For some unknown reason, we’ve built up “retirement” as the final goal for a life well lived. We believe that we simply MUST “have enough to retire” or else we have failed. We treat the concept of retirement as the ultimate goal in life. To be able to wake up when we want, tinker around, travel to see the grandkids every couple of weeks, play golf when the mood strikes, go fishing in the middle of the week, or take a nap at 2:30 PM has been elevated to the point that people actually fear growing older because they fear they won’t be financially able to retire.

But believe it or not, there actually ARE reasons you may not want to retire.

1. You may really enjoy your work. If your work situation provides challenges, some fun, and a healthy dose of interest and respect to you, leaving those behind to putter around the house and carve old fashioned Santa’s will be a mistake. If you have a passion for solving problems, retirement may not be your best bet.

2. Your skills and experience may be in higher demand than ever. With an anticipated shortage of knowledgeable workers just around the corner, you may find that your need to be needed is nicely fulfilled by companies who genuinely DO need you.

3. Remaining in the workforce pays … literally. No matter how small the income your job generates, it will stretch your resources to fund a longer retirement down the road … should you desire make extra money to pad your retirement resurces!

4. By continuing to work, you delay tapping into your retirement accounts. A delay of several years can mean a bigger payout over time. Waiting to access your Social Security benefits, your 401(k), or other retirement accounts allows them to grow all the more, potentially allowing you to lower your withdrawal rate (if you haven’t saved enough) or allow you to withdraw more (if you have saved enough).

5. If you wait until 65 to retire, you can potentially maintain your healthcare coverage. Some experts say that a 65-year-old couple retiring today would need some $200,000 in extra savings to cover basic medical costs. By delaying, you save on individual premiums and allow your nest egg to grow.

6. Speaking of your health, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, complete retirement leads to an 11 percent decline in mental health, an 8 percent increase in illness, and a 23 percent increase in difficulty performing daily activities over a six-year period. Continuing to work keeps your mind sharp, your joints flexible, and your muscles limber.

7. Continuing to work may be better for your marriage. The Power Years: A User’s Guide to the Rest of Your Life says that couples think about their retirement years in terms of finances or long-delayed travel plans, but what they often neglect to prepare for is how to handle so much togetherness. Experts say that constant togetherness magnifies any existing problems and can bring long running tensions bubbling to the top. That closeness means more chances for daily battles with no office escape.

8. With no job demands bearing down, many retirees feel a loss of connectedness. For some, that isn’t so bad, but for many others, that loss of people to talk to about Monday Night Football or Dancing With The Stars at the water cooler is awful. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) cites multiple studies that depression is a rampant but often overlooked problem among retirees and that the loss of connectedness is a contributing factor.

9. Deciding to continue to work opens the door to more options. By not retiring, you might be able to start an entirely new life. You can teach, you can turn a hobby into a business, you can consult, you can try out a whole new career path. If you have saved enough, you can move to the coast, chase your grandchildren (if they’ve moved away), become a Grand Canyon tour guide, start a Bed and Breakfast Inn, or any one of a number of things. Working for a longer time doesn’t mean you have to continue doing exactly what you’re doing now, you CAN start another job if that is your choice.

10. Though many people cite financial reasons for not retiring, it all boils down to the desire to make a meaningful contribution. AARP says that 79 percent of all baby boomers plan to never retire. Some researchers have found that workers over the age of 50 actually are more engaged in the workplace than their junior peers in terms of time, dedication, and energy. We have a deep need to be involved, to voice our opinions, to make a significant contribution, and to feel that our efforts are important.

Retirement doesn’t have to be the end, it can be a whole new beginning. Don’t get backed into the corner of thinking that retirement is just waiting to die. It isn’t just sitting around becoming an expert on Oprah, You may decide, like so many of your peers, that retirement can be the greatest time of your life by continuing to make contributions to life, to a company, or to society.

Retirement can be the opportunity to make your life exactly what you want it to be.

Resources:

• Don’t Retire, REWIRE!
• Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways To Start The Rest of Your Life
• How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom That You Won’t Get from Your Financial Advisor
• Retire Retirement: Career Strategies for the Boomer Generation

photo credit: lexdennphotography

[tags]retire, retirement, vacation, money, work career, job[/tags]

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In a post from last week on networking mistakes, I addressed several of the stumbling blocks that many people encounter when beginning to network. But to make those mistakes, you have to at least get started! This article addresses 12 potential avenues for networking that you may have overlooked.

There’s no better job search or career exploration strategy than networking. Deciding to use networking is a wise decision for your career and your own personal development. But too many people think of networking as a stressful event, attending some boring get togethers with old guys that smell funny and wear a toupee, dressed in uncomfortable clothes, shaking hands until you’re sore, giving out business cards, slapping people on the back, laughing at stupid jokes, and trying to act interested and interesting. No wonder no one thinks it’s a worthwhile activity. In reality, networking is a simple exchange of information among like minded people with whom you have a relationship. It doesn’t even have to be a deep relationship either. So long as you know someone moderately well, and feel comfortable with them (and they with you), you can network.

Everyone has networking contacts.

But where do you begin? Where can I start to develop a network?

1. College Professors
Believe it or not, college professors have off campus lives! Many of them act as consults and conduct research that connects them with movers and shakers in business. They know who is hiring, which companies are strong, and which ones pay well. Start and maintain a good relationship with your professors and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.

2. Student Organizations
Most campuses sponsor various student organizations of all kinds, including student groups associated with professional associations. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management has student chapters at more than 400 schools. The Professional Accounting Society of America has chapters on college campuses, as does the National Society of Professional Engineers. Get connected to your industry group.

3. Your School’s Alumni Association
Get involved with your college, university, or school’s alumni association. This is a chance to renew old bonds and forge new ones with people in your age group and who have life experiences similar to yours.

4. Social-Media
You can network with people in a host of ways through social media. Blogging, starting your own website, Twitter, Linked-In, Stumble Upon, Digg, and many other sites can help connect you with like minded people.

Connections are what networking is all about.

5. Linked-In
My personal favorite professional networking site is Linked-In. If you want to connect to me, you can do so by checking out my professional profile.

6. Professional Industry Associations
If you’re not a member of a professional group within your industry, you should be. It’s a natural way to establish contacts and begin networking since you have an instant peer group. As you get more and more involved, you’ll find that people will be drawn to you because you’re visible. Run for an office in the group, accept leadership roles, serve on committees, and offer to give presentations. A higher degree of visibility makes networking more comfortable and adds to your career development and stature within your industry.

7. Professional Classes and Development
If you have an opportunity to take courses relating to your field, do it! It’s an ideal way to meet peers and leaders in your field and is just another opportunity to expand your personal network. Always take a little time before or after class to chat with classmates and professors, or stay in touch by phone or email.

8. Special Interest Classes
If you have the chance to take a non-professional course in something that interests you such as gardening or martial arts, that is also a great way to expand your personal network.

9. Church and Religious Affiliations
Don’t over-do it here but religious affiliations work similar to professional groups in that you get the opportunity to work with people who share your values. Religious activities also provide opportunities for visibility, different types of management roles, leadership and peer mentoring.

10. Sports Organizations
If you have children involved in sports, take the opportunity to meet and chat with other parents. These are people that are probably in your age group and could help you expand your network even further.

11. Social/Leisure-Time Groups
Too many people turn down invitations to holiday parties, celebrations, or fund-raising dinners, thinking they’re a waste of time. Don’t those folks know how busy we are during the holidays? You know what? These “wastes of time” can prove to be some of your best networking opportunities, because people are relaxed and in festive moods. Next time, accept that invitation and cultivate your relationships.

12. Political Groups
Who networks like politicians? They’re the kings and queens of networking, no? Use that fact to your advantage and, remember who pays the salaries for those representatives and senators. It’s you. Use that resource and tap your representative’s staff for the information you need. Call back until you get what you want.

YOU have networking contacts.

Those contacts simply need you to ask the right questions, and usually they come up with lots of opportunities and names of people who might be able to help you.

Networking means connecting with people who know you or want to get to know you. This could even be your boss or your former boss. Once you recognize this, you’ll take time to say hello to coworkers and keep in touch with former professors and classmates, as well as folks you’ve met at professional meetings, conferences, sporting events, or Christmas parties. Along the way, networking will become part of your regular routine rather than some dreaded task and you’ll be able to network without anyone even realizing it.

photo credit: Rainer Ebert

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