“I’m the puppy that ate your backseat. I’m a random windstorm. I’m a hot babe out jogging. Call me Mayhem.  I’m every reason to have the right insurance. Get Allstate.” 

Have you seen these commercials? Although I usually hate commercials, this series makes me laugh out loud. I think they make Allstate’s point clearly. 

What about Career Mayhem?  

I’m the new boss that thinks you can’t do anything right. I’m a random layoff or 15 percent salary cut.  I’m your once hot technology skills gone cold. Call me Mayhem. I’m the right reason to have career insurance. Get going. 

In today’s world, career planning isn’t just for college students. Every professional needs insurance in case Mayhem strikes. What does career insurance look like?

Career Activism

Do you have career goals? Do you have professional learning and development goals? Do you have a multi-year plan to achieve those goals, and is it in writing? Today’s competitive marketplace requires managers to continuously evaluate whether you provide more value than the cost of your salary and benefits. If you’re not growing every year, you’re falling behind. Take an active approach to your professional development and career planning. 

A Strong Network of Contacts

To move up in your company or move out of your company, you'll need to have a diverse, yet focused, network of contacts to facilitate introductions and give you leads to new openings. The time to build your network is now – not when you need to make a change.  Join www.linkedin.com, add connections and build relationships today for your tomorrow. 

Continuous Learning

Harry Truman said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts." Your employer may hire you for a specific skill set but as the business changes, they need you to change as well. You must be alert to the changes in your industry, profession and technology and be sure to seek out learning and development opportunities, even if the company doesn’t require it or pay for it. Read those monthly trade journals (or start a subscription or two), get to those industry meetings regularly and volunteer to research and make a presentation on something new. 

Indentify and Convey your Brand

Branding is a marketing concept businesses use to make products standout in the marketplace. For example, the Starbucks brand is more than the coffee; it’s about the experience around the coffee. As a professional, you must also brand yourself. What differentiates you from your colleagues? What are your signature strengths and what unique value do you add?

You must be able to answer these questions to standout from the competition. To identify your brand, consider your values, strengths, accomplishments and personality preferences. Take the time to find the words that describe your brand and add them to your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. 

Be ready in case Career Mayhem strikes.