PR Tips: False: All Around the World Same Song

False: All Around the World Same Song

By Nicole Hayes

Cutbacks. Higher prices. Lost jobs, closed businesses. Foreclosed homes. For more than three years, we’ve been bombarded with these words. For some of us, this may be true of our current situation. Others may consider the possibility “contagious” and assume they’ll soon become infected, singing the same tune as those who succumbed to a failed economy. But what happened to viewing “the glass half full” instead of “half empty”? All around the world, it’s not the same song…and here’s why.

More people (whether or not of their own volition) are viewing the “economic crisis” as an opportunity to reinvent themselves or pursue dreams long ignored for the sake of a steady paycheck and benefits. Some women were managers and after becoming suddenly unemployed, found their joy and business in the kitchen. Other people put a twist on daily activities to offer as a unique product or service. So how can you sing a different tune when the world is cracking around you? Here are four suggestions:

1)    Listen to and understand what drives you, excites you. This could very well be your path to reinvention.

2)    Put your face in the place—Network! By maintaining relationships with old colleagues and friends and meeting new people, opportunities are often what you make of them.

3)    Go where the people are—Social Media.  According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, at least 79% of American adults use the Internet; of which 65% use a social media networking site (Facebook or Linked In)—this is up from 61% in 2010. Social media is a vehicle where you can receive broad and rapid responses to a need or pursuit. Give it a try! Some of us (myself included) are being forced to grow our skills in the social media space, where others are more adept. Saying you “don’t have time” or “don’t know how” are simply excuses that will shut you out of waiting opportunities. Update your social media profiles regularly, let people know what you do, what you need. Someone will respond!

4)    You frame your world with your thoughts, words. Simply put, if you think it, it shall be.

If you’re not already, we encourage you to follow one or more of these suggestions to create and seize new opportunities. The sad song someone else is singing doesn’t have to be yours!