www.sharongraham.ca

Most successful professionals have worked very hard to make it into the $100k+ Club. Now that they have made it, it should be easy for them to stay there. So, why are so many asking for and accepting less than they are worth?

I think that the answer is simple. The incessant talk of the recession, combined with technology overload and the online networking bandwagon have sucked the life out of them.

If you are a six-figure professional, you must have done something right to get yourself in this prestigious tax bracket. Isn’t it time for you to stand up and believe in yourself again?

Here are four ideas to help you get things back in your control. Stop letting this fast-paced world intent on stressing and shocking your senses get away with it.

You can fix it

In a recession, employers are looking for the very best people. People who can fix their issues and turn their organization around. You built your career on creating bottom-line results for companies. Therefore, in a recession you are very much in demand. Start thinking positively and know that you offer value that can bring a floundering organization into a new future. You should let people know that if their organization is struggling, you can fix it.

You are worth it

If you are a successful professional, you are worth the compensation you request. So, don’t lowball your salary expectations. When you indicate that you are accustomed to a certain salary and now you are willing to take less, you are giving your next employer serious concern. The first thing that pops into that person’s head is “what’s wrong with this person?” Now, you have created something to explain and a new obstacle to overcome in the interview. Instead, tell them why you are worth it.

You can ask for it

Technology makes it easy for professionals to hide behind their computer. Looking incessantly on the internet for positions is a waste of time. Mass distribution of resumes are a waste of money. Juggling laptop, desktop, cellphone, and blackberry can make anyone go nuts. They say that less than 10% of available $100k+ jobs are on the Internet. So, wouldn’t it make sense to stop pumping out resumes and start approaching people directly? Start connecting with the right people and you’ll find that you are getting real leverage out of your career transition. If you want an opportunity to help a company succeed, you can ask for it.

You can make it

Everyone wants to be an expert. Online technology has ramped up so very quickly and the Internet “gurus” tell us we must be everywhere Blogging, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Naymz, Ecademy, FastPitch, Ryze, Plaxo, Spock and much, much more. Stop playing games and start using the Internet to raise your profile. Create an online strategy that uses some of these resources and leverages others without wasting all your time. You do not need to do everything. Just implement what works for you. A manageable start would be to implement LinkedIn and a VisualCV. Creating a strong VisualCV takes a one-time effort. Then, all you need to do is update it when something significant happens. Posting your profile on LinkedIn is easy. Once that is done, you can really take advantage of LinkedIn and start to make meaningful connections with the right people who are in a position to meet with you and discuss six-figure opportunities before they are widely disseminated. If you stop spinning your wheels, you can make it.

I would love to help you stop the madness and get a handle on your six-figure job search. This recession is a great opportunity for you to refine your career transition. Gain focus by harnessing technology. Get opportunities by showing others how you can help them (and their organization) to regain their footing. If you need help, connect with me here: www.GrahamManagement.com

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.