All of my CFO friends are thinking to themselves, “Well, finally that Ken Tudhope is making sense!”  As I write this Networking Note we are emerging from one of the worst recessions in decades.  Every morning I look in the newspaper and read about layoffs.  I turn on the radio and they are interviewing unfortunate people who have been laid off.  It looks like my brother is being laid off from the government in the state of Washington.  Many times, it’s the CFOs and other Finance executives who are behind it all.  We all know that layoffs reduce costs and enable companies to survive tough times.  Good business indeed.  But wait a minute.  My CFO friends are tough-minded business people, but I doubt they would say they “love” layoffs.  I bet if asked they would say that layoffs are an unfortunate part of their job.

            So why would I say that I love layoffs?  If you know me, you know I’m a nice guy.  In fact, while at Price Waterhouse I was given the “Nice Guy” award and I have a plaque on my wall to prove it.  Seriously, layoffs are tough and I wouldn’t wish them on anyone.  Early in my career I was unexpectedly laid off from my job and it was really upsetting. I don’t actually love layoffs of course, but I do genuinely appreciate the networking opportunities they create.  For good networkers, layoffs are the perfect storm of opportunity.  First, if you have a good network and you are laid off, you will secure your next career position with relative ease.  And if you have a good network, you might be able to help your friends who are in a job search.  Remember, most jobs are obtained through personal referrals.  Second, during times of downsizing there is a huge shift of people between organizations.  New jobs eventually open up and are filled which creates opportunities for new connections.  A new company full of future relationships. For example, there may be new people in your department.  For salespeople like me there are new buyers at client companies, and when established clients move to new companies they help open doors that were previously closed.  Finally, once all the transition settles it forces you to stay in touch with old friends and reach out to new co-workers.

So while layoffs are not necessarily something to love in the moment, you gotta love the opportunities & connections created in the process. 

 

Ken Tudhope

Project Pro Search Group

ken@projectprosearch.com