8 "Thurvival Skills" for 05

-->your CV, the more power it wields when you
Just what is a "thurvival skill?" It's a skill that let'sseek out opportunities.
you thrive and survive at the same time. In5. Connectivity - Who can you call when you need
today's economy it's not enough to just be good.help? Remember it's a quid-pro-quo world so just
You need to be better than your counterpartsdon't start calling people when you are in a bind.
and colleagues. It's all about creating an action planThey probably won't call back if you already
to keep you name in the limelight and on the tophaven't established a relationship.
of the list. What list am I talking about? The one6. Your Me-factor - You simply have to think
that says call X, hire X or X is the best personabout yourself. Yea, I know the cheers for the
for the job. Or event he list that reads we canteam and all that stuff. Well, the cold hard truth is
get rid of everyone but X. Is this person you? Itthat the team isn't going to cut it when your
could be.you-know-what is on the line. You need to look
It takes a particular skill set.out for numero uno. Allocate time for personal
1. Flexibility-You need to go with the flow. Thereenhancement and enrichment every day. Don't
are things you can't change so be prepared toget caught up in the party line that you are too
accept the consequences and move on. Bebusy to manage your own career.
adaptable no matter what the circumstances and7. Technologically savvy - Big deal. Do you know
don't let adversity get you off your game plan.how to use email? Do you know how to use it to
2. Accessibility - Opportunities happen in a flash.your advantage? Do you use it to keep in
You need to be where people can reach you: cell,contact, solidify a relationship, alert someone as to
phone, fax, and email, whatever. Let you numberhow and where you can be reached or get new
two person know how to reach you in case thatbusiness? Your technology skills will make you or
once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself. Ifbreak you in coming years so spend a little time
people need you, respond that day if at alldeveloping this particular knowledge base.
possible. If you don't, someone else will and you8. Investment programs-Not your 401K or IRA
will have lost your edge.investments, but investments in you as a person.
3. Visibility - Who are you? Can people find you?What's going to affect your bottom line? Have
Do an ego search on GOOGLE. Type in youryou kept up with current industry technology? Do
name and see what shows up. At the very least,you know what skill sets are in demand for
you should see some basic listing about yourself.today's top employers? Keep that knowledge
So you want to improve the odds of your beingbase at the cutting edge and you will have
found? Get a personal website and use yourleverage over your competition.
name as the domain.If you hone these skills, you are on your way to
4. Credibility - Are you an expert at something? Ifsuccessfully negotiating the balance of the year
not, why not? It's easy to become one and thenboth employed and enjoying your job. Invest in
use need to use that expert status to youryourself as part of your personal portfolio.
advantage. The more credentials you have in