Expertise On Demand
Articles by Deborah Van Huis


What To Do Now That You've Been Laid Off

As a result of the recent economic problems, the company I was working for downsized and I found myself unemployed for the first time in my entire career. Despite having been a successful managing director in systems development, research and business strategies for land acquisitions and assets I found myself on the outside looking in.

I was at a loss as to what to do next. When I went through Allison Maslan's Blast Off creative process to uncover my passions, it was evident that I that I really did love the type of work that I had been doing all of these years. And that was the beginning of my new business: Expertise on Demand. Expertise On Demand offers services in project management, systems and leadership development and construction and entitlement management.

Now, I have to be honest with you here. Before being laid off I never thought much about becoming a consultant or business owner. That's just not how I saw myself. But in our current economic times, companies are much more apt to hire a consultant than hire full time employees. Here's what I've learned that you can use to your benefit to recover from the loss of a job:

Get Over It - The past is the past and it's time to move forward. Focus on what you can do right now to get the flow of income started.

Don't Fool Yourself - Be honest with yourself about your financial situation. Make sure you identify all of your debts and liabilities and, if necessary, start cutting expenses. Make sure that you understand how much money you need to stay financially viable. Identify any professional weaknesses and find ways to improve in those areas.

Write It Down - Take the time to think about a plan. Do some research and then do some more. Write it down. If you're going to start a business prepare a business plan. If you want to get hired by another company determine how to do that. Use all the skills that you learned running someone else's business to run your own. Don't be afraid to modify the plan but always have a plan and use it.

Get/Stay Connected - If you haven't already, join Linked In and set up your profile, ask your connections for recommendations and join some groups. Consider setting up a Facebook page for your business separate from your personal page. And like it or not Twitter is a valuable source of information and communication now. I even found a lead for a job on Twitter while searching the keywords "construction management."

Network, Network, Network - Most of my work has come from people that I have worked with in the past. Their referrals have been priceless. Even social acquaintances have provided me with management consulting opportunities outside the normal scope of my real estate experience. But it is important to keep adding to your existing network. And be prepared when you are networking with a brief but compelling description of how your services will benefit a potential client.

Build Your Dossier - In between paying assignments look for ways to add to your professional experience by offering your services to community group or to teach classes. I rewrote the operating procedures for a local art guild of which I am a member and will be training gallery staffers on them. I teach classes at a local university on both construction management and business management. Consider getting professional licenses, certifications or degrees that will bolster your credibility. Write articles on topics (like this one) in your area of knowledge. Everyone's viewpoint is valuable.

Don't Be Afraid To Take Chances - I have found that even with starting a new business that I had time available to pursue interests other than professional ones. So with that extra time I explored some new art mediums, took some (inexpensive) classes and created and sold several pieces of art including: mixed media collages, hand decorated journals and greeting cards. My unique journals are selling at an independent bookstores, I won an award at the Del Mar Fair and was commissioned to do a sculpture out of a recycled surfboard. So, don't limit yourself to just one type of opportunity.

It's Gonna Hurt - Yep, it's gonna hurt. There will be times when you are discouraged and feel like you're never going to be able to make it work. But you have to get past these feelings and keep yourself motivated. Take some time to rethink what you're doing to make sure that you're on the right track. Make adjustments if you need.

Your own belief that you will be successful is the best and most reliable tool you have to be successful.

Deborah Van Huis is a proven project management executive with over twenty-five years progressive experience in leading teams to successful execution of business goals. One of her key strengths is being a "big picture" problem-solver who thrives on the excitement and challenge of large, complex projects. Deborah combines degrees in engineering with a Masters of Science in Administration including a concentration in leadership studies. For more information, please contact Deborah Van Huis at dvanhuis@dvhexpertise.com or 1-925-570-4791.