Are you running scared?

It’s been a tough time

It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been used to that as the way things go. I guess when you are an entrepreneur, you know that everything doesn’t go the way you want.

I’m also used to insecurity since I’m unemployed at the beginning of every month, and it only changes if new clients choose to hire me. People who are used to a regular paycheck live in a different world than I have for most of my adult life.

My business model is unique

Though I write resumes, I designed my business model to make the client a part of the process. My business started that way a long time ago, and I found that I really appreciated the input from the clients.

As my business evolved with more products, such as LinkedIn, I found that it still made more sense to have the client join me in the development of the strategy and the materials. Therefore, all of the components of my packages are delivered to the client as part of the process.

My husband used to laugh at me because, in the early years, I said that I couldn’t expand my market because I needed the client as part of the process. Later on, technology changed my world. Clients, no matter where they are in the world, can experience the same hands-on delivery through the magic of Zoom and video technology. I started with Skype and moved to Zoom in 2016 when it proved to be a superior and more reliable delivery system.

Controlling my destiny

One of the ways I can control my destiny a little is by making sure I am visible to others and that I let them know I need their help.

My clients are amazing. For the past 15+ years, even more than in the early days of my business, clients refer others to me.

You might say they do it out of the goodness of their hearts. I am sure that is part of what is happening, but they also do it because they know I deliver. They know I helped them. They want to share that experience with their friends and family.

How does this relate to job seekers?

You have to let people know that you need help

In the last year, I often struggled with being visible to others. Compared to my earlier years on social media building my business, I have been largely invisible.

Part of this is the massive changes in my life. My husband, Bill, died last January 2024 after about a year fighting esophageal cancer. Then, in March 2024, I was asked to take temporary custody of Willow, who was then 3 1/2 months old. If you don’t think that changed things, think about raising a baby when you’re in your 60s.

I let my church family and my pastor know what was happening, and they stepped up to help. My church family was amazing. The Downtown Mission Church members, under the direction of a volunteer coordinator, Jessica, covered my client appointments so that I could continue to run my business and meet with clients.

Son, Tim, and his Willow now live here with me. Tim selected a job that allowed him to work 12 1/2 hours Friday through Sunday, so he is here Monday through Thursday with Willow. He leaves at 4:30 am and works from 5 am to 5:30 pm.

Build a Strong Online Presence

Being invisible hasn’t helped me, and it won’t help you. In the days when I was building my online presence and brand from 2009 to 2019, I was totally visible on multiple platforms.

In the last few years, my online presence diminished, and so did my reach. I stepped back a bit, and much more by 2023. I didn’t really see the change until October 2024, when business became sluggish. I was still delivering to clients, but not selling new clients at the rate I did before.

This happens when you stop making yourself visible.

How to compete with bad news

You’d have to be totally isolated to not notice the hostility and anger in the world today. However, you can choose not to let it impact you or scare you. I know it is hard. It is a big reason I found it hard to be out there lately.

However, if you allow that to be your model – the negativity, anger… it seeps into your life and makes it hard to put one foot in front of another. This is why I stay away from mindsets and news that push negativity.

I could complain and spout fear, but it wouldn’t help me.

Change from Running Scared – What to do differently?

I mentioned at the beginning that I’m used to being unemployed. I am not saying it isn’t scary to live with uncertainty but I can’t let it take over.

If you are normally employed, then you usually have a regular income. I don’t, and I have lived through it. If you are normally employed, if you keep making yourself visible, make sure that your marketing materials (resume, LinkedIn, cover letters, and other career marketing items) are ready to go. Increase your visibility and tell people you need help.

Don’t run scared

I find that it helps not to listen to the news, read social media, or talk to people who are negative. I read fiction and work on projects rather than worrying.

Of course, I want things to be happy, but only I can control my own happiness. Wallowing in fear just makes it worse for everyone.

How can you help? If you know someone who would benefit from my interactive career marketing style – writing resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, executive bios, and more while I coach job seekers through the challenges of today’s job search and clarify the realities of what works and doesn’t work, invite them to check out my website.