Post originally found on PipelineB2B blog that I manage as well (11/1/09)
Where would I be now, had I not been laid off in 2008?
As I begin the process of ramping up and trying to end 2009 on a “win”, I have been reflecting on the roller coaster ride I have been on since my lay off back in December 2008.
I was completely caught off guard, panicked and had no cash reserves to get me through even a month of unemployment. I was looking at a very bleak situation – middle of December, management position…you know the rest. My mother who I owe all of my accomplishments and every single moment of triumph to, gave me the tough love I needed to get over the tailspin of stress I was in – she said, “stop wasting your time and energy stressing about how you are going to overcome this and put that energy into finding solutions…and don’t forget that no matter how dire and hopeless your situation seems, make sure you help others that aren’t as lucky as you.” And there began the path that helped me survive, find a job and provide me with the opportunity to learn so much not only about networking, paying it forward and the power of social media, but also for the first time in my life, I got to know…myself.
I tackled my job search like I approached following up with clients. I reached out to everyone I knew and offered to help them on projects on a pro bono basis. I sent them news articles, tips and “seeded” them as I would any target in my sales pipeline. I made sure that I woke up at the same time every morning as if I had a job and scheduled coffee meetings, informational interviews and lunch meetings every week. I approached social media as a subject to dissect, learn and begin maximizing right away. I volunteered 10-15 hours a week and spent countless hours applying for jobs, answering questions on LinkedIn and forcing myself to keep moving forward as the bills continued coming in and my bank account was down to pennies.
It was exhausting work, but I was empowered. I was taking control of my situation and making things happen. My work started paying off – I ended up in several articles for Chicago Magazine, Time Out Chicago and CNN.com. I helped start a Junior Advisory Board for Kendall College and I began to freelance, applying my approach to social media for small business clients. Although there was a pang of anxiety every time I thought about my finances, I knew I was headed in the right direction.
In March, I was fortunate enough to find a full-time position that enabled me to put my 10 years of marketing experience and be further challenged. But I haven’t slowed down, I can’t. Every day, I work on building my network, connecting people, volunteering and fulfilling the commitment I made to myself to continue helping those around me. I can’t change what happened in the past, but I can build a strong future for myself and my network. My strategy might seem like I am going overboard but anyone who knows me understands that I have to keep on moving fast and hard otherwise, I falter. For my own peace of mind, I need to put as much distance as I possibly can from the hopeless feeling that threatened to overwhelm me a year ago.
I have been extremely fortunate to have an incredible family and an extended network of friends throughout the world that have supported me. To my family, friends and network, thank you for inspiring me. I dedicate who I am today, the accomplishments of the last year and especially the work I do on behalf of PipelineB2B to you.
I wish you all continued success and inspiration.
Humbly,
Barbara Maldonado
@bmaldonado / @pipelineB2B
