What I've Learned

It has been 1,135 days since I was downsized. It feels like a lifetime ago. In the past 1,135 days, I have grown a successful business, hired three employees, became an Adjunct Professor, and traveled the country helping other people build strong personal brands. 

Now, as I watch a corporate merger unfold in my community, I feel the stress of those who are waiting to hear whether their jobs will be spared. And I feel relieved that I no longer have to hold my breath, also waiting. 

A lot of positive change has happened in my life since January 29, 2013. And one thing is certain. It wouldn't have happened if I hadn't spent an incredible amount of time, and a little money, building and reinforcing my personal brand. So, for the benefit of those who are facing a life transformation- voluntary or not- here are some tips. 

Keep it positive. 
I know that transitions are hard- I've literally been there! However, we live in a very small, connected world. Remember that every touch point the world has with you is a reflection of your personal brand- even when times are tough. Employers, clients and customers are attracted to resilient, positive forces.

Be prepared.
The time to start building your personal brand is yesterday. Don't get stuck in 'wait and see' mode. Regardless of whether you're job seeking, launching a company, or working in a Corporate role, a strong personal brand will only make you more successful. 

Get intentional.
Don't leave your personal brand to chance. Remember my number one piece of advice- if you don't manage your personal brand, others will manage it for you. In fact, they already are. Take charge of your reputation by getting extremely clear and intentional about who you are, what you stand for, and the value you deliver. 

Whether you're facing a potential layoff, dreaming of a new career, or working toward building your own company, I'm pulling for you! To learn more about building your own powerful personal brand, shoot me a message at kris@marketingflexibility.com. I'll keep you updated on local workshops and resources that are available. 


Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing and business consultant, speaker and educator.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach her at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

2013 - A Year in Review

Memories of January 29^th are still vivid in my mind. The sound of work boots on berber as security guards marched the office floor. The sound of tears as coworkers cried at the sight of friends being carried away. And the sound of my name being called as they came for me too.

I mustered as much dignity as I could, stood, smoothed my dress, walked past the guard and toward the elevator. Keep it together. Just keep breathing. Don’t make eye contact. When I arrived at the elevator, another security guard was waiting, holding the door. Wow. This mess is well orchestrated. Keep it together. You’re almost there. As I entered the elevator, both guards entered behind me. Two security guards? What do they think I’m going to do? As one guard reached for the ground floor button, I quickly punched it myself. Ha! Score one for me.

At ground floor, the guard directed me to conference room B, which was “on your left.” I’ve worked here 15 years. I think I know where to find conference room B. Still holding my head high, grinding my teeth for composure, I walked into conference room B and sat at the long table made of fake wood veneer. My guard sat behind me. The HR person sat in front. Keep it together. But, I didn’t quite manage. In the semi-private space of conference room B, it was impossible to maintain all composure, and I shed the first of many tears to come. I murmured a couple of words, which were not lady-like. Oh, not to the guard or HR person, but to myself. I soaked up the tears with generic, scratchy tissues, which were kindly provided in anticipation of this moment. Get it together! This can’t really be happening.

When all protocol of notice was complete, my guard escorted me to the back door. When he opened the door for me, I paused for a moment and turned to thank him. No words came from my lips. Instead, I turned, severance papers in hand, and walked through the doors. As the door clicked a sharp lock behind me, I stood on the cold sidewalk in bewilderment. Did that really just happen? I looked at my watch. Seven minutes. After 15 years of employment, the guards had removed me from my office, churned me through conference room B and locked me outside in seven minutes. Well done, guards.

As I started the walk to my car, the old Adam Sandler song played through my head, walk of shame, walk of shame. I looked around and noticed two others walking to their cars, paperwork in hand. Keep it together. Just get home. I threw my belongings in the car, and slammed the door- hard. Just get home. As I drove toward the gate, which was locked that day in anticipation of – retaliation? – I saw a familiar face in the guard shack. As our eyes locked, I lost what was left of professional composure. Why did it have to be a family member in the guard shack? I almost made it out in one piece. We chatted for a few minutes. I cried. He looked sad, and asked if I was okay to drive. I assured him I would be fine.

And you know what? I am. The first few weeks were difficult, no doubt. Losing a job sucks.

But I’ve learned a lot of great lessons this year. I’ve reclaimed time with my family. I’ve learned to appreciate and accept the support of my husband. I’ve stepped up to my potential and found inner strength. I’ve launched a successful consulting business. I’ve reconnected with my local community. And I’ve realized what a positive difference I can make by sharing my experiences and journey.

So, here’s to you, 2013. The best worst year I’ve ever had!

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 20

Today, I stumbled across an article about year-end performance reviews. As others are getting nerved up about giving or receiving the dreaded annual feedback, I smirked with satisfaction knowing I’d found another reason to be grateful for my downsized job. Let’s be honest, performance reviews are uncomfortable at best, and painful at worst.

Here are a few of my favorite performance review memories from past corporate life:

·         The year I went into my performance review on January 25^th and my manager asked where I was on July 10^th. I don’t know about you, but it’s a struggle for me to recall where I was six days ago, let alone six months ago!

·         The year I went into my performance review and was told I should be more assertive with my ideas and opinions – followed by the subsequent year when I was told I should be less assertive with my ideas and opinions. Hugh?

·         The year I went into my performance review, spoke for 45 minutes about my goals and accomplishments and the manager responded with, “I like your necklace.” Uhh, thanks?

So, here’s to everyone who will be enduring the dreaded annual performance reviews this year. Just hold your head high, bring your daily journal, be assertive – or not, and wear a fabulous necklace!

 

What's your favorite performance review memory? Let us know in the comments!

 

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach her at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 19

You Know That Annoying Person?

We’ve all seen them. That annoying person who lingers a bit too long at the coffee bar, making small talk with the barista. They talk about the weather, current events, and offer unsolicited business advice.

Yep, I’ve turned into that person. Although I’ve launched Marketing Flexibility and I’m busy working with clients during the week, it’s just not the same as being part of a full time team. The kind of team that rallies together when times get tough and there’s cake in the conference room. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I’m doing. Now that I’m working in the consulting world, businesses call me when times are tough. I get the satisfaction of rallying their team and creating strategies that work. But at the end of the day, I’m alone in my office while their team celebrates victory in the conference room.  

I Always Dreaded Team Building Events

Now that I’m out of the corporate world, I can admit that I always dreaded team building events. Let’s be honest here, who really gets excited about an afternoon of trust falls with co-workers? Or, how about those awkward dunk tanks? Do you really want to see your boss in a bathing suit?

So, I was surprised when I read wistfully about a company picnic one of my client’s hosted for their employees. My invitation had obviously been lost in the mail, and I felt a bit like Charlie Brown standing by the mailbox. For the first time, I realized that my new career has positioned me as an outsider. I’m the expert, the consultant, the person who delivers solutions. What I’m not is a fully integrated member of the team. No free hot dogs for me!

Cake for One?

The only thing sadder than hanging out in a crowded conference room eating cake is hovering over a pan of brownies alone. There’s just no one to hold you accountable for that third slab of brownie! So, what’s an entrepreneur to do? Well, hang out at the local coffee shop and make small talk with the barista, of course!

It’s not all bad. I’ve met some fascinating people at the coffee shop. If you see me there, stop by and say hello. If I’m on the third brownie, please stop me!

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 18

Shedding the last of Corporate America

As I’ve worked to rebuild my life, career and happiness this year, there has been one little thing staring back at me and making me a bit uncomfortable. I mean, literally, staring back at me. It was my profile picture, taken as a professional business shot when I worked in Corporate America. Oh sure, it was nice. Very appropriate, Photo Shopped to remove each imperfection, and every hair in place. But, over the past eight months, it started to taunt me. Who was this person? She looked so together, so professional, so…. boring!

Time for a New Image

No, I don’t mean the makeover kind, I mean the literal kind. I needed a new electronic image. A new profile pic. One which reflects that I’m human and not a Stepford Wife. So, I called up my good friends at Titus Photography to hook me up!

When picture day came, I suddenly felt awkward. I started questioning whether I was being ridiculous and my current profile pic was, in fact, just fine. Or, maybe I was just trying to talk myself out of it. Let’s face it – no one likes picture day at school. It’s too much work. What should I wear? How should I smile? Is that a zit on my chin?!

But, drawing on my 2013 theme of what do I have to lose, I summoned the courage and trekked to the studio. It felt a lot like the high school senior picture session I had 22 years ago – with Spanx replacing spandex and under-eye concealer replacing eyeliner in the 2013 version.

How Much is that Doggie in the Window?

After the session, I waited for delivery of my images. When the CD arrived in the mail, I popped it in to survey the results. On initial look, I thought, “Wow! These look great!” Then I noticed something I hadn’t seen in my Corporate America photos. I looked really, really happy. Like, dog hanging her head out the window on a summer day happy. Wow, I guess self-employment really agrees with me! I looked through the images until I found the perfect profile pic. One that reflects my personality and happiness, but was also taken later in the session, giving my face muscles time to tire out and loosen up that Cocker Spaniel smile.

So, I give you the new and improved Kristina Marsh profile pic! No more Corporate America staring back at me from the corner of my social media screens. Thanks, Titus Photography, for helping me shed the last of it!

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 17

I never saw it coming, but it happened last Friday. Perhaps it was the weather. We woke up to a beautiful, crisp day in Michigan. It was beginning to feel like fall and the changing seasons always did invigorate me. Maybe that’s why I’ve stayed planted in Michigan so long, despite the bitter cold of winter.

When I woke up on Friday, the stress and underlying anxiety I’ve felt since being laid off in January seemed to have disappeared. I’m not sure where it went, and I sure hope it doesn’t find its way back! In fact, despite the uncertainty that comes with owning my own business, I found myself thinking that layoff just may have been the best thing that ever happened to me.  

Let’s break down the 24 hours leading up to this:

9:00 a.m., Thursday, I went to the dentist for my semi-annual checkup. No cavities! Off to a good start!

1:30 p.m., Thursday, I went to a client meeting, where I was told I had earned my fee in the value I provided two weeks into a four week project. Not bad for the ego! I’ll still show up next week.

4:30 p.m., Thursday, I discovered my favorite apple orchard had opened for the season. Now, if you’re not from Michigan, you may not understand how loyal we are to our favorite caramel apples and cider donuts. They’re only available for a limited time every year, people! I scored my favorite, nutty chocolate chip caramel apple, and headed home.

6:00 p.m., Thursday, I drove carpool duty for my son’s football team. I love football season! GO LANCERS!!!

9:00 p.m., Thursday, I arrived home from carpool duty to find my favorite pasta take out waiting for me. GO HUSBAND!!!

7:30 a.m., Friday, I met a great friend for breakfast. As she filled me in on the latest office drama and politics, I realized how thankful I am to be removed from it all. The last drama in the Marketing Flexibility office revolved around who ate the last Oreo (I’m looking at you, interns)!

10:00 a.m., Friday, I met a former colleague for coffee. As we discussed his new venture, my new company, and shared ideas, I felt the last regret and disappointment slip away. In fact, I realized that I had been unsatisfied, restless and feeling stuck for two years prior to being downsized. Hmm. Maybe everything does happen for a reason?

As I write this, an intern just lifted a Crispy Fudge Mint off from my desk. I tell you, if it’s not an Oreo, it’s a Crispy Fudge Mint! The drama around here never ends!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 16

I’m writing today from 30,000 feet, on an airplane somewhere over Minnesota. It’s been a long time since I’ve traveled on a business trip, but here I sit, on my way to Salt Lake City to support a Marketing Flexibility client at a tradeshow. And as I travel, I’m considering what a long journey this year has been. Together, my family and I have weathered some storms and conquered some mountains. I’m truly blessed to have them.

It’s a strange thing to travel. I can’t help but watch the strangers around me and wonder where they’re going; what personal journey they may be on this year. Are they happy? Are they sad? Whatever their journey, I hope they are as blessed with family and friends as I am.

Next to me sits a young man, maybe 20 years old. He’s traveling alone, fidgeting and flipping through a Sky Mall magazine while listening to his iPod. I wonder where he’s going today, and I hope it’s someplace good. Several rows ahead, a mother is trying to sooth her crying baby. I want to say, “don’t rush it, the time goes by all too quickly”. Our son will turn 13 this year, and I don’t know where the time has gone. Across the aisle sits a beautiful little girl, about the same age as our 8-year-old daughter. She looks happy, and we share some stolen glances and smiles. I think she’s with grandma, and they seem happy to be sharing each other’s company.

Somewhere on the plane is the couple I saw stealing kisses at the gate. Are they on their honeymoon? Perhaps it’s an anniversary. I see business travelers who are all business. In a hurry. Gotta get where they’re going to close the deal. I want to tell them to slow down and enjoy life. That I learned a valuable lesson this year about time and priorities. But, that lesson may come on their own personal journey.

156 people on the same plane, traveling, at least for a short time, to the same city. All on their own paths and on their own journeys. I feel good today, like this year is just the beginning of my amazing journey.

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.