Making It Big in the Brave New World

gig /'gig/ n. a job usually for a specified time

When you have been right-sized in a down-sized economy and full-time employment is no longer immediately available, you have to think about your career in a new way. Consider doing what actors, actresses, and musicians have always done - look for gigs. Gigging is picking up projects, pitching opportunities, raising your hand to volunteer, and frankly seizing the day by being willing to shift gears and change hats.

It's cool, entrepreneurial, and affords control and autonomy. But you have to work at gigging and be a strong advocate for your time, experience, and talent.

There's also an expanded view of gigging - gigging has to happen within companies as well. It's an attitude of "How can I help?" "Where can I add value that I haven't before?" "How can my entrepreneurial spirit kick in, inside my company?" Because inside or outside, everyone's job is picking up new gigs.

So let's look at the job of getting a job. If you are displaced right now, start moving. Work begets work. If you need the income, look for paid opportunities. If you don't need the income, look for areas of strength and interest that have never been exploited or explored in your past careers.

You could be headed in a whole new direction with greater satisfaction and freedom. It's how most businesses get started - you see a niche, you have a talent, and you make it happen. Personally, I like the mantra - Think Big, Start Small, Move Fast. Sara Blakely started Spanx nine years ago with $5,000 and a pair of pantyhose. Today, it is a multi- million dollar business selling an ever expanded line of products around the world. More businesses were started right after the dot-com bust than ever before. Why not after this down-turn as well?

So a gig could be consulting with your former company, taking on a part-time paid project, getting a board position with a not-for-profit organization, freelance writing, and/or website development. It could also be part-time bookkeeping, selling for a direct-sell products company, teaching your favorite hobby (stained glass, golf, tennis, or piano lessons). Why not further your formal education? Would a Six Sigma certification, LEED certification, a real estate license or another professional certification in your industry be important? You get the idea.

Gigging "Outside the Box"

There was always a bit of uncertainty and I figured, if there's going to be uncertainty, I might as well be in control of it. Ryan Anderson The American dream isn't just about a house in the suburbs anymore – for a lot of people, it's now about determining what they love to do and making that happen. Sara Horowitz In this economy, a job isn't just a job – it's a pastiche of part-time gigs, project contracts and fill-in freelance work. Tina Brown - Quotes

Gigging substantially increases your personal reach and your network. Two-thirds of full-time jobs over $60,000 are found through networking, not the internet. Gigging also provides the intangible benefit of good vibes on an important interview. When you are busy, active, and enjoying your gigs - your communication, energy and self-confidence show up in job interviews. Like a runner who keeps running in between races, you will continue to be at the top of your game.

Inside a company, gigging is just as important. Being fully employed today is a blessing. So raise your hand for new opportunities. Think like an entrepreneur. If you owned this company, what ideas would help it grow?

Consider offering your fresh and timely ideas to a senior person, even if you are junior. Senior people don't have all the answers and another well-informed view could be very welcomed. Network outside your group with others in the same function and offer to share best practices. Speak up in a positive, energizing way in meetings. Continue gigging your job by staying late and finishing a project early. It gets noticed!

If you speak or write another language, make sure that's known within your company. If you have traveled extensively, offer to help others design their vacation. Help plan the sales meeting, annual retreat, recognition lunch, or retirement party. Be proactive. Think ahead. Offer your assistance.

Probably the very best gig you can get is helping your direct boss succeed by taking some time-consuming projects off his/her plate. Consider the results your boss is charged to produce, determine where you can add value, and schedule time to offer assistance. Offer your help outside of your job description.

When business is going well, we can afford to be more critical and demanding. When the economic cycle is down and people are feeling the pain of it, we have to find opportunities to add energy and value everywhere we can - in big and small ways.

Keep working on making 2009 your best year ever!