Odd title?  You bet!  As it turns out, however, if we really “own” the current economic environment, we become innovative.  Being innovative in times of crises is all about survival — and success.  I recently heard Suze Orman give a presentation in which the primary message was, “Stand in your own truth.”  She declared that the American Dream has changed dramatically during this recession . . . scary stuff, but in many ways quite true.  For some individuals and corporations, standing in our “truth” is not a pleasant experience.   

So we innovate.  Many individuals have become innovative and are re-inventing their careers.  This often means investing in their skills.  Many corporations (also in survival mode) have done the same thing.  The similarities among individuals and corporations are often striking.  The economic environment has people and companies to revitalize their future.

As an example, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts have spent the last few years working to revitalize their product, service, AND brand.  Changes include the Link Sheraton interactive lobby, their fitness centers and club lounges.  The corporation is now launching a $20 million advertising campaign to spotlight the changes.  Hoyt Harper, Senior VP of Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, stated recently that, “The hardest part now is perception.  We have to encourage people to try it.”   

Individuals who have revitalized their future, perhaps by growing their skills and improving their “brand” often have the same challenge. Altering the perception of prospective employers.  It’s not reasonable to craft an advertising campaign, but it is important to get a tune-up for our resume to spotlight our new skills.  It’s also important to sharpen our interviewing skills.  Many individuals now carry personal business cards to distribute when we network.  Networking is another component of our “advertising campaign”.  The vast majority employers rely upon networking to find their future staff members, and rarely publish the available positions.   

For the full story about Sheraton, visit http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article_print.aspx?articleID=21829,

For the full story about resume, interviewing skills and networking techniques, visit http://www.dctc.edu/future-students/services/career-services/index.cfm.  Your Dakota County Technical College business and management faculty member is also a terrific resource.