Always play forward

During my career as a college basketball coach I had the opportunity to work with and learn from quite a few world-class players and coaches. And, while they each had their own individual talents and philosophies that made them great, there were a few basic principles that almost all of them had in common. These traits included a tremendous work ethic, dedication, tenacity and positive thinking and are traits not only shared by successful athletes but people successful in life, as well.

However, there is one precept that I continually stressed with all of my players and teams that I think is particularly applicable currently in the business world as we try to deal with the difficulties of a struggling economy. Rick Majerus, one of the coaches that I admire most in the college basketball ranks, summed this tenant up best, saying "never play backwards - always play forward." Too many times in my dealings as the executive director of the Sparks Chamber of Commerce do I see business owners and professionals, when faced with distress, overly preoccupied with placing blame and asking "how" and "why" did I get here, rather than accepting the situation and asking "what" can I do to work through adversity and find success.

Unfortunately, over the past year, layoffs have become commonplace and northern Nevada's unemployment rate has skyrocketed. It can be difficult, especially for those looking for work, to focus on what's to come instead of what has happened. There's no doubt that the economy will recover. And, while it won't be long before companies begin hiring, it is likely that job descriptions will have changed. It is therefore imperative that professionals, both employed and unemployed, diversify their skill set and ready themselves for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Recently, I had a particularly enlightening conversation with a local small business owner who specializes in helping professionals find employment and preparing them for an evolving workforce. Sean McCaffrey is the president and CEO of 'Your Job Toolbox.com' and he shared with me a few key points that any job-seeker should keep in mind while looking for work in today's economic climate:

1. Identify your niche(s) in the marketplace. Assess your experience, skills, education and passion. What are your transferrable skills? Then...

2. Create a game plan. Research the companies and sectors that hire to this niche. How many possible employers are there? How are you going to come in contact with the appropriate decision maker at each company? Once identified, put your plan into action.

3. Massage your sales tools (resumes, cover letters) for optimal results. Make sure they are tailored to the appropriate audience.

4. Develop your sales force. Make sure you are networking effectively to build relationships. Building relationships in business will ensure more long term, fruitful success.

5. Be Pro-Cubed! Pro-fessional, Pro-active and Pro-you. Master your ability to make a first impression. Develop a positive attitude. Recognize your environment. Make sure you're well prepared and positioned for opportunity.

6. Be prepared for 'the interview.' Research the company and develop appropriate, thoughtful questions. Likewise, be prepared to answer difficult questions. Make sure to leave a lasting impression and make sure to follow-up appropriately.

7. Even after you've earned the position, be sure to continue to enhance your skills and develop new ones.

Sean also pointed out that many Americans are using present labor struggles as a chance to enhance their education. And, while this is definitely a good thing that will help to develop a more qualified labor pool, it is important to make sure that going back to school is a purposeful endeavor. It is extremely beneficial to identify the business trends of the future and take classes related to them. Too many people are returning to school with the best of intentions, only to study fields that aren't in demand in the business world.

Additionally, it is important to take advantage of the various services that universities and other educational institutions offer to help students get placed in the job market.

The Sparks Chamber has made it a priority to develop and offer programs and services that help our members survive the hardships of the present, but also prepare them for future prosperity. And, as we try and cultivate a forward-thinking mentality, I have had the privilege of working with many of the area's outstanding non-profit organizations to develop a series of free "mini-seminars" that will be offered to northern Nevada's businesswoman and men at no charge, helping them to expand their skill sets and plan for what's to come. But, agencies like the Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Service Corp of

Retired Executives (SCORE) and the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative specialize in helping businesses succeed and professionals find employment and offer their services year-round to the public. In other words, not only is it crucial to always "play forward," there are many programs and people in this community that specialize in helping you achieve business success and provide a great support network.

There is no use playing backwards. Sometimes business and economics, like life and sport, just happen.

Just as successful athletes are able to shake off a bad quarter or half, make the necessary adjustments and perform "in the moment," successful professionals also have to accept the situation and circumstances of the present, and commit themselves to taking the necessary steps to achieve success.

Len Stevens is the executive director of the Sparks Chamber of Commerce. The Sparks Chamber is one of northern Nevada's largest business organizations with more than half of its membership coming from Reno and other communities outside of Sparks. For information on the chamber and its workforce development "mini-seminars," log onto www.sparkschamber.org.