What do you do if you want to maintain industry connections during a layoff?

?? Opportunities for Thought Leadership: Joining webinars, panels, or online forums can make you a respected expert in your field, boosting your professional reputation. ?? Building Resilient Networks: Virtual networking builds strong networks that endure challenges like layoffs or economic downturns. These diverse connections provide support, advice, and opportunities during tough times. ?? Networking for Freelance and Gig Opportunities: Virtual networking is great for freelancers and independent professionals seeking gig opportunities. Online platforms connect them with clients and projects, expanding their job options beyond traditional employment.

To maintain industry connections during a layoff, proactively communicate with former colleagues and industry contacts via professional networking platforms. Attend virtual industry events and webinars to stay updated and engaged. Share relevant insights and resources on social media to demonstrate continued involvement in the field. Offer assistance to others in your network and seek opportunities for collaboration or freelance work. Keeping communication channels open fosters relationships and ensures a seamless transition back into the workforce when the time is right.

Start adding peers and colleagues to your Linkedin network early when you start a new position or when you first meet them. The best time to network and get to know people is when you are already employed and don't actually need a job. These interactions can then develop more naturally over time and not be transactional or based out of necessity. You can't control when a layoff will happen, but if you network well ahead of time, it becomes much easier to stay in touch after it happens. During or after the layoff, stay in touch virtually and show solidarity by sharing #OpentoWork posts. Some people even create online groups to stay in close touch via Discord or Messenger. Leverage those groups to share resources and stay engaged.

?? Industry events can help you get referred or recommended by colleagues, peers, or contacts in your field. This can lead to meeting potential employers, clients, or business partners. ?? If you're a freelancer, consultant, or entrepreneur, attending industry events can increase awareness of your brand, attract potential clients or partners, and let more people see what you're good at and what services you offer. ?? Going to international industry events or conferences lets you learn about job opportunities in other countries. You can find out about jobs, consider moving to new places, or think about working with people from around the world who do similar work as you.

Attend industry events with the mindset of wanting to learn, exchange and get to know people - going with the mindset of looking for a job can be detrimental to your interactions and contacts could feel like you are transactionally connecting with them only out of necessity. Industry events are a great way to stay in touch with what is happening, learn about trends and exchange naturally on topics you may be passionate about with like-minded people. Personally, I would not bring up the layoff within the first discussion - I would approach these events with the thought of "how can I provide value?" to any discussion I am part of. If you make a positive, non-transactional impression, opportunities will come.

?? When the mentor shares their experience, it tells the mentee what they're feeling after being laid off is okay. It shows them that feeling shocked, disappointed, or anxious is normal in this situation and that they're not the only ones going through it. ?? When the mentor talks about their layoff, it helps the mentee see the possible problems in their own career journey. By hearing about the mistakes or problems the mentor faced, the mentee can make smarter choices and avoid similar issues in their own career.

?? During future job interviews, you will face inquiries about your activities during any employment gap, particularly after experiencing a layoff. It's essential to provide a thoughtful and compelling response that highlights how you utilized this time productively and proactively. ?? During a layoff, learning digital skills and how to work remotely can help you find freelance or remote job opportunities. You can work from anywhere and connect with clients or employers worldwide. ?? Improving your skills during a layoff helps you build long-term career strength. It allows you to handle future challenges, changes, and uncertainties in the job market.

Layoffs can be traumatic and unless your financial situation dictates it, it's not a bad idea to take some time to heal and rediscover yourself. Why not take some time to study topics you may not have had time to explore before, or enrolling in programs you were to busy to enroll in? Of course, your time does not have to be productive all the time, but using your time productively will have a positive impact on your resume and will provide you with many interesting topics to discuss when you network during the time off work.

?? By sharing content, you can help solve problems that others in your industry often face. Offering useful advice or solutions shows that you're good at fixing problems and makes people trust you as a reliable source of help. ?? If you're switching careers or trying out new industries, making content isn't just about showing your skills and experiences. It's a great chance to help with your transition, gain trust in the new field, and open doors to new opportunities and growth.

?? Reaching out personally helps mix ideas and skills from different industries. This leads to collaborations where people from various backgrounds work together, bringing fresh ideas and innovation from their fields. ?? When you reach out personally, it can start reverse mentoring. This means you learn from younger or less experienced people in your network. They can teach you about new trends, technologies, and viewpoints, refreshing how you see your career.

When you are post layoffs the urge to hermit is strong. The urge to hide in what feels a lot like shame will become strong. Don't get trapped there! Do all you can to send outreach messages, update your photo to open to work, make the post that feels like you are sharing your soul. It will only help you in the end, people will always surprise you in how they are able to help. Open yourself up, it will help!

Take the time to heal. Layoffs can be a traumatic event and although they are usually business decisions that have little or nothing to do with your personal performance, it's easy to let it affect your confidence. Take the time to rest, vent (if needed), heal and evaluate the next steps of your career to ensure you are not rushing out of necessity. Don't let yourself ruminate for too long, it's easy to stay stuck in a negative mindset, but moving forward (no matter how long it takes) is the only way. Everyone will have an opinion on what you should do, but listen to yourself and what you want. In the end, if you listen to yourself, there is no wrong step, there are only steps forward.

Maintaining industry connections during a layoff is paramount for future career prospects. It's advisable to diversify your network by engaging with professionals from diverse sectors and actively participating in virtual events like webinars and conferences. Offering assistance, sharing industry insights, and maintaining a strong online presence through relevant content and discussions are key strategies. Seek mentorship, explore freelance opportunities, and approach challenges with a growth-oriented mindset for sustained success.