The Comeback Kit: Failing Forward

The corporate scene is looking dismal in the recent times and my heart goes out every time I read posts from people affected. I therefore decided to share a story from my life that I hope will inspire you to keep pushing forward.

In 2007, during the midst of a global recession, I faced a setback that left me feeling like a total loser. My job was made redundant due to politics, and I was forced to leave an office I loved. But I didn't let this setback define me. Instead, the first lesson that I learned was to stay passionate but not emotionally invested in any job to the point that a change of scene would traumatize me.

After staring at the ceiling for a week feeling sorry for myself, I began reaching out to my network of contacts to let them know I was open to new opportunities. And while it may have seemed like there was no hope, magic happened. 

I was offered a training assignment by a former contact, and I delivered with great success. 

At this point it’s also important to mention that I had never done an independent project before. So, a great deal of learning went into preparing myself from learning to make a proper proposal to following up with accounts for payment, etc. none of which I had exposure to. But I wasn’t scared to learn. From the time I got the nod for the project to the actual date of delivery, I spent hours learning and researching to ensure my assignment would be seamless.

From then on, I started to study the market to understand the need for training still available and began setting up meetings proactively with various people in my contact list. But here was the next challenge. I did not have an office to invite people to! Nor did I have the fund to rent one and that would also not justify the investment at that point.

I had to be creative. 

I approached my local coffee shop and requested a cozy corner seating area for meetings, and they agreed. It worked wonders. Surprisingly I had a higher number of acceptances for the meetings. Also, decision-makers were less guarded in an informal setting, and I started getting regular assignments more easily. And the more I tasted success, the harder I worked to make the next project go notches up! Looking back I could call it a start up actually and I must say I surprised myself at my own ability to become an accidental but successful entrepreneur.

I however moved to a different country in 2010 and hence went back to the corporate world but I now know that if I ever were to move into entrepreneurship again, I would do it with aplomb.

Going back to my accidental start up, I learned several important success mantras:

1. Always look for the upturn within a downturn.

2. Be passionate about your job but don’t attach emotions unnecessarily

3. Maintain relationships and keep working on your network, as these are the very people who will help you in tough times.

4. Be ready to learn and adapt, and don't get stuck on designations or certain figures of salaries.

5. Be creative and make the most of your available resources.

6. Never lose faith in your own abilities and you will be sure to surprise yourself once you push the boundaries.

These mantras have helped me become a seasoned professional and a successful Training Professional. And I know they can help you too. So the next time you face a setback, remember to stay passionate, keep the faith, and also these success mantras in mind.