Recession. Unemployment. Disaster.

The keywords of an article I opened for the research to this article. Nice. I am sure you woke up with a similar choice of words blaring from the radio. And yet...

Many people I know have been able to steer the proverbial ship through the choppy waves of the pandemic. They are not only surviving but thriving. Do you want to be one of them? Here are 3 ways to beat the trend:

1. Raise your online profile. Posting articles about your field of expertise shows potential employers or clients what you can bring to the table. To make it easier, write down 5 problems your clients face and turn this into the foundation for a content plan. Decide which day of the week can become your "writing day" and create your content for the week. Don't forget to engage before and after your post!

2. Network - analogue and digitally. People buy from people. Find ways to meet others - joining a (business) book club or a private membership club is still possible (I have done both and it has helped my business as well as my mental health). This is the perfect time for introverts to get out there- you don't have to show up in person, a zoom meeting is all it takes. Be helpful and don't expect anything in return when giving advice- networking isn't a one-way street.

3. Invest in yourself. Whether it's writing content, time management or a creating a business plan - if you are stuck and have been for more than 6 months it's time to call in the experts. And before you ask: Yes, that's exactly what I've done this year- and it's the reason you're reading this article (plus my kitchen looks like a dream after I finally got that home organiser in but that's another story). It will be hard work- but it will be worth it.

Ready to raise your profile? Then just ignore the naysayers and focus on your own keywords instead: Chance. Opportunity. Success.