Picture this: the market dips, deals fall through, your pipeline dries up … are you prepared? 

The point isn’t to sound the alarm. It’s to help you recognize that preparation is key, and that you shouldn’t wait to start building your skill set or expanding your network. It’s true – economic downturns are inevitable. But how do you stay on top of your game when the market gets shaky?

Here, you’ll find your roadmap for recession-proofing your sales career (or any career, for that matter). Let’s get started and explore some sure-fire ways to keep those wins coming, even when the going gets tough.

1. Become a Top Performer

Take initiative. Manage up. Ask for help. Do everything you can to excel in your current role. Consistently exceeding your manager’s expectations is a powerful way to position yourself for success down the line.

By actively demonstrating your dedication, resourcefulness, and ability to make a significant impact, you increase your own marketability, attracting opportunities that align with your interests. Remember – potential employers look for individuals who can hit the ground running and become a valuable asset from day one. Don’t make them look too far.

Give it your all. The more impressive your skills and achievements, the easier it’ll be to recover from a setback. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned sales professional, here are some valuable tips for how to stand out and make an impression.  

2. Invest in Yourself

If there’s one thing you’ll always have control over, it’s yourself. By investing in your professional development and continually upgrading your skill set, you become a more valuable asset, increasing your chances of staying relevant and in-demand even during challenging times.

So how would you go about this? Enroll in some online courses that spark your interest. Earn industry certifications. Attend workshops in your area. Keep in mind that the skills you develop as a sales rep can take you anywhere, and the more you do to strengthen your position at your current company, the more attractive you’ll become to potential employers, should you need to explore new opportunities.

In the end, it’s a win-win – you become a more well-rounded professional while recession-proofing your career against economic uncertainties.

3. Craft a Personal Brand

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” But in today’s competitive job market, there’s another crucial factor: who you are. That’s where your personal brand comes in.

Having a strong resume isn’t enough. Your personal brand – the way you present yourself and your skills to the world – is what sets you apart. It’s essentially how you want people to perceive you and encompasses your values, expertise, and accomplishments. Building a personal brand is like writing a compelling story – it defines who you are and what you stand for as a professional.

So why is this important? A well-developed personal brand acts as a magnet, attracting the right opportunities and people to you. Think about what kind of impact you want to make on your prospects. What will make you memorable, so that when managers, clients, or collaborators search for someone with your experience, you’re the obvious choice? 

Unlock the secrets with this guide to personal branding and learn how to make a lasting impression. Are you ready to become a force to be reckoned with?

4. Network, Network, Network

Imagine a safety net woven from professional connections. That’s the power of networking during good times – and it’s especially crucial during a recession. When economic downturns hit, hiring freezes become common. But a strong network can be your secret weapon to navigating a tough job market.

The key lies in building relationships now, not scrambling to make connections once the storm hits. By reaching out to colleagues, industry professionals, and former classmates, you can get the inside scoop on new opportunities and trends and even secure referrals in the process. A large portion of jobs aren’t posted publicly – they’re filled through word-of-mouth recommendations. So head to social media or LinkedIn and make those connections. The more people who recognize your value now, the less time you’ll spend searching for a job later.

5. Stay Up-to-Date

Just because you love your current job doesn’t mean you should put your development on autopilot. The world of work is constantly evolving, and you never know when lay-offs might happen. Staying open to possibilities keeps you informed and prepared. Think of it like having a fire escape – you may never need it, but it’s a valuable safety measure in case circumstances change.

Keeping your resume and portfolio updated is a crucial part of this “be prepared” mindset. Make sure to showcase your accomplishments and turn them into value propositions. Don’t just list duties; highlight your impact by mentioning how you consistently surpassed quotas or improved win rates, for example. By dedicating a bit of time now to keeping your professional toolkit updated, you’ll save yourself time and stress in the long run.

Keep an eye out for open positions, stay up-to-date on who’s hiring, and put your best foot forward. The rest will fall into place.