Everywhere you turn, you hear about how bad things are. The economy is turbulent, people are losing their jobs and holding their wallets a bit tighter than they used to. If you’re trying to run a business, things are tough. If you’re out of work, things are even tougher. For these exact reasons, now more than ever, it is time to throw your pennies away.
A penny for your thoughts
What are you good at? What do you love? Once and for all, what would you do if you had a million dollars and never had to work another day in your life? Now is your time – do that.
This isn’t a quit your job and follow your dreams mantra. That’s probably for another day. And in this economy, that might not be the right path to follow. This is about understanding the power of recommendation in the new networked world. We could give it a silly word, call it something two-point-oh, but what it really boils down to is social karma.
Caring is currency
Throughout this downturn, smart business minds maintain that you should continue marketing. Maintain or increase your share of voice in the market, and your customers will remember you when things come back. This doesn’t have to be billboards, or print, or even pay-per-click! Caring is currency too.
Throw your pennies away
Chances are, if you’re passionate about something, you are an expert in your field. I mean that. Often, we surround ourselves with peers who are also experts – and we forget the value of what we know. Take two big steps away from your respective fishbowl, and look around.
Can you find someone who will benefit from what you know? Give them a penny. We’re not talking about backing up the Brinks truck or giving them your ATM pin here, just a penny.
Consult with someone for an hour. Write a white paper. Give away an e-book. Help out a not-for-profit. These days, everyone is a so-called expert. Demonstrate what you know. Prove it.
Let karma pay you back
Caring has always been a good game plan, but now that we’re all connected, karma is more valuable than ever. You might not ever see a dime from that person that you helped, but that’s one more person in the world who knows about your expertise.
Take the time to establish yourself now as a knowledgeable, passionate, caring human being. The economy will turn around, and when it does, karma will be waiting with more pennies than you know what to do with.
How are you planning on helping?