About This Issue
Every time you read the news these days, it seems as though another company is announcing layoffs. In this issue of The Animal Science Monitor, we provide answers to some of the questions you might have about the nature of the job market and how you can best protect your interests. If you haven't yet noticed, we've also changed the look of The ASM website, and we have information regarding that change and what it means to you. No matter what your situation or concerns, we hope that this issue of The Animal Science Monitor will provide you with what you need to navigate the pitfalls in today's market and ultimately, to reach your goals.

-Dan & Don

Join Our 'Animal Science Monitor' Group on LinkedIn!
(By Matt Deutsch)

To illustrate our commitment to constructing a community within the animal science and animal agriculture, we at The ASM have created yet another way in which you can join our community.

First and foremost is the forum, which can be found on the newly designed Animal Science Monitor website.  (For more information about that re-design, see the article below.)

However, we've also created an "Animal Science Monitor" group on LinkedIn, the professional networking site.  As such, we'd like to invite you to join the group for the purposes of interacting, exchanging information, and networking.

Of course, in order to do so, you must have an account with LinkedIn.  Visit www.linkedin.com to create one.  Once you've done that, you can join the group by following the steps below:

1. Login to Linkedin.
2. Click the "Groups" button on the left-hand side of the page.
3. Click the 'Find a Group" button under 'Groups Directory."
4. Type 'Animal Science Monitor" into the box located under 'Search Groups," and then click the 'Search" button.
5. Once the "Animal Science Monitor" group appears in your search results, click the "Join this group" link.

That's all it takes.  Since we began this group last week, membership has been growing steadily, but our mantra is "the more, the merrier."  That's why we'd like you to join.  At The ASM, we're proponents of networking, and LinkedIn is a great way in which to expand your network of contacts.

Not that you should forget the new ASM site.  Quite the contrary.  Visit us often, and don't forget to start a discussion in our forum.  We want to build a community, and we want it to include you.

If you have any feedback, thoughts, or suggestions about our endeavors, we'd like to hear them.  Send all correspondence to matt@animalsciencemonitor.com.

A New Look for The ASM Website
(By Matt Deutsch)

At The Animal Science Monitor, we talk a lot about constantly improving yourself and evolving as a person or as an organization . . . so we would be remiss if we didn't do those things as a newsletter, as well.  That's why we're pleased to draw attention to The ASM website.  We want to draw attention to it because the site has been re-designed for a number of different reasons, some of which I outlined in my article in the January 6 issue ("Not Just a Newsletter, but a Community").

In that article, I discussed some of the ways in which we're seeking to reach the next stage in the development of the newsletter, and the new website design is just one of those ways.  Below are some of the specific areas of the website that have been changed:

• The look of the site-We believe this new look is sharper and more aesthetically pleasing than in the past.

• The Forum-As I mentioned last month, this is the centerpiece of the new website design.  The forum is a brand-new feature of The ASM website, one that we hope will contribute the most in terms of promoting the community aspects of both the newsletter and the site.  We encourage you to participate in the forum on a consistent basis and check back often for new and compelling discussions.

• Blogs-Dan Simmons and Don Hunter will be blogging about relevant topics throughout the course of the year.  Most of what they blog about will pertain to the job market and what they see happening within the animal science and animal nutrition industries.  (Please note that you will have to register on the site with a username and password in order to post comments on the forum or post comments to a blog entry.)

• Poll-This is also a new feature.  Every week or so, a new question will be posed on the home page of the website.  In addition, you'll also be able to view the results of previous poll questions.  Like the forum, we encourage you to participate in the poll, and if you have any poll question ideas, you can email those to us at matt@animalsciencemonitor.com.

• 'Video Link of the Month'-We will now include the "Video Link of the Month" for each month of the current year on the home page of the website, specifically on the right-hand side of the page.  If you visit there now, you'll see January's video, the "Budweiser Rocky Horse Super Bowl Commercial."

• Other links-As before, you can view previous issues of the newsletter in our archives section.  In addition, you can check out our "Animal Science Events Calendar," as well as access links to a number of graduate programs around the country.

• Even more links - There's a separate page on the site that provides links to some of the most pertinent associations and organizations in the industry.

We're very excited about this re-design of The ASM website and also about our efforts to help the newsletter continue to evolve and take the next step in its development.  We're truly striving to make this not just a newsletter, but a community.

If you have any comments or suggestions about how we can accomplish this, we want to hear from you.  Send your comments to matt@animalsciencemonitor.com, and I look forward to seeing you on the forum!

Six Steps for Bulletproofing Your Career
(By Dan Simmons)

Normally, I write tips to help you build your team.  This article, however, is a little more personal; it's about you.  Let's consider the present world situation: we have new leadership in Washington, we have an economy that's been ugly, and people with great talent are being laid off from stable companies.  That's right, good companies are laying off great talent for business reasons or a change in direction.  During the past few months, I have seen more great resumes than I've seen in years-and this could happen to you.  To keep such a predicament from becoming a large problem, I recommend taking the following steps immediately:

#1-Network all the time

Sharing ideas with colleagues is always a good idea, and having that network inside and outside of your company is wise.  Staying in touch with them during tough times just to drop them a note about what you're doing and to find out how they are and what they're working on is smart networking.  This way, if you need to reach out for tips on finding your next job, you'll be a regular contact, not simply someone who's using them in a time of need.

#2-Document your accomplishments

By keeping track of your achievements, awards, and employee reviews, you will be able to create your resume in minutes, show potential employers that you are a star without having to brag, and provide references without a call being made.  That's right; your employee review is the best reference check available.  Walk into the interview with a list of awards and copies of great employee reviews and you will have their attention.

#3-Continued education

Everyone wants to buy state-of-the-art.  That's why last year's car models are always cheaper than this year and they give away cell phones that don't have the latest bells and whistles while charging you for those that do.  The same is true of employers; they want to hire people who are current in their skills and knowledge.  There are many associations and websites that can get/keep you up to speed.  Log on!

#4-Stay in touch with recruiters in your field

Sure, this is self-promotion, but it's also good advice.  Recruiters see job opportunities that the public does not.  Contact recruiters you trust and let them know what's going on in your career.

#5-Have open discussions about your career goals with your family

You and yours should talk about your career(s), the prospect for advancement or continued employment, your goals, and your restrictions.  Yes, restrictions.  This includes items such as (a) we cannot relocate until the kids are out of high school, (b) I do not want to leave while my parent(s) is ill (c), we are upside down in our mortgage, and (d) health issues.  A frank discussion that involves goals, aspirations, and dreams will often help to create a plan.  Find a quiet place and have the discussion.

#6-Have a variety of skills

Here is a personal and professional story.  When I was younger, I worked for a department store chain and befriended one of the buyers, Larry.  After I began my career recruiting in the retail business, I stayed in touch with Larry; he was a pro.  He had operations experience, buying and merchandising experience, could work in small or large operations, and could work in softlines or hardlines.  Larry was extremely well-rounded.

At one point as a store manager for a regional chain, he got a new boss.  This guy was an incredible jerk.  After a couple months of putting up with this aggravation, Larry had enough.  One day, when the boss was riding him about something, he reached into his pocket, handed his boss the keys to the store, and walked out.  Larry had no fear of finding a new position because he had great skills, solid references, and good connections.  He secured a new job in less than a month.  Larry could do it all.  He was the most versatile retailer I have ever met.

Build a well-rounded resume like Larry's (and then send me a copy!).  It not only helps build your career, it builds confidence, as well.

If you have any questions about this article, you can contact me at dan@consearch.com.

For Those in a Rocky Company . . .
(By Don Hunter)

In the previous issue of The ASM, I looked at managing your career while having a great job in this economy.  Today, I'd like to address those folks in a "rocky company," one being buffeted by economic headwinds.  Your plan will include some of what a person with a great job in a strong company applies to their situation.

Even when things are really troubling, you have more control over your circumstances and future then you might realize.  The first step is to take control of the things you can control.  Below I've identified several things for you to consider as you prepare to deal with your present situation.

1. Take on as much work as possible.  You should take on the assignments that no one else wants to do.  Position yourself as the "go-to guy," the one management can go to when things must get done.  The company will be looking for and needing fresh ideas to keep the company going.  Network with other departments so that you can understand the total operation to be able to make suggestions and come up with progressive ideas to improve the company's situation.  Embrace all change that will inevitably be presented-be the champion of these changes and help implement and sell them to your fellow employees as being necessary for future success.
2. Volunteer for projects.  Try to pick those that match your expertise in a particular area.  You'll want to coordinate all or part of the project to demonstrate your leadership qualities. You can demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving ability, along with your commitment to the success of the company.  Just be visible-your words, behavior, participation, and the results that you achieve will get you noticed by your employer.
3. Solidify your position.  You'll want to maximize your current position by going outside of your job description and ask to be trained in other areas of the company.  This will be especially important if your workload diminishes.  When requesting this, emphasize teamwork and your desire for professional development.  You'll learn new skills and solidify your value to the company.
4. Keep your eyes open.  We covered this last month, but it's worth revisiting, as it's a very key point.  You must have an accurate perspective on your company's health and overall business environment.  You have to be able to read the tea leaves, so to speak.  Watch for support staff/temporary worker reductions, product elimination, management restructuring, and hiring/salary freezes, and also listen to the rumor mill-yes, that's right-and learn to trust it!  My experience has been that by the time the rumor mill cranks up, things have been bad for quite a while!  The average worker can often have the best perspective on the health of the company.
5. Update your resume.  This is a crucial marketing tool for finding another job.  Too often, this is left to the last minute and critical information is omitted that could make the difference in acquiring a new position.  Keep your resume up-to-date.  It's a "living," changing document.  If anything, transcribe your successes and achievements and file them away to be added later.
6. Contact a recruiter.  You knew this was coming!  Find a recruiter before you need one.  This is very important so that the recruiter can get to know you, and you know them.  Then you can both be on the same page when it's time to pull the trigger and find a new job.  Find a recruiter who specializes in your field or industry.  They can be your "eyes and ears" within that industry as opportunities present themselves.

I hope that I've given you some food for thought as you develop a plan to deal with your particular situation.  If you've gotten anything from this article, it should be the importance of having a plan.  To "hope" for something is to wish or desire with no action to achieve.  To "plan" for something is the action necessary to achieve.  When you develop a plan with a positive attitude, you'll find that it will always open doors.

If you have any questions about this topic, please send me an email at don@bayresourcegroup.com.  And if you're currently engaged in a job search or are interested in advancing the scope of your career, be sure to send me your resume.  I'd be happy to discuss your career goals and ambitions, including ways in which I can help you to achieve them.  Any exchange of information, including resumes, will be kept in total confidence and handled in a discreet fashion.

Coming Up in the Next Issue . . .

In the next issue of The Animal Science Monitor, we'll welcome our second guest writer of 2009, Felix Soriano of APN Consulting, LLC.  Felix will address a topic central to the success of any person or organization-that of motivation.  Of course, we'll also present our "Video Link of the Month" for your viewing pleasure, and as always, we invite you to start a new discussion or join an existing one in the Animal Science Monitor forum, located at www.animalsciencemonitor.com.

The next issue of The ASM is scheduled for publication on Tuesday, February 17.