Like the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And it’s here…
John Borrowman, CPC
Borrowman Baker LLC
Gallatin, TN
A sense of caution is beginning to settle over BV employers. For the first time in a long time, uncertainty is creeping in to conversations. What can you do to position yourself for whatever may be ahead? Invest in yourself!
There’s no better time to invest in training and credential-driven education. The ROI is worth every penny – even if you have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
One of the easiest investments you can make is to pick up and read any one of the many books about valuation that have come out in the last few years. From the general to the specific, you can find something that is related to the work that you’re doing. Tell your boss that you want to make sure you’re reading something that is most relevant to your job and ask for a recommendation. Suggest that several of your colleagues read the same book and start a study group.
If you find that chargeable hours aren’t quite what they used to be, offer to write and article for publication. The research you’ll have to do to get yourself up to speed can make a big difference in your work.
If there’s not the volume of work you previously had, ask the boss to take you along on sales calls or client visits in response to a lead or referral. From the general to the specific, you can find something that is related to the work that you’re doing. Tell your boss that you want to make sure you’re reading something that is most relevant to your job and ask for a recommendation. Suggest that several of your colleagues read the same book and start a study group.
If you haven’t completed requirements for a BV credential, now is a great time to take the next logical course. If you already have a credential, look around for a more specialized course that fits with the work you’re doing. Be prepared for your employer to be reluctant to cover the costs. Consider alternatives such as paying and then being reimbursed over time. If push comes to shove, don’t overlook the option of paying the costs in exchange for your employer giving you paid time off to attend. Think about the impact of being able to say that you were so committed to your career in BV that you were willing to invest in the cost of your own education.
The slowdown in work that may be affecting some, isn’t affecting everyone. If your shop is affected, however, there’s no better time to prepare yourself to leap ahead when work picks up. And you know it will.
John Borrowman
