Laid Off? How to Go Back to the Workplace Right Away!

Lost your job? More people than ever before are successfully launching their own business after being laid off. The downturn does not necessarily translate into less need for your skills. The work still needs to be done, and is often outsourced to private contractors.

Solution: You be that private contractor! Start your own business and run your company from a nearby professional office space for pennies on the dollar!

Here are a few tips to launch you on a path to success:

• Stay out of your home. Your house is not a good place to look for work or start your own business. There are too many disruptions and temptations, not to mention the "depressing" factor.
• Go back to a professional/stimulating work environment immediately. Whether you sign-up for a Virtual office plan, or decide to use a co-working, or shared office space facility, you should surround yourself with other professionals to feel empowered and focus on your career goals.
• Network, Network, Network. Your goal is to maximize opportunities to bump into other professionals in a normal workplace situation, not just to discuss your own job hunting. Talk with consultants and startups - not just with contacts at large companies that you're targeting for a job. Word of mouth is KING! Offer to work as a part-time consultant for a small or medium size business, or offer to work for free for a period of time. "Working for free" doesn't sound very appealing, but remember, this is just part of your strategy. This experience will allow you to beef up your resume and who knows what else it can lead to?
• Consider starting a consulting business. Even if it's just temporary, starting a consulting business can allow you part-time or contract work. The market can remain troublesome for awhile, and small to medium firms need help all the time.

Things to consider:

• Working at the library or at a coffee house brings you out of the home but are NOT good places to network.
• Co-working allows you to use a vacant office at a moderate price with a company that has excess space. Google "co-working" in your area to find a list of co-working spaces in your area.
• Check out local incubators and Virtual Office providers. Many will let you participate in their events and let you use a non-dedicated office or small conference room at low cost. In many cases, the virtual office provider can answer your calls, patch callers to your cell phone or home phone, and help project that "you are in business." Google "Virtual Office" and "Incubators" for a list of providers in your area.
• Participate in local small business and startup forums, such as those sponsored by the local chamber of commerce or other organizations designed to help start-ups.
• Many providers are now offering Virtual Offices at extremely low cost to anyone that has lost their job within the last 3 months. This is geared at helping those out of work, but also to nurse a new slew of entrepreneurs. Google "Virtual Office Promotions" in your area.

Go back to the workplace right away. Good search, good networking, and good luck!

Kim Seipel is Marketing Manager for Pacific Business Centers (PBC), the leading provider of virtual offices in Northern California. She helps Bay Area corporations, small businesses, and home-based entrepreneurs take advantage of the escalating demand for cost effective virtual office solutions. PBC has helped numerous people turn the difficult loss of a job into a great opportunity. For more information please visit: http://www.pbcoffices.com/services/laidoff.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Francisco_Seipel
http://EzineArticles.com/?Laid-Off?-How-to-Go-Back-to-the-Workplace-Right-Away!&id=2060522

No Job Resources - No Job Advice and Help