In the 'current economic climate' there is a chance that any company may have to 'restructure' or even cease trading altogether. These events are no fun for any employees involved, but I'd like to share some advice that will help you prepare for and cope with the worst situation if it arises.
Negotiating Your Redundancy
If you are being made redundant, do ask your employer if they would be interested in reducing your working hours instead. Particularly for in-house SEMs, you may be able to persuade them to continue employing you for three days a week (for instance) - leaving you with time to pursue other work but still having a regular income.Check your original employment contract and any waivers that you are asked to sign when leaving. Look out for 'non-competitive' clauses that might say you can't work in the same industry for six months after leaving the company, and ask that these are canceled as part of your leaving agreement.
At this stage, you may also try to negotiate a bigger redundancy payment. If the company is closing down, there is unlikely to be much spare cash for this, so try informally asking for any resources the finished company will not need - for instance, laptops or domain names.
As something of an aside, the negotiation tactic book Getting to Yes is a very short, very worthwhile book to read before any negotiation.
Finding New Work
If the situation has arisen, then it's likely that other business in your industry may be suffering too, making finding your next position harder. Fortunately, we Internet-types are a hardy, flexible bunch, and we can use this to our advantage.If you worked in-house, you may consider finding an agency to apply to. In downturns such as this, agencies and freelancers are attractive to companies who may need to adjust their budgets quite often. Indeed many agencies are thriving and actively hiring at the moment - for instance, Distilled is recruiting a Business Development Apprentice right now.
Be aware that you might need to brush up on some different skills and take a slightly different position to what you're used to. For example: your last three years as an SEO still put you in a good position to manage PPC campaigns, even if you've never logged into AdWords in your life.
To begin your search, you could visit the targeted job boards at SEOmoz Marketplace, Blogstorm's Jobs Board or SEOGadget's SEO jobs page.
If you think there's any potential that your job security isn't 100%, it's perfectly acceptable to keep a list of names and numbers to call in an emergency.
"Hi Dave, it's Rob Ousbey. We met at that conference last month. Acme has just gone out of business, so I wanted to see if there'd be any value in us meeting up for a drink to talk about opportunities you might have, now that I'm available? I can be at you office in 15 minutes."It might sound negative to consider it, and brash to actually do it, but I know people who this has worked very well for.
Going It Alone
If you've ever considered being your own boss (and honestly, who hasn't?), then having no job and a redundancy payment to get you through the first few rocky months can be a great opportunity. A lot has been written about starting out as a freelancer and plenty more will be written, but here are my top suggestions for finding your first freelance gigs:- talk to other departments in your former company
- get in touch with all your professional contacts, telling them about the kind of services you offer
- if your company went out of business, contact your old clients and offer them continuity by taking on the work you previously did for them
- if the company is still going, then talk to the clients/suppliers/partners you had good personal relationships with, but don't offer the same services your former company does
- make sure everyone you come into contact with knows what you do (even if it is as simple as 'internet stuff' for instance) - you can quickly have an army of people selling you on your behalf.
Beyond freelancing, you may feel that the skills you have put you in a good position to start up your own ventures instead. Internet Marketers I've met would typically have a set of skills to dive straight into projects such as:
- launching a blog or site focused on some particular niche that interests them
- getting involved in the wonderful world of affiliate marketing
- domaining.
Again, you can think about this now and even begin implementation of some of it. If you have a blog that you only post to once a month, then you could spend the first-day-of-the-rest-of-your-life writing posts and promoting it. By the end of Week 1, you could be in a much stronger position than if you'd started that venture from scratch in the same week.
Again, there's a low chance that this will happen to you. I hope it doesn't, and I really do feel for the people who've found themselves out of work in the last few months; I know that there has been some restructuring in our industry recently.
Good luck with your work, and if you do find yourself in this situation then let me say an extra bold GOOD LUCK! Enjoy your new challenges, and remember that SEOmoz is still here to support you.
Great post, Rob - and good timing. I also want to point out that the value of online networking in our industry has skyrocketed. If you can build lots of connections on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and your name carries some brand recognition from blogs you run or posts you've made on Sphinn/YOUmoz/Cre8asite/WebmasterWorld/HighRankings/etc, you've got a much better chance of finding a new position fast.
SEO is, in my opinion, one of the best places to be during a recession. Heck, even SEOmoz is hiring!
Yes, I had to be sheepish at a Uni reunion last weekend, when people asked me how badly we were affected by the downturn, and I had to explain that when budgets are tight, business find that spending marketing / ad money online is a pretty sensible thing to do.
I agree that it is great timing on this post. I am new to the SEO field so I am always seeing the brighter edge of this industry.
Good post.
However, we run a great number of e-commerce sites and a great number of regular company websites offering services. We have not had one company go under yet and many are still just as busy as they ever were.
I totally agree that there is a slow down or 'credit crunch' which means the banks are not borrowing like they were but i think the media really are playing this up to sell papers. Yeah, sure things are bad at the minute but if you relied on the papers then you'd be jumping in the canal with concrete boots on.
Companies are using the 'downturn' to get rid of staff they don't want or who are not quite 'up to scratch'. We have used it and i'm sure other companies are at the minute also.
There are some good points in the post above. One thing i would point out is that if you do have a restraint of trade then get it checked out by a lawyer as the restarint will have to be seen to be reasonable in the eye's of the law (in the UK in any case).
Branding yourself is a great practise whatever the ecomonic climate.
Don't listen to all the doom and gloom - it's not as bad as people are making out. Only the companies who were never very good at what they did anyway will go under. The good ones will remain.
I like the PMA Eyeplot but I feel I have to point out that it is quite bad.
If you were an agency who had a portfolio of purely financial sector clients, you would now be bust (as we have seen in Leeds). If you are a company who cannot change as fast as your industry changes, you no longer have the luxury of adjustment time and you go bust (Woolworths).
I'm not a doom monger by any stretch of the imagination but denying that there is a recession is just as dangerous. Ultimately digital is probably a safer industry to be in than most, but I wouldn't relax just yet...
I just wanted to clarify that this post was not necessarily written just for the employees of agencies, but with in-house SEMs in particular.
Companies in a variety of industries do appear to be stuggling, and there's always a chance that they will close down. I'm sure there are excellent SEMs, working inside companies that are failing for reasons way beyond the control of people who work in the online part of a business.
True, I mistakenly assumed you were meaning SEO's and SEM's in agencies.
I think that even in companies that are struggling, the SEO or SEM should be one of the safer positions assuming the company realise that to entirely give up on the online presence is more likely to accelerate the speed with which business declines.
Again, good post and some sound advice to those that need it.
Nice post Rob,
Echo the personal brand comments - but just as important initially is a portfolio of kick ass results, especially if you're pitching for an in-house role. It's a nice idea to create (what I call) a commercial CV - A PPT or similar with your key milestone achievements and a summary of the work that was involved. That way, your interviewer has a really, really good feel for the brands you've worked on and results you delivered for them. Traffic graphs and rankings reports are all super useful.
You can re-use that commercial CV when you go freelance too... :-)
One thing that puts folks off going freelance is the more official inland revenue side of things. Actually, going self employed is ridiculously easy if you set up as a sole trader. The best thing to do is call the HMRC (you can find the number here. They're really helpful and will talk you through everything you need to know.
I'm sure this post will be very useful for a lot of people at the moment, great advice!
Just put it on Sphinn too: https://sphinn.com/story/107439
Cheers Richard.
Plus, once you sign up as a freelancer, they offer you places on loads of free courses about filing returns, registering for VAT, etc.
The 'Commercial CV' is a very sensibble idea. Also, it's worth keeping a note each week / month of any big recent acheivements of yours. You'll never remember them all two years later when you really need to.
My name is Stephanie Woods and I have been made redundant.
It's really not as bad as it sounds though. I've taken this opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do - which is work for myself. I think I might have held onto the security of the job itself for longer that I needed to otherwise.
So far all of my proposals I've put out there have been from people contacting me via Twitter - all of whom also happen to be internet marketers wanting to expand their network. The SEO community is a supportive one and networking is the first step to making it happen.
Start networking now if you haven't already - be prepared in case you need it one day!
Good call Steph, though why anyone would lay someone with your skills off is beyond me...
We're pretty lucky in SEO and online marketing to have an awesome community, which engenders real cooperation between both agencies and individuals.
Which is nice.
Anecdotally, I've only heard of ONE search marketer who has lost his/her job in this economy, and he/she was hired within a week of sending around resumes. It's a great space to be in. Nice article, Rob.
So far, I've not been made redundant, but I think it's a sad fact that all of us are likely to be made redundant at least once in our working lives.
That said, I got my last 3 jobs as a result of who I know, rather than what I know. So I'd definitely have to echo Rand's point about the value of networking :)
Best of luck to anyone who does find themselves in this situation.
Hey Rob,
A tragic but useful tale sir. As Tom and Rand have already pointed out (damn them for having less to do than me :P) digital is where it's at now, not just in SEO but the whole of online marketing.
As clients tighthen their builts and cut marketing spend, we are in a unique position to track their spend and ROI down to the last keyword and re-assure them that their money is not being wasted.
As long as you maintain a commercial focus in an interview and don't geek out too much, you'll have no problem finding new, probably even better work.
Great post Rob - I agree with you and Rand that SEO is a great industry to be in right now. And I echo Rand's point about personal branding. If you can gain a reputation and personal brand (that your prospective company have heard of!) then you have such an advantage over other candidates.
This reminds me of an old cartoon.
Edit: Lucy found the original comic - she recognised it as XKCD!
Link: Marketing Interview
old is gold...really helpful to understand the concepts
If you have any skillz at all (and can prove it), you'll have nothing to worry about even if something happens to your current position.
Hi Todd. This is true, but it should be considered in the context of 'your current company' as well as 'your current position'.
I was made redundant at the end of 2007 (I was credit-crunch before it was cool to be credit-crunch) because my company ceased trading.
In the few months after that, a fair proportion of my freelance work came fom the 49%-minority-shareholder parent comany of my former business - particularly since a lot of them knew me & my skills.
However, in England there are fairly strict rules about a company using an individual as a freelancer if they've just made them redundant (since it suggests that their position wasn't 'redundant'.)
But I'd agree (and certainly hope with all my heart) that anyone with either skills or skillz should weather the storm quite safely.
Did anyone else think that this post was going to be about duplicate content?
LOL, no... Curious why you thought that though?
Redundant=Duplication...
I am going to be redundant and say this is a very fitting post considering the economic climate
haha I use that term (Internet Stuff) quite a bit in the South...there is a lack of understanding of what exactly SEO is, I try to explain it but oftern revert back to Internet STuff.
Best quote during these tough times has to come from Warren Buffet
Flexibility is almost a requirement in the internet industry. When changing directions midstream, the ability to adapt quickly will be our greatest strength. Happy hunting to everyone
Being a freelance SEO is working well for me (just 2 weeks in and loving it) the service without the overheads, but you still have to work hard to convert the leads and be really posotive.
Great post Rob. I just want to add to what Rand said about social networking sites. I found my current SEO position through Facebook and Twitter and I wrote an e-book to help others to find work using these social networking sites.
You can find the e-book at https://newmediamike.com/e-book
And I also agree with what Rand said about SEO being the place to be in this recession!
Great helpgul post, the recession has caused so many employees to get fired and unable to find work, however your post motivates everyone to move on and to search for alternatives, and not stand by and watch.
Thank you :)
great post, def. very valid at this point in time, esp. the first point about negotiating ur current situations without leaving entirely. Lots of companies are now having mandatory unpaid days off as we all know, I for one would be all about it, buuut as a means of cost-cutting, I cant imagine a company would push back all that hard. Its better to keep great talent around even if for only 20 hours a week than to lose it entirely.
Nice post Rob - I think Rand pretty much summed it up, it really is a great industry to be in when the economy hits the floor.
Awesome post, and good timing. Another great way to add a some new clients to the list when freelancing, call up local chambers of commerce (i know a bit lame) and ask to give a persentation on SEO. This is a great way to put yourself out there as an expert and drum up some business.
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UnderBidBob:Freelance Job Bidding | Skilled People | Wants & Wills | Rent & Hire out - Bob gets your job done</title>-----------------Bob's Freelance offers jobs and project-bidding. It helps freelance providers and employers that need to work reliably through one platform. Skilled People - sell and buy small jobs from each other. Rent & Hire out section is the marketplace for the hire and rental industry-----------------https://www.underbidbob.com
Are there really that many SEO's and SEM agencies struggling at the moment?
We seem to be busier than ever the last few months and, just back from a trade show, are loaded with enquiries and leads for folks looking for new sites and SEO/online marketing work.
I have seen statistics and "experts" claim that online marketing and SEO spend is set to both significantly rise and those claiming it will significantly fall but it seems to have a pretty solid upward growth trend for the time being at least.
Still, the information you have provided is an excellent guide for those who may be unfortunate enough to be in the situation.
Great post
the current economy reminds me to tighten the belt just a little, reevaluate priorities, and to keep current and not to forget to take a little extra time for networking while working.
If you're being made redundant I would certainly not try to negotiate anything further with the existing company. Having to let go of a great SEO means they are struggling due to series of bad business decision. Do you really want to stay with a company like that? Instead look at running your own show or joining a company where you will be able to grow further - even if it be for a bit less money to start with.
This is a good post.
I find it hards to build an online brand for myself (as Rand suggested) when I'm so busy working on my client's profiles and marketing initiatives.
When does a full time SEO/SEM proffessional should have the time to build his own online brand?
IMO, If you work for a consulting company and get paid by the hour - it is almost impossible because it is not helping your clients.
Mugile, evenings and weekends if your girlfriend doesnt fire you first : )
great post, rob. i loved the air quotes around "the current economic climate" ;) which is also known as "the scariest global economic downturn since the 1930's." we live in interesting times.
regarding redundancy, my advice is this - never feel like your job's lasting longer than today. anyone can get laid off, any time.
being good at interviewing is not easy. you get rusty. and messing up a prime interview is a terrible feeling - like swinging at a big pitch and missing.
so, despite the fact that i love my current job, i still take any interesting interview that comes my way. i'm not looking to leave my current position at all. but learning to be good in interviews - learning how to pitch yourself effectively - is a valuable skill.
you may end up taking interviews for (lots of) jobs you don't really want, but it's good practice, and a great way to learn about other industries. even if you don't want the job, you may have a friend in the industry that would be a fit, so you can identify opportunities and spread them around.
Good post Rob,
Another tip is to keep in contact with ALL your former colleagues, especially if they work Digital - whether thats SEM, PR or developers, as often they'll be in work at other companies with open (hopefully!) positions.
Another aspect is to look at the pre-redundancy situation - do you jump early for that sweet looking position? Sometimes that can work to your advantage, and certainly can if you fairly certain redundancies will be happening - as you can hit up these contacts early and start work with a bit of a bonus!!!
edit: formating... oh and another point- keep an eye on old clients, a fair few people i know get some extra cash doing consulting work for old clients of agencies that went bust, afterall if you were doing a good job at the analytics or PPC or SEO they might not want to change and you can work out a seperate agreement, worth that little email to them!
Awesome post, and good timing. Another great way to add a some new clients to the list when freelancing, call up local chambers of commerce (i know a bit lame) and ask to give a persentation on SEO. This is a great way to put yourself out there as an expert and drum up some business.
Good post that I can definitely relate to.
We had redundancy notices this year, though luckily only one person had to go.
But it go me thinking and I am now making the move to running my own business.
I will still work with my existing employer, but on a freelance basis. That gives me the flexibility to spread myself around a bit, while still ensuring my previous employer doesn't lose out with existing clients.
I actually think this was a good thing, as I'd been procrastinating for months, deciding whether or not I was going to run my own business.
Love the post! Excellent info and really fitting given the current economic climate. As a newcomer to the SEO/SEM industry, I have to say that I find this industry to be both welcoming and challenging in a great way. There are a lot of great opportunities, and like Rand mentioned, being active in making networking connections can only help you to find new ventures.
Great post and very timely. I started my own consultancy in December following redundancy. I'd definitely recommend people consider setting up your own business if you lose your job.
I felt that taking a new job in a recession was actually more risky than setting up my own business. The financial settlement helped with the decision. And once you start you soon find that former colleagues and clients can really help you get going.
The CEO of my previous agency put me in touch with my first client. That led to four months of retained work which gives you confidence when approaching other clients (now have four clients). So far it's all gone to plan and being your own boss is worth if. Yes it's stressful at times but also incredibly rewarding.
The other thing is to network constantly as this can help open more doors to new opportunities. And enjoy it. Once you've taken the plunge then just enjoy the experience. Our offering is wider than just SEO but Rand's comments are spot on - in a recession SEO is what all my clients and prospects want to talk about.
I'd have to echo many people's comments that SEO is a good field to be in right now. We've seen an increase in business as other companies try to find cheaper and better ways or spending their marketing dollars. Our current clients are slashing their budgets in traditional media because the cost per sale or per lead is much better from SEO than other other form of merketing.