Lately, several stark news headlines have appeared regarding the loss of job stability and ultimately layoffs. Eventually, all businesses go through cycles of reductions and hopefully, growth.

Many people would love to keep their cozy jobs they’ve had for years, but the fact is, it won’t happen. In this entry, I’ll share how to survive a layoff when it will happen to you, a friend or family member.

Layoffs are never good — they usually result in divide of talent and experience from companies, hurt many families by introducing unintended hardships on them. On the other hand, layoffs are necessary when the organization has to trim costs to survive “in the long-run.” I think it’s a good idea that all companies remain fiscally responsible while supporting the innovation of individuals who build the company itself. I may be biased, but I know Infusionsoft is both fiscally responsible and curates innovation from employees, customers and partners.

But the landscape isn’t very great right now. CNN has some telling stories on the struggle that small businesses have now. TechCrunch has a dedicated page disclosing recent layoffs in tech-related companies. If those don’t shock you enough, read these headlines for a moment:

• Fidelity to lay off 1300 employees [#]
• Dana Corp. to lay of 5,000, close 10 plants [#]
• Circuit City to Close 155 Stores, Lay Off Thousands [#]
• GM to lay off 1,200 in metro Detroit, 1,600 total [#]

Now think about all the potential these companies are letting go. We all have great ideas, immense passion for success and the ability to stand up on our feet even when we fall. We’re entrepreneurs, innovators and we think positive. Small business owners, entrepreneurs and creators have been and will remain to be the backbone of the American economy.

So, you want to know how to survive a layoff?

Do something. Anything.

Don’t let the worry and panic over layoffs affect you. It’s poisonous because it limits your innovation, creativity and success. I want to urge you to abstain from buying into poisonous, negative worry and doubt; instead, channel your energy into doing something. If you’re not doing it, someone else is.

Think about the passions you love … whether that is to collect antiques, brave household wiring projects, inspiring people at seminars, writing about your interests or whatever else motivates you in life. Then consider ways to monetize it: Can you coach or inform people about your interest? Can you think of a product or a service to offer?  As you ask yourself these questions and innovate. Then realize the dream is possible. We’re here to help.

As you start a small business, you’ll have the desire to grow it quickly. This exactly where Infusionsoft steps in the game to help you. Infusionsoft enables you to cultivate your leads, nurture them and have them bloom into sales through automated follow-up marketing. Infusionsoft empowers you to sell products over the Web securely, conveniently all in one system. If you’re a small business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, you have to check out the demo to see what we can do to grow your business.

Oh, and my inspiration for the image on this entry is that we are a lot like LEGO blocks where we need disassemble and build up our dreams, motivations and passions into the next great thing. Go ahead, build something great.

[Image credit: woodleywonderworks on Flickr]

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