Review, Recap and Refresh

(Part 2 of the ‘Redundancy’ series)

As I pointed out in my previous post, I did not view being made redundant as the end of the world, as much as my former employers would have liked. After all, I had been cut loose after seven and a half years of working there.

The first thing I needed to do was review. Review what, exactly? Well, let’s be honest, because the first thing requiring review was my CV and associated places such as my LinkedIn profile. I also needed to review, in my case, my Facebook Author page, because in the course of those years of service, I had been writing a series of novels to pass the time when staying away from home on business. Why? For starters, access to the company systems would be cut off. Admittedly, I had not expected them to cut me off two weeks before my final day. That was down to a ‘company policy’ that reps are likely to steal confidential information such as profit margin ratios and other such information. Whoa Nellie! Steal information? Until it was mentioned, the possibility had not even crossed my mind. Maybe that makes my hopelessly naive in this modern business world, but nope, that was not on my mind, merely being able to access my last set of sales figures. Alas, I was not even allowed that. Bear in mind that I was being made redundant. I intended to act professionally, but I am not sure that was reciprocated. Their loss.

Having updated my CV, loaded it onto LinkedIn, I made a point also of contacting the various agencies with whom I had had contact in the past. It is essential that they have your details on their system and know you are actively looking. If people don’t know you are available, how will you find another position?

Next was the Recap stage. For me, there were two stages here. The first involved my novels. Yes, one can write a lot of stories sitting bored out of your mind in hotels. I have five books in one series listed on Amazon and Smashwords (see below for links), along with a single book from a series I started writing when still in school. Was I happy with the cover art? Was it eye-catching? When was the last time I had done any promotional activities? Part of me might ask why I should bother about something that has little to do with my preferred ‘day job’ of medical sales? Simple.

Writing is not just about putting words to paper. One has to SELL the books. That means TARGETING customers.
Prices have to be set. What will the market tolerate? What sort of profit margin would I need to make it worthwhile?
Amazon allows author copies. These are paperbacks which I can issue to individuals. This is PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITY.
In order to increase the reach of my books, I need to consider ADVERTISING. Which will offer the best RETURN ON INVESTMENT?

Do you see my point? All these involve activities which are also relevant in Medical Sales. Rather than being at home and ‘losing’ my skills, I can maintain them.

Then there is the refresh side. I am sure we are in the same situation where we wish to improve our skills and knowledge base. Now is the time. But the cost, I hear you wail! I have just been made redundant. I have to watch expenditure.

It costs nothing to receive copies of Pharmafield and Pharmafocus at your home address. The same will probably apply to other trade-type journals.
Open Access courses by the Open University cost nothing.
Udemy offers low cost course in a variety of relevant subjects such as Digital Marketing or on improving your computer skills.

Like I said, REVIEW, RECAP AND REFRESH.

Don’t let the time whilst you are waiting go to waste. At the very least, bear in mind that all this is potentially relevant for interviews and discussions with potential employers.

RELEVANT LINKS FOR JO PILSWORTH
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JKPilsworth

Paranormal may not be your thing. Urban fantasy may not either. But who knows? I may be one of your friends new favourite author.
Inspired by #Legends an #UrbanFantasy series. #RBBC

Alpha: https://t.co/IRZLR92AFu
Beta: https://t.co/DGDDI03VB9
Merysekhmet (US link): https://t.co/fFOUm5MHUs
Toho: https://t.co/oKtbDgrqiH https://t.co/mGMuJWd6Xd
Medved: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C19QKPH

AMAZON LINKS

Alpha (US link): https://t.co/IRZLR92AFu
Beta: https://t.co/DGDDI03VB9
Merysekhmet (US link): https://t.co/fFOUm5MHUs
Toho: (US link): https://t.co/oKtbDgrqiH https://t.co/mGMuJWd6Xd
Medved: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C19QKPH