With words like recession and depression dominating the media these days, it’s difficult to stay focused and positive. Downsizing and layoffs are all too common and threatening livelihoods. Companies and consumers alike are tightening their belts and holding onto their wallets in order to ride out this wave of uncertainty.

Many people feel that they have little, if any, control over their careers and/or business opportunities. In some cases, this may be true. However, how you present and conduct yourself on the job, with clients and throughout the business community is in your complete control.

Now, more than ever, your professional image can be critical to your success. Whether you are self-employed or an employee, your appearance, behaviour or performance may be the deciding factor on whether you get to keep your job or land the next big deal.

If it comes down to a decision between you and someone else, what will the deciding factor be? Are you looking your best and making the best impression on a continual basis? Are you conducting yourself in a professional manner? Are you performing to the best of your ability?

Furthermore, how are you setting yourself apart from your co-workers or competitors? What are you doing to make yourself memorable or indispensable? Status quo may not cut it anymore and you may find that you need to step up your game in order to impress.

In these economic times, we mustn’t leave anything to chance. It is up to us to do what we can in order to position ourselves accordingly. While there may be unforeseen circumstances that arise and situations that are out of our control, we still have power over who we are, what we represent and the decisions we make.

So over the next little while, with a discerning eye, take some time to consider your situation, your performance and the impression you make. If you notice some room for improvement, then take full advantage of the opportunity to make some changes. These changes might just make the difference between riding out this wave and struggling to stay afloat.