Marketing yourself it may just be job one.

• Author: Rennar, Hank
• Position: Your carrer

Career challenges that arise during an economic slowdown can be overwhelming, but there are steps one can take to improve an otherwise unsatisfactory career situation. A surefire way to uncover new opportunities is to market yourself.

Although not an easy task, marketing yourself can be extremely effective if you keep in mind that "it's a numbers game." For executives seeking better opportunities--and especially for those who have been laid off due to a corporate downsizing, merger or acquisition--it's important to understand the laws of probability. A proactive approach to strategic positioning and aggressive marketing is the best strategy.

During everyone's career, occasional growth opportunities surface. If maximized, these opportunities permit people to grow professionally and may allow them to avoid potential career disasters. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain an awareness that allows you to recognize these situations as they develop. This career awareness is critical especially during tough times. As we all know, it is easier to find a new position when employed than when unemployed.

Financial leaders take pride in the responsibility of maintaining their organization's overall corporate stability and financial health. Depending on the corporate structure and their role within the organization, however, financial officers may not always have the ability to keep the ship on a steady course--or for that matter, keep it afloat. In these cases, it may be a good time to evaluate other options and possibly put together an exit strategy.

Contrary to the thinking of a few corporate idealists, there's no shame in protecting your career. Furthermore, it's irrational to assume you must go down with the ship. Professionals need to always be conscious of the company's financial stability. Equally important is to fully understand the current financial situation of companies being considered in a job search; a little due diligence goes a long way.

For those less opportunistic individuals who let the market shape their career, a sluggish economy will inevitably yield little or no growth, a potentially volatile career path and, in many cases, multiple periods of unemployment. A perpetual career roller coaster may be a sign that someone is more reactive than proactive.

Businesses structured to remain profitable during economic declines will usually provide more stable career opportunities. In a volatile market, senior executives must always be...