When I was in the fifth grade, all students were issued a little white plastic instrument called a flutophone.  The musical quality was in keeping with its price - probably around a buck.  Its purpose was to prepare us to move on to real instruments in the junior high band.  The flutophone's pitch was akin to Cinderella's stepmother in the Disney classic, and I now realize my parents must have loved me very much to sit through a 30 minute end-of-year flutophone concert.

 

But there was more to the flutophone than just musical practice - it gave a group of 10 year olds the opportunity to "toot their own horns."  And that's exactly what we need more of given today's economic struggles. 

 

It takes courage to do this - we've been taught from early on that focusing on yourself is a sin ranked right up there with pinching your baby brother and lying about it.  The truth is, if you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to do the same?  And how will they know you believe in yourself if you don't tell them?  As I see it there are three big reasons to toot you own horn as soon as possible.

As massive layoffs make the headlines every day, it's vital that your employer know how valuable you are to the company. 

1.     Make a list of money saving ideas.
2.     Offer to take on a job no one else wants to do (this one may take real courage, but consider it a character builder with benefits down the road).
3.     Talk about skills you have that others may not know about that might be useful to the company. 

And make sure you put all of things in writing - an email message is a great way to keep records.

If you do fall victim to a job cut, it's time to really ramp up your tooting. 

1.     Email everyone you know and ask them to send you adjectives they think best describe you that you can sprinkle throughout your resume and cover letter.
2.     Ask for reference letters from everyone you've ever done work for, paid or volunteer.
3.     Offer to work for a potential employer for a week at no charge so that they can experience your expertise and professionalism first hand (you don't have anything to do anyway, right?).

And probably the most important reason to toot your own horn:

 
When you reflect on all the skills you have and all the living you've experienced, you'll get a shot of courage that will serve you well as you march forward.  Toot on!