New Book Offers Guidelines on How to Prepare Career and Lifestyle for Double-Dip Recession

    BIRMINGHAM, AL, July 20, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With current predictions of a possible double-digit recession in the coming six months, a newly released book, "Upside: How to Zig When Life Zags", explores how to navigate the hidden opportunities of dramatic change such as an economic downturn. Written by Bonnie Michaels and Allison Blankenship, the book features 29 strategies for readjusting your life during chaotic and difficult economic times.

Strategy #19, which is very timely given record unemployment and stagnant wages, asserts that employees must reassess their own value to their employers. Incisive and insightful exercises lead readers to determine if they are "expertise vendors" with marketable skills beyond their current position or a "topic expert" who excels within organizational structures. Based upon research and business trends, the authors predict the need for independent expertise vendors to increase, and provide ideas to market these skills beyond the current employment position. An extensive bibliography and resource section give additional sources for development.

The core focus of the book moves beyond career issues to incorporate all aspects of an effective, fulfilling and functioning lifestyle. In FloridaWeekly.com, reviewer Philip K. Jason calls Upside a "new kind of 10-step program for life-path rejuvenation in chaotic times." (http://charlotte.floridaweekly.com/news/2010-07-01/Arts_%28and%29_Entertainment_News/Learning_to_find_the_upside_in_down_times.html)

Encompassing individual financial, spiritual, professional and personal lifestyle goals and challenges, Strategy #1 sets the tone for a new reality in which individuals need new ideas to cope and flourish while Strategy #6 urges readers to utilize their current situations as a springboard for long-lasting, sustainable success.

Upside is winning praise from HR professionals as a tool to work through major life transitions. Retired Chase Bank HR executive Sue Bookbinder notes that "young professionals just starting out; middle managers 'caught' in non-satisfying yet well paying careers; senior professionals struggling with upcoming retirement decisions; and retirees wondering how to live with their 'transition'" all benefit from the book's "rich advice, brilliant and workable tips and exercises. It is a must read for all professionals living in today's zig--zagging world."

Michaels and Blankenship propose that the current upheaval and uncertainty is becoming the status quo. Yet, rather than try to pacify fears, they give readers 29 usable strategies and empowering exercises to create a personalized plan that is flexible and maintainable regardless of the economy. Key points include:
- Identify the upside in every situation
- Use unexpected change to your advantage
- Build your bank account while simplifying your life
- Network efficiently and build a community of support
- Create your own crystal ball to identify emerging opportunities
- Write your own rules for success and happiness

Bonnie Michaels is a creative problem solver for work and personal life issues. She has provided solutions for individuals and businesses around the globe through her consulting workshops, speeches, media appearances and writing since 1987. She is the co-author of "A Journey of Work-Life Renewal: The Power to Recharge and Rekindle Passion in Your Life" and "Solving the Work/Family Puzzle".

Allison Blankenship is a thought leader on performing under pressure through persuasive communications, leadership and productivity. After an award-winning career as a corporate entrepreneur, she now works with individuals and companies to accelerate results. Upside is her third book.

"Upside: How to Zig when Life Zags" is available at select Barnes & Noble retail establishments or www.CollageBooks.com. To learn more about the book's contents or to download discussion group guidelines, visit www.UpsideTheBook.com. To contact Michaels or Blankenship regarding speaking engagements and interviews, call 847-308-0919 (Michaels) or 239-289-5052 (Blankenship).

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