Competing In a Global Economy

You need to make yourself more like Commerce Bank to compete in a global economy. Living in U.S., it is not possible for you to compete on price, just as Commerce Bank does not try to compete on interest rates. Here are a few basic resources you can use:

* Your proximity to your employer and/or clients * Your potential to understand their business * Your understanding of American culture to your advantage.

Sharpening your people skills may be best thing you can do for yourself. Provide kind of "customer service" to your employers that Commerce Bank provides -so they feel like they're truly getting red-carpet treatment.

If you don't have an opportunity to provide outstanding service to customers in job you're in now, your job may be vulnerable to outsourcing. Switching to a different job at a company or in an industry where you have an opportunity to interact with customers in a superior way can help provide some insulation from globalization.

WRITING A REGULAR COLUMN OR A BOOK

If you write an article and you find experience enjoyable, you might want to consider writing a regular column for a magazine or even writing a short book. Having a regular column or having had a book published gives you enormous credibility. It also makes it easier for you to get other exposure for yourself. Published authors and columnists have an easier time getting opportunities to speak at conferences, getting interviewed on radio and TV shows, etc.

TEACHING A CLASS

If you have a knack for explaining things, teaching a college class might be for you. Becoming an adjunct professor at a college and teaching a class about your profession also helps to raise your profile. The biggest benefit is credibility it gives you. As an adjunct professor, you'd be more likely to be given opportunities to speak at conferences, etc.