In today’s backwards business world, it is not uncommon to find that the people who are most willing to misrepresent themselves are the people who find the greatest success. Honesty, integrity, and honor, are not exactly respected qualities in a land of cutthroats and thieves. The time of the corporate pirate and the middle-management turncoat, however, is soon coming to an end. In the future, it will be our sincerity, and our tangible ability, that will allow us to make our way in life. No longer will the ass kissers of the world have the upper hand. There will be no “ladder” to climb. Our personal progress will be determined by our steady will and the level of effort we wish to put forth, NOT by the “insiders” we happen to know. It will be a far different atmosphere than we have been conditioned to expect…
Those who are able to cast off the old and outdated method of business will do well. Those who are able to adapt to a destabilized economic environment and focus on necessities rather than extravagances will survive. Others likely will not. The leaders of the current business system will no doubt find themselves paupers in an Alternative Economy in which their limited skill set is rendered obsolete.
Part of our job at the Alternative Market Project is to help you prepare for the coming paradigm shift so that you are ahead of the curve in every way imaginable. This process includes rethinking how we construct our resumes and how we build associations with others in the new barter based system. Many skills we used to hold in high regard will soon be considered rather useless, while random hobbies and private interests may become our primary means of providing a livelihood.
Let’s examine the most important elements of an Alt-Market Resume step by step, so that our barter networking runs faster, smoother, and easier.
Elements Of A Barter Resume
Necessities: What items or goods can you provide for others that they will need in a poor economic environment? What items will be difficult to procure post collapse? Think in terms of needs that cannot be assuaged. Also consider those goods and services that may disappear quickly. This includes alternative currencies like gold and silver, or even unique pieces of machinery which others may wish to rent or procure. Stay ahead of the game by having that which is in demand before people even realize they need it. For more information, read our recent article ‘Top Post Collapse Barter Items And Trade Skills’.
Skill Set: What can you produce with your own two hands with materials that you can easily procure? What important goods can you repair? What abilities have you mastered that others would like to learn? Tangibility is the key!
Procuring Capabilities: This will become more important as barter networks grow, but I foresee a day when those who have the knack for FINDING certain items will be just as important as those that already have the items. Barter relationships can be very valuable, and your expertise in finding participants with particular goods or skills and matching them with buyers could garner you another means by which to make a living.
Items Wanted: What kind of goods and services do you require? What specifically are you looking to trade for at this time? Give others in your barter network a clear idea of what you need so that trade moves faster.
Alt-Market Resume Example
Below, I have provided my own Alt-Market Resume as an example, or template. This composition is not set in stone. You may find a resume method that suits you better. Only use the following as a rough guide.
Alt-Market Resume For: Brandon Smith
Location: Pittsburgh, PA Barter Network
Items For Trade:
Silver, Ammunition, Potassium Iodide Pills, Water Filtration
Skills For Trade:
5 years construction and concrete finishing experience.
24 years of Martial Arts experience: Shotokan Karate, Okinawan Goju Ryu, Kajukenbo, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Thai Kickboxing. Have teaching experience and will train others for trade.
Long distance rifle marksman. Pistol training. Willing to work as security.
Gardening knowledge.
Years of writing experience. Will write for silver!
Items Wanted:
Silver, Solar Panels, Rechargeable Batteries, NBC Filters For Israeli Gas Mask, Rifles In .308 Or .50 cal., Rice and Wheat, many other goods…
Getting Started
After you have composed your new resume, post it to your Alt-Market Profile Page. Let your barter group know you have it completed so that they can view it. If you find that your skill set or items list is a little sparse, it is up to you to bulk up your viable trade options. Set aside time to learn a particular skill, especially a skill that allows you to produce your own goods. Take a class, learn from a friend or family member, or teach yourself, but do something to increase your chances in a barter economy. Time is not exactly on our side. Take what little is left, and become the kind of expert that will always be in demand.
You can contact Brandon Smith at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Join Alt-Market today, find a barter network in your area, or start your own. Insulate yourself and your family from economic collapse before it is too late.
written by Bob Prentice , June 26, 2011
I am living out what you have written in the above post. I am an 100% total agreement with you. Your words are exactly what I have been telling everyone for the last 12 years. I got started back pre- Y2K. Imagine that!
written by Shawn B , June 26, 2011
Surround yourself with others who have top ten skills, critical assets and MacGyver traits and you'll do just fine. The time to prepare is in the calm before the storm, while everyone else is watching Dancing with the Stars...
written by jjteam , June 26, 2011
Thanks, that was awesome. We need a strategy and a blueprint for the future. I am guessing that nobody has had to prepare for anything like this before.
I feel it in the air. Something is coming and doesn't look pretty.
My mother in law survived the depression. She wonders why God has not called her. She thinks she knows why, now.
She is extremely self sufficient and has taught my husband life skills necessary as to not depend on anyone for your basic needs. I am learning so much. Keeping my eyes wide open.
I am seeking skills by asking new members what they would be bringing to the table. It has been slow. Much slower than I anticipated.
Still, I will be tweaking my profile and my family's as well. This might give others seeking a community initiative for future survival an idea of what is needed.
Thanks again, Brandon, for your wisdom beyond your years.
written by sully61 , June 28, 2011
As a Teacher on both the secondary and college levels, I try to pass this same message on to my students. "Learn something valuable in order to contribute to our struggling society; A college degree is great but does not necessarily make one any more productive. If college isn't for you then learn a skill like electricity, welding, plumbing, or carpentry." As an economics/government teacher this message has become a routinely integrated part of my lesson structure. I love this website and read your articles as soon as they come out. Good job Brandon! Please keep it up!
written by sycla , July 01, 2011
The most amusing thing about the pending shift in resume focus post-crash is that those who will be in the best position afterward will be those who are currently disdained in society. I'm talking about the urban farmers who squat in abandoned rowhomes and turn vacant lots into food-producing boons to their impoverished neighbourhoods. I'm talking about dumpster divers. I'm talking about the returning citizens who have picked up trades and certifications while incarcerated: plumbing, carpentry, roofing, machine repair. I'm talking about the so-called "survivalist whackos" out on the fringes...someone that the average city mouse would think is strange simply because they know how to clean and dress a groundhog or rabbit.
I also must submit that it's debatable whether or not a resume will even be considered; I'd say one's communication skills (including "street smarts") would be more immediately useful.
Good food for thought, Mr. Smith. Thanks for writing. :)
written by Gene. , July 03, 2011
I am a writer, musician, and computer geek who has realized I have few skills that will be valued in a non-tech world. It's not a comfortable realization. But I did grow up in a hard-working blue-collar family, so I know a little about plumbing, carpentry, mechanics, etc. I just need to get more knowledge and tools.
Thanks for this article - it emphasizes to me the direction I need to be taking.
written by Time4Truth , July 11, 2011
Have taken a nearly 180 degree turnaround after waking up a little over a year ago and focusing on prepping ever since! Consider myself resourceful and was brought up to be self-sufficient, often feeling like an outsider because I never understood the materialistic mindset.
My recent challenge is making the adjustments to the pre-planned and pre-paid for college education for my now 15 yo son. Like Gene, my son is very musically inclined, and is quite intelligent. We need to focus strongly on developing survival skills at this point. As said by many, time is not on our side. The issue is finding time to blend college attendance while he simultaneously learns a trade(s). (He is starting college classes this Fall which should help accelerate things a bit.)
I'm reluctant to consider anything (a trade) that requires electricity and am currently exploring the available options a the local community college tech. center.
Now that I am more comfortable with firearms, we will continue to learn and develop those skills as well. As this forum develops it will be awesome to see resume posts by all age groups, talents and skillsets. Wish there were more hours in the day!
