Be thankful. At the end of each workday, write down one thing you enjoyed or appreciated about that day. This is what is commonly known as a gratitude journal. Or, send yourself an email with a few sentences: It might read something like this: "What I liked about today was how Abby handled the new client call. It makes me proud to be a part of her team." Small bits of gratitude remind you of why you took the job in the first place, and help reinforce your willpower to handle the rough times. Also, when you have really tough days looking back through these statements can be a healthy coping mechanism. Make sure your statement is actually job related. Don't write down: "I'm grateful that this day is over." .
Show gratitude. Everyday, email one colleague, vendor, or partner, and thank them specifically for something they've done for you. Showing your gratitude to others is just plain nice, but it also lets others know what you enjoy and would like to see from them. It doesn't have to be long: "Steve — just wanted to say that you did a great job at the planning meeting yesterday and I thought you handled the question about the 2013 budget cycle very professionally — Angela." In life, our actions create reactions. If you want to be more appreciated, start by being more appreciative. It's also a great way to build relationships and increase motivation.
Have an opinion. Write an opinionated or even contrary blog or op-ed piece each month. Encourage yourself and others to think outside the box. Make yourself memorable by expressing your ideas. Need inspiration?: Read the NY Times Tech reporters Jenna Wortham and Nick Bilton — they write on cutting edge technology. Sign up for services like Huntington Post, as well. Additionally, you could use your Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, or blogger account for this purpose.
Stay connected. Once a year, reach out to your former bosses, let them know how you're doing, and find out how they are doing. Anybody who has invested time, effort, and attention to get you where you are today, should continue to be a part of your network! Tell them periodically how the skills they taught you are still helpful to you today. Another idea is to send them greeting cards for holidays or birthdays. They will be pleasantly surprised that you bothered to review their Twitter or Facebook profile to find out their birthday.
Connect with new contacts. Go through all your contacts, e-mails, and those stacks of business cards you've collected. Find fifty people from your industry that you wouldn't ‘normally' speak with in the next year. Assign those fifty people to the next fifty weeks — one person per week. Each week, e-mail just one person with a reminder that you exist and that you remember them: You might say "Hi There Sherry, I was just thinking about how great it was to meet you at the expo in Miami. I wonder if that re-engineering project of yours ever finished! Please stay in touch and if you're ever in my area, please let me know. I can make some restaurant and entertainment recommendations!"
Stay Educated. It's important that you are aware of the latest trends, challenges, and even leaders in your industry. Stay current on technology. In other words, stay relevant. Look for books, workshops, and professional organizations that can help you with this pursuit.
The worst time to get up to speed on your tech skills, put on a positive demeanor and whet your networking whistle is when you find yourself laid off or about to be laid off.
Practicing these Seven Tips proactively can help you safeguard yourself. It doesn't mean you won't get laid off. That's beyond your control. But, to does mean you'll be prepared and in the best position possible, if the worst should occur. It's your unemployment insurance -- it's called EMPLOYABILITY.
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