How to be Employee of the Month

Nowadays everyone seems to be either looking for a job or concerned they might lose the one they have. With unemployment at an all-time high, it’s no wonder. In the words of Cherry Valance from The Outsiders, “Things are tough all over.” (On a random note, anyone else cry when Johnny died? Sniff, sniff.)

So what should you do if you have a job and are worried it may not last? Here are my thoughts for what it’s worth:

· Work a full day. Don’t show up late, take long lunches, or leave early. If you think your boss won’t notice, he/she will. If not, I guarantee you someone will rat you out. Even if you are the top salesman/producer/whatever, it doesn’t matter. Business owners are looking to trim some fat and the folks who work the hardest and show the most loyalty rank almost as high as those bringing in the dough. There really is value in work ethics.

· Bring in the bacon. (In keeping with the food analogy) money definitely matters, too. If you aren’t paying for yourself and then some, your name will be on the chopping block at some point. No one wants to work a 60-hour week, but in days like these, you just might have to for a bit. So put the kids to bed, bring out your laptop, turn on some music, and get to work!

· Offer solutions. All companies have problems from time to time, and complaining about them does absolutely no good. But providing solutions … now that’s another story! Everyone loves someone who can help, so before you grumble to your boss, think of a solution that’s win-win for everyone.

· Volunteer. For internal projects, to write white papers, to mentor a junior associate, etc. You might think it’s brown-nosing, and it is to a point. But if you have the genuine desire to help, it’ll show through. By being your boss’s “right-hand man,” you can almost render yourself indispensible.

· Get educated. Now is a great time to expand your knowledge about your craft. Impress your boss with valuable input on your industry by discussing current events that may affect your company or share some great information from a recently read book (I mean one that applies to your industry, not the latest book by Stephen King).

· Network. This one serves two purposes. Sure, network for your company to help with sales, but also to promote yourself and get your name out there. The phrase, “It’s not what you know but who you know,” is incredibly true. Let me repeat that, it is incredibly true. Meet people, pass out your business card, connect on LinkedIn and at association meetings, send emails of congratulations to people who get promotions/awards, etc. In other words, become a face and name that everyone recognizes.

These are not sure-fire guarantees of course, but they certainly won’t hurt. And if your colleagues aren’t doing any of these, you WILL stand out. And hang in there. The economy is bound to turnaround one of these days, and when you’re in your boss’s mind come promotion time, it’ll all be worth it.