Everywhere you turn, there’s talk of the impending (or some say, current) recession. For all intents & purposes, there are signs that America is in the throes of a money crunch…the wavering dollar, gas prices higher than the country has ever seen, price increases in every sector of agriculture…

The outlook, to some, is grim.

Which makes it an even worse time than usual for people to lose their jobs.

Several companies in various sectors have announced or already made cuts. Layoffs & “the recession” (if you believe in that sort of thing) are on the tips of everyone’s tongues from the neighborhood businesswoman to the mainstream media. The “average family” fears not being able to pay their bills or keep their home. The work-money link is more tangible than it has been in many years.

Here are four tips to help you make your job recession-proof. I can’t guarantee that they’ll help you forever avoid the dreaded pink slip with cat-like precision, but they’ll definitely make you an asset with whom your boss will hate to part.

A quick note:

Some will find these strategies A LOT different than they’d expect. There’s no schmoozing or politicking involved. In fact, I feel that workplace politicking cheapens your professional image & distracts from time that could be better spent doing your job with excellence. Modern career analysts may state that these techniques are outdated…the only problem with that theory…THEY WORK.

Commit to Unparalleled Personal Excellence

When we work from the place of personal determination, we tap into resources & talents that we never will if we’re simply “going through the motions.” We are refreshed, rejuvenated, & find a level of commitment that just isn’t possible if our only motivation is a paycheck. Set a high standard for yourself in your work & do not compromise. Your newfound focus on exceeding expectations will help you shine. Remember, this doesn’t mean you have to be perfect…but don’t cut corners or accept excuses from yourself.

The Early Bird Keeps the Job

The “average” worker will have a nearly violent reaction to the idea of showing up to work early. But, follow the logic here for a second. It’s easy to stand out when you arrive early & focused to embark on your day before others are dragging into the office. Don’t go into the office simply to be seen, however. Be sure you’ve planned to dive right in & tackle work as soon as your arrive. With your personal work standards in place, this will be easy.

Work With Laser-like Focus

A variety of studies exist on how much time people at work ACTUALLY spend working. Calculations range from 30 minutes to 2 or 3 hour in the average, eight-hour day. The rest of that time is spent goofing off, at the water cooler, or cruising YouTube for searches like “guy puts dog in dryer” or something equally stupid. The fact is that employers don’t pay their team to watch YouTube; they pay them to…[wait for it] work!

With such a paltry standard passing for acceptable in most workplaces, imagine what would happen if you spent your time working consistently throughout the day. The quality of your work would improve; you could focus more on the key tasks that help move the company forward. Your superiors would take notice. And that is what causes quantum leaps in careers.

Take on more Responsibility

How often do you expand your workload beyond your current job description? This technique is totally in your hands. It’s really simple. Go to your supervisor & say,

“You know Bob, I’m really committed to the organization’s success & would like to take on more responsibility. Is there anything else I can take on right now to help?”

I can almost guarantee that this isn’t a request he or she receives very often. When you approach him in this way, it says that you’re looking to become a more vital ‘cog in the wheel.’ Once you’ve got your new assignment, do it quickly & well. Repeat this often enough & you become a go-to girl (or guy).

What other tips can you offer about keeping yourself employed during difficult financial times? I’d love to hear the steps you’ve taken to keep bringing the bacon home.

Like we talked about before, these tips may not keep you out of the line of fire forever, but they’ll make your boss’s decision a lot harder.

Good luck!