Let’s be honest – a lot of uncertainty surrounds the job market today. We may not hear as much about it in the media, but regardless, millions of people are unemployed, underemployed or worry every day about lay-offs. However, in the midst of all this, some people are getting promotions, huge raises and nice fat bonuses.

You’re probably thinking, “Well, good for them. But they must work in some kind of special industry or have a totally secure company or job. But my company is laying-off people left and right, and I’ll probably be next…”

You have to understand, some of those who are getting raises and bonuses right now, are in the same companies as others who are worried about losing their jobs!

In fact, Paul Wessling is one of those people. His company was in the middle of laying-off employees with 25 years’ seniority… but not Paul! They actually CREATED a brand new position for Paul, where he is now able to make his own hours in his job.

What did Paul know, those laid-off 25-year employees didn’t know? He knew how important it was to keep growing and advancing his skills. Paul protected himself from layoffs by making himself indispensable to his company.

So, what makes you indispensable? How do you become the employee who gets promotions and bonuses, instead of getting laid-off?

• Look and listen for needs in the company and start to improve your skills, so you can fill those needs. This raises your value. You should focus on making yourself so valuable, they HAVE to keep you. Make yourself so valuable, your bosses and your coworkers just have to say, “What would we ever do without you?!” But you have to realize, advancement does not happen by simply showing up at work. Speaking as an employer, it’s easy for me to see who wants to grow, by looking at who consistently works on growing themselves, outside of that 9-5 time. I understand, not everyone wants to climb the corporate ladder… and there’s nothing wrong with that. But there IS something wrong with laziness. It’s so important to keep your skills sharp. The world continues moving forward every day, and it’s easy to get left behind if you quit learning and growing.
• Have a conversation with your boss about your performance on the job. Ask him/her to tell you what you can do better, to help the company succeed. Start by letting your boss know you really appreciate the opportunity to work with the company and consider it an honor to be employed. Then ask a few simple questions. “Are there some things you have seen me do, you are not satisfied with? Are there some areas where you feel I could improve to help the company grow and move forward? I am totally open to any coaching you have for me. I want to be the best at what I do, while still being a valuable team player. If you have an insight on anything I can work to improve, I would love to know!” This shows you are serious about doing your best to help the company grow. It shows you are truly interested in being part of the team and stepping up to fill the needs of the company. It shows you have a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the company. And it shows you have real initiative. When you follow-through on the coaching from your boss, this makes you extremely valuable.

Let me connect the dots. You don’t get paid for just showing up every day. You get paid for the VALUE you bring into your company every day. When you raise your value, this makes your employer want to continue paying you… and even give you raises and bonuses! When you raise your value, you become indispensable.

There is no need to fear lay-offs. There is no need to worry about your next employee evaluation. There’s no need to stress about what’s coming with the next economic shift. It’s time for you to take control of your career, your finances and your future.

If you are ready to become a success story, like Paul, then take the two strategies I gave you today and apply them immediately. And there are countless other stories, from people who have done exactly the same thing.

And you’re next! YOU can be getting raises and promotions, instead of living in fear about the future of your career. YOU will be the one succeeding wildly, while others around you watch and wonder how you did it.

My friend, I’m sure you know others who may be struggling in their jobs or businesses right now. Freely you have received this information today, so please, freely give it away. Forward this to your friends, family and coworkers, then share this post on Facebook and Twitter. I know together, you and I, can help a lot of people with this today and I look forward to reading your comments below!

And don’t forget to join me for The Dani Johnson Show today, when we share even more of my personally-selected tips and strategies to help you build a strong foundation for your success! You can find the show on your TV and radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.

In great faith,

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