Be the Last to Go....How to Keep your job in a down economy!!!

In the economic chaos prevailing in the world, many employees will lose their jobs. Unfortunately, you could be one of them. Depending upon your industry, the strength of your company, your continued sales (or lack thereof), your employment role, and the decisions made by government officials, the threat of a layoff could be imminent.
Don’t bury your head in the sand and hope all of the potential threats to your job and career disappear. They won’t. These tips will help you keep your job.
Keep your ears tuned into your work grapevine;
Watch your company's sales and profitability;
Observe your industry trends and employment opportunities;
Keep a close eye on Washington or your country's government;
Listen skeptically to your employer when you see problems not articulated.More Thoughts About How to Keep Your JobNow is the time to take steps to keep your job. You can keep your job, even in a bad economy. But, start soon, not later, to take the steps necessary to keep your job.
Jay Himes, Executive Director of Student Services and Programming at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, suggests you need to take a good look at yourself and your contributions. "Employees' work and accomplishments speak for themselves. Look at your organization; ask yourself, 'If I wanted to start a company that does what my firm does and I could take X number of people from here, who would I take?'
”If you aren’t on the list, why not? There are two possible reasons.
"The company doesn’t need someone who does what you do. This is often the case for people who are far removed from the firm’s customers, or whose job is primarily rooted in the bureaucracy. If your job is about building speed bumps and not about enablement, this is a warning sign.
"You are not providing superior value. Is this a training or education issue? Is it commitment – does your work day have work or procrastination in it? Is the issue that you have relational trouble with your coworkers?"If you honestly evaluate yourself and move to correct the issues, there is still time. Your bosses and coworkers will notice improvement. If you wait until layoffs come it will be too late."
After you evaluate your contribution and prospects and assess the viability of your employer, you are ready to make decisions. In any case, if your current employer appears to be taking appropriate actions for these tough economic times, you will want to ensure that you keep your job – for as long as you want your job.
In a recent poll, readers weighed in on their current strategy for keeping their job.
These ten steps will help you keep your job or help you prepare for a semi-predictable, but often unanticipated, job change.
Ten Steps to Help You Keep Your Job
Take Your Talents and Skills to a More Recession-proof Company or JobBe the Go-to, Indispensable Person Who Has Needed Organization Knowledge
Make Your Contributions Measurable and Visible to the Right People
Make Money for the Company: Contribute to Revenue Generation, Sales, Profit
Ask for More Work and More Challenging Assignments
Make Sure Your Manager Likes You; Invest Genuine Time, Compliments, Attention
Be a Low Maintenance Employee: No Complaining, Whining or Monopolizing
Work Long Hours and Make Sure the Right People Notice
Keep Your Personal and Professional Skills Growing and Developing
Team Build With Coworkers: Cooperate to Achieve Goals and Success for All