Mixed Blessings
10 ways to become indispensable
By Beverly Butler, APR

It’s not news that the economy is causing companies to cut headcount. What you may not realize, however, is how much control you have over whether you’re seen by senior management as a valuable asset or needless overhead. When a company is forced to make tough choices, employees who are stand-outs in the company have a greater chance of staying in it.

Boost your value using these tips:

1. Do more than your boss asks for. Everyday there are opportunities to exceed expectations. Take them! Anticipate questions your boss might have about a plan you wrote or an industry issue in which the company is involved, and be ready with well-researched and concise answers. Get things done before deadline and always double-check accuracy (and that means spelling and grammar, as well as numbers).

2. Volunteer for a long term project. Nothing beats being the expert in the room for job security. Find a project with strong senior management support and bring your expertise to the table as a key player. Volunteer to take the notes, or send the follow-up action items to gets your name out in a positive way.

3. Bring new ideas. Use your experience from another company, industry, or even volunteer work to infuse discussions with fresh thinking. Sometimes people who have worked in one area for so long have a tough time seeing linkages or new opportunities. That’s where you come in by demonstrating your creativity and enthusiasm.

4. Partner with other areas of the company. Seek out opportunities to work with parts of the company you generally don’t. If your specialty is marketing, see if you can help the HR department by rolling out a new learning tool. Or if strategy is your expertise, check out whether social media could boost product adoption in a new market. Be involved with what’s going on so you can see ways–and be the one—to connect the dots.

5. Cultivate curiosity. If you don’t understand a product, service, or how a process works, ask. Most people enjoy talking about their area and you can learn more about where your talents could share a greater spotlight. When you are fully engaged in every level of the company, you become a more valued asset.

6. Find new sources of revenue. Even incremental increases can show your supervisor that you are thinking strategically. Reach out to non-traditional audiences in new and creative ways. It doesn’t have to be big to be a ‘pilot’. In California, especially, there are so many niche market segments that targeted outreach can be relatively easy.

7. Get your work recognized by peers and trade associations. Everybody is an expert on something. See what trends you can speak to and write up a brief summary. Share it with the programming person from trade associations in your field, brush off your bio and headshot, and make sure your colleagues and boss see that you are positioned as an expert (and making the company look good!)

8. Be visible and vocal during meetings. Be sure you are adding value at meetings. Chances are you have good comments and insights, so share them. Get to the meeting a few minutes early to meet people you may not know, and always try to sit directly across from the person running the meeting.

9. Mentor and be mentored. Select someone in upper management that you respect and admire, and ask if they would be your mentor. Outline the time commitment and what you want out of the relationship. Also, seek out bright, interesting new employees and ask if they are looking for a mentor. It’s a great way to expand your mind and your sphere of influence.

10. Use your personal network to help the company. Got a book club that meets regularly? Use a few minutes of your literary friends’ time as an informal focus group for your company’s latest product or service. PTA meetings or carpools offer chances to gain customer insights. By helping the company’s mission in your off hours, your boss will see your commitment.

While you can’t always save your job, following these tips will show your commitment and passion, and prove your value. And valuable people are the ones companies’ keep, no matter what.

As seen in this issue of Connections magazine:

Beverly Butler

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