In this economy, it's now more important than ever to make yourself valuable to your employer or your clients. In a comment to another article, Craig commented on how he seeks out work from other departments, especially Human Resources. I think that's a great idea. My division has relationship managers who are our liaison with our business partners. I meet with them regularly to see what the folks in my area can assist with. I also meet regularly with our Project Management Office to see what's on the horizon.

I want it so that my company can't live without the services of my area. Sometimes, we have to do a few more things or take on some more responsibility, but I want them to see the value that the writers and testers bring.