The economy is making things tough. Situations are changing almost on a weekly basis. Now, more than ever, you need to do a little extra to make sure that your boss and your company see you and your skills as valuable.

1. Get Organized!
Clean up files. Clean up your desk/work area. Make a resolution in 2009 to keep up with your filing and archiving. Keep what's required. Let go of what's not important. Get rid of the clutter. (All of those electronic files that you save take up storage space and require backups. That affects other company resources besides your own.)

2. Watch out for the Small Stuff.
Look for ways to do more with less. Do you really need to print single-sided copies of everything? Do you need new software or can you be creative and productive with something that you already have?

3. There's no $$ for Training or Travel.
Be creative. Find an online course. Look at what your professional organization offers. If you can't go to a seminar or a convention, do they offer notes? Sometimes, you can get notes or handout copies for a nominal fee.

Part B to this is that there may not be money for other groups within your organization to travel either. Can you or you with help put on a brown-bag session on a skill that they may need. (i.e. special features in Word, how to use Visio, 10 steps to better business writing,...)

4. Volunteer!
If your project has been cut or work has slowed, volunteer for other efforts. Check with your supervisor. There are always things that need to be documented or organized. I look through our break/fix tickets to see opportunities for documentation, training, and testing.

5. No $$ for Extra Help!
Try to be creative if the budget is getting cut. Does your company have an internship program? Could you mentor someone and have him/her assist you? Are there others in your company who want to learn a new skill?

6. Take Care of Yourself!
Make sure that you keep your resume current. Nobody thinks or likes to think that they'll need it. It's a volatile world. Make sure that you're aware of what's going on in your field or area of expertise in case you do have to look for another position. Network with others. If you're looking for a job, tell everyone that you know. Take advantage of online networking groups. Also contact your college's placement office.  Eat right and exercise.

7. Help Others Where You Can.
You're great at writing, organizing, and proofreading. Resumes are right up your alley. Help those who need it.