Let’s be honest – there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the job market today. There are millions of people who are unemployed or underemployed, and millions more who worry every day about layoffs. However, in the midst of this, there are those who are getting promotions, huge raises, and nice big bonuses.

I know you’re probably thinking, "Well, good for them. But they must work in some kind of special company or have a totally secure job. My company is laying people off left and right, so I’ll probably be next…"

You have to understand that 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 who had been working there for 25 years, but not Paul! They actually created a brand new position for Paul, and he is now able to make his own hours inside of that position.

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

So what makes you indispensable? How do you become the employee that gets promoted and bonused instead of 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.

  Your focus should be making yourself so valuable, they HAVE to keep you. Make yourself so valuable, it makes your bosses and your co-workers say, "What would we ever do without you?!"

  But you have to realize advancement does not happen by simply showing up to work. Speaking as an employer, it is easy to see who wants to grow by looking at who is consistently working on themselves and growing outside of the job, outside of 9-5 time.

  Sure, 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 is 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 in order to help the company succeed.

  Start by letting your boss know you really appreciate the opportunity to work with the company, and that you consider it an honor be employed.

  Then ask a few simple questions. "Are there some things you have seen me do that 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, and I also want to be a team player. If you have an insight on anything you think I can improve, I would love to know what that is so I can work on it."

  This shows that you are serious about doing your best to help the company grow. It shows that you are truly interested in being part of the team and stepping up to fill the needs of the company. It shows that you have a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the company. And it shows that you have real initiative.

  When you follow through on the coaching you receive from your boss, this makes you extremely valuable.

Let me connect the dots for you. You don’t get paid for just showing up to your job 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 pay you, and even give you raises and bonuses. When you raise your value, this makes you indispensable.

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

If you are ready to have a story like Paul, who I told you about earlier, then take the 2 strategies I gave you today and apply them immediately. There are countless other stories I could tell you from people who have done the same thing.

And you’re next! You can be the one who is getting raises and promotions instead of living in fear of the next round of layoffs. You will be the one who is succeeding wildly while others around you are watching and wondering how you did it.

One more thing before I sign off for the day… I’m sure you know a few 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 co-workers, and share this post on Facebook and Twitter. I believe that together, you and I can help a lot of people with this today.

Other than that, I hope you have a really great and productive Wednesday! Can’t wait to connect with you again tomorrow! God bless you.

In great faith,

P.S. Leave the worrying to everyone else… Instead, pick up the skills you need to make yourself totally indispensable to your company!