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The universe, it appears, is going to hell. If you do not think we are in rough waters right now you probably need to decrease your dosage a little. We are in a spiral. Downward. It WILL get better. But a lot is going to happen between now and then.

Dan, over at Personal Branding Blog, writes a post on 10 Ways You Shouldn’t Brand Yourself In a Bad Economy. It is an excellent read. Dan always does a great job. I want to take his recommendations and flip them around. I want to give you some tips on the things you SHOULD be doing.

IF, and that is a big if, layoffs are coming in your direction, this advice will help. It will help even if layoffs AREN’T looming on your personal horizon. But if layoffs are coming your name is going to be on a list. You CAN control where your name falls on that list.

1. Stay Positive. Nobody likes a gloomy gus/gussie. Don’t wear your emotions on your sleeve. Don’t be a cackling maniac either.

2. Grow your role. Take on more responsibilities. Step up and volunteer for the action item that you HATE. Help others. Even if you can’t stand them. You need the good publicity.

3. Don’t leave monster.com open on your computer and then walk away. Actually, Dan gave this advice too. Taking this a step further…watch who you are connecting to on linkedin and facebook. The world can see you connecting to 10 recruiters a day. Don’t do it.

4. Start doing things for others. Be the best boy/girl scout you can be. Help old ladies across the street. Offer to do favors for people. Build up your favor bank account. Make yourself useful as my mother always said. IF the hammer chooses you, you are going to need people.

5. Know That You Do NOT Have Job Security.
From Dan:
“No one has job security. There are just people who are better off than others. In fact, the only insurance policy you have is your network! You may even be getting laid off while you read this. The people who feel like they have job security are poorly positioned because they aren’t taking the steps needed to protect themselves and invest in their personal brands.“

6. Don’t Slack. Work like a demon. Even if you KNOW the hammer is coming. At the very LEAST you want to make it hard for them to cut you. Plus…you will have a good recommendation going out the door.

7. If you do get run…do it on your terms. Negotiate with your bosses, leave on GREAT terms. Stay in touch with them. Help them as much as you can. You never know how this will pay off. Do NOT, repeat, do NOT set fire to that bridge.

8. Trust No One. Dan touches on this too. Don’t bitch to your “friends”. They aren’t your friends. Right now they are busy cutting your throat to your boss. I know, I am a horrible person for saying this…but am I? Really. Stop your belly aching. And PLEASE! don’t complain in your blog that “only your friends read”.