There has been a theme across several blogs and articles I’ve read lately. I’ve noticed it in some of the news stories, too. Corporations are keeping their “useful” employees with more benefits and/or increased pay. It costs the corporation less to retain their best people versus hiring and training new ones.
So, in the context of our current economic situation and all of the layoffs in the past few years, I ask, “How do I make myself more ‘useful’ to my company?” The articles/blogs suggested improving communication and technology skills. They said to think about what can enhance the look of your resume, too.
In my position as a corporate trainer, I make myself useful by keeping up with the latest in software and soft skills training areas. I invest in training each year (tax-deductible usually, too!) and do quite a bit of reading and playing with new programs to make sure that I am able to do the training that the market is asking for from my industry.
The blogs/articles suggested those same things to stay current and even advance to a new position. They said to make sure you are up on the technology available to do your job. Read and network with others in your industry to stay up with the current trends. To make yourself ‘useful’ invest in training, even if your employer does not pay for it. As a trainer I tell this to others all the time. I’m glad to see someone else, outside of the training industry, saying the same thing!
Remember that after you gain the new skills that you let your corporation know. Actually, ask them first about training to make sure you are aware of everything that is available to you. (One blog suggested asking in the HR office, too, since they may know of more programs offered than a boss or co-worker would.) Turn in those certificates or log those training hours with your employer. Make them aware of what you can do now and how that will help your job and corporation. Also, make sure and add those items to your resume to keep it up-to-date.
Even if you employer is not able to pay for the training, it will be worth the investment to keep your job or advance to a better one!
Well, it is almost half way through January. Have you kept your New Year’s resolutions? Statistics show that many of us have already failed in keeping our resolutions. I’ve enlisted the help of my husband (a.k.a. healthnut) to help me stay on track with working out on our elliptical trainer here at home. He’s a great encourager and accountability partner. 
This past week, I did a customized 1-on-1 deskside training class on specific topics in Microsoft Excel, Visio, and Project. It had been a while since I’d done training on Visio and Project. As we went over the individual’s questions, I was reminded of what great tools Project and Visio are. (Note: Versitas doesn’t sell any of these products, so these are just my personal thoughts on the software.)