1. Update your attitude toward long-term jobs.

The average position in the U.S. lasts from 2-5 years with the current norm being about 2.5 years. Accept that finding new work will be the one job you'll have for life, so get good at it! Keep an ear to the ground so you'll always know what's going on in the industry, with the competition and associated industries - instead of just inside your cubicle.

2. Put together a plan.

The law of averages shows a layoff will happen to all of us, so getting ready in advance will make it much easier to recover when it occurs. Know what yourPlus, you'll have a leg-up on the competition.

3. Communicate

Many clients I work with say their manager doesn't even know what they do.  Don't settle for that!  Keep your manager updated on your activities so they understand the value you contribute. Keep your communications regular, but not excessive, and make them accomplishment and results-oriented.

4. Step up to stretch assignments.

Never lay back and wait for someone to notice you are capable of doing more.  Take a risk and ask for an assignment outside of your comfort zone so you can learn new skills and showcase your talents.

5. Play nice with others.

Almost every company operates in a team environment.  Don't step on your teammates hands as they follow you up the ladder. If you take an "I'm in it to win it" attitude at the expense of your team members, you will be ousted in the first round of layoffs, and more importantly, won't have your workmates as connections when you - and they - move on to bigger and better things.

6. Build alliances across your organization.

Make it your business to know people in different departments and divisions.  If you are working on a project with multiple departments and communicating via email or phone, try for a face-to-face meeting or ask them to meet for a coffee break to build rapport.

7. Never eat lunch alone.

It's the mantra of the savvy professional.  Sitting in your cubicle eating lunch while you work is a huge mistake.  Be the one to organize lunches with other employees at your company (or outside the company for that matter) and build alliances. The connections you make will serve you for years.

8. Prove your personal integrity.

In nearly every workplace, there are questionable practices. I'm betting you know when the boundaries of honesty are being stretched. Your best move is to always protect your integrity. It takes a career to build a good reputation, and one less-than-honest incident to destroy it.

9. Dress up - even when you don't have to. 

In a world of tee shirts, flip flops and wrinkled jeans, the person who does business casual the right way will stand out. Look like you are serious about your image.  An ironed shirt with a collar, pants with a belt or a skits and shined shoes will take you a v-e-r-y long way - no matter what your role is.

10. Choose positivity.  People who are always stressed, pessimistic, sarcastic or depressed are no fun to be around.  Be the one they miss when you're not around.  You may not have an outgoing personality, but your attitude is 100% your choice.