You can do many things to succeed in your career. Here are some tips to improve your chances of achieving workplace success, in spite of any economic ups and downs.

9. Act the part.
First impressions are everything and you always want to make sure you dress and act professional at all times. Your attire doesn’t need to be outrageously expensive for you to have credibility. It just needs to be appropriate to the environment you are operating in.

Consider clean lines and clothing that makes you feel comfortable and communicates who you want to be. If you're going for that big promotion or new account, go for it in your appearance as well as your job performance. Colleagues, customers, managers and peers will also pick up what you communicate about yourself in the way you behave.

With the current economic crisis, the fear of being laid off or fired is certainly legitimate, and there are a variety of reasons why people lose their jobs. Taking the right steps to advancing your career can lessen your chances for being laid off or terminated.

These tips can help you secure your career and promote yourself within your company. You don’t have to do all of these tips in one day, and you may not have to do all of them to see an improvement in your career. Keep a journal or check list of the tips you think can improve your chances to succeed at work. By writing your goals down, it will be easier for you to see your accomplishments and stick to your plan for success.