Back when I was going to college, Jeopardy was relatively new to television. I often skipped class to watch--not that it took a whole lot for me to do that. (Inclement weather of any kind was a worthy excuse.) My favorite category was Hodgepodge, a mixture of somewhat related topics, hence the title of this piece.

Act Like an Owner. If a firm employs you, stop thinking of yourself as an employee. Ask yourself, "What would I do if I were an owner?" By acting as such, you'll probably become more engaged in the work an your "happy meter" will start ticking upward. Plus, the management will notice the change and start listening more to your ideas. You might even see more raises and promotions. 

Become a Thought Leader. Don't hold back on positioning an idea, program or new process you have been thinking about, whether you are an employee or free agent. Thirteen years ago, when I decided to leave corporate America after twenty-five years and became an executive coach, I based my distinction from other coaches on the concept of job jumping as a career strategy. I even self-published a book about it. In reviewing all the great joy I have experienced in my work in the years since, that move ws very instrumental. 

Ensure Your Marketability. How can you ensure your marketability if you don’t know what the market wants? Start by developing new playmates on new playgrounds. Step outside your comfort zone. Unfettered contact with people from different disciplines can be magical.  Try sitting on committees of community and business organizations, joining volunteer groups, attending workshops, and spending a few hours each week researching the latest trends and business activities. By updating your knowledge and thinking, you are improving your chances of future success.

Create a Stake in the Outcome. Most companies or organizations don’t respond well to people who clamor for more money because they’re overworked, understaffed, or underpaid. They prefer people who come to them and say, “I’d be willing to have a piece of my compensation based on a) how well the firm does, b) how well I perform, c) how well our department or team does. The idea is to demonstrate that you feel strongly about your contribution and that you have skin in the game. This idea may not sit well with all of us, but I have seen it open doors for people that may never have opened otherwise.

I’ll take Hodgepodge for $200, Alex.