With some holiday errands to run, I’ve deferred my column to an old friend. Hope it’s informative.

Hey everybody, Geoff Reid here.

I know what you’re thinking, Steelers fans. I get that a lot, but I’m not that guy.

Anyway, in this economy, it’s my job to help you keep a job, so here are the top five strategies for staying put.

No. 1: Never, under any circumstances, do you insult your employers, especially in the media.A buddy of mine tried this. He claimed they — let’s hypothetically call them the Rooney family — lied to him about getting a new contract with one year remaining.This “family” is beloved, and revered by one and all.It’s best to stay professional and hold your tongue.

No. 2: Do your job well.If your job is, oh, I don’t know, making field goals for a professional sports team, you might want to make them.You can try to fake that, but, in the end, it’s a results-driven, what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world we live in. Numbers don’t lie.

No. 3: Dress for success.Appropriate attire is the way to go. Yes, maybe if you work outdoors, maybe in a stadium in the fall and winter months, for example, you might want to adapt to the cold and wind.But wild, erratic hairdos — like a platinum blonde, poofy ‘do — that garners more attention than your performance is a no-no. Personal grooming is a big plus.

No. 4: Whatever you do, try to stay on the right side of the law.For example, this guy I know, he got a little drunk and smashed a towel dispenser at a convenience store. And then, while assisting a co-worker who urinated in public, he got into a minor scuffle with the police.I know, you think this guy would learn the first time, but a pattern of alcohol-related skirmishes certainly isn’t the way to go.

No. 5: When dealing with shortcomings and failures, don’t blame others.Take a good long look in the mirror — as long as it’s not at a convenience store — and say, “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘blame’ but there is a ‘me.”Don’t blame the same working conditions everyone else has to deal with and don’t slam any supporters who want you to succeed.

Bonus tip:

When you are shown the door by an employer, get back on the horse quickly.Case in point: this person I know was let go because of a lack of performance this year, but when three other companies expressed interest and two wanted him to sign a contract, he balked and said he wanted to take the weekend off.If you’re anxious to work, you need to show a new employer you’re all-in, not leave someone in limbo for another week.Again, I’m Geoff — with a ‘G.’ Put these tips in place and you’ll enjoy a healthy career in whatever you do, even if it’s, say, kicking a football or something.Sam Tallarico is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.