The Rainmaker Network admittedly does a lot of career prep...but what if you've already landed the internship, gig or job of your dreams? Then what? Getting a job or internship is no easy feat, but it's nothing compared to actually keeping it.

Here are some incredibly simple, tried and true tips to help make you indispensable:

1. Show up on time. Being punctual shows that you are responsible and that you respect your employer's time. It also shows that you respect yourself enough to protect your reputation from being damaged by silly little mistakes.

2. Do your job. This seems like a dead giveaway but is not always apparent. Complete your projects with the same amount of gusto you had coming into your position. Also, doing your job also means doing it well. That's right -- doing it WELL is actually built into the job description.

3. Take some initiative. It doesn't mean to you stray from the task at hand to work on ten other things. What it does mean is that you need to go above and beyond what is expected out of you for the tasks you've been assigned to.

4. Ask questions, but only after you have attempted to answer them yourself. There is nothing more annoying for a manager or supervisor to have to answer your every question, especially if there are valid sources of information available at your fingertips (i.e. the University of Google).

5. Be consistent. Also known as being reliable, it is important that your boss can depend on you on a regular basis. Consistency in punctuality, quality of work, level of initiative, and self-reliance are all things that employers want but don't necessarily ask for outright.

What are your tips to keeping a job?

I get asked this question a lot.  Our bodies aren’t made to handle the amount of toxins we’re constantly exposed to.  Toxin overload can lead to a whole host of illnesses and side effects.  Take the quiz below to see if you need to do a cleanse.

• Do you eat processed foods, fast food and/or eat out regularly?
• Do you eat non-organic animal products and produce?
• Do you consume genetically altered foods?
• Do you eat foods containing hydrogenated oil?
• Do you or have you used artificial sweeteners (Nutrasweet/Aspartame, Splenda, Sweet n Low)?
• Do you eat foods containing preservatives, additives, dyes, or sweeteners?
• Do you charbroil or grill foods?
• Do you drink coffee, soda or alcohol regularly?
• Do you drink unfiltered tap water?
• Do you use a microwave?
• Do you microwave/cook/store food in plastic containers?

If the majority of your answers are yes, then your diet contributes significantly to your toxic load. Most likely, you’re also exposed to other irritants such as pollution, cigarette smoke, dry cleaning fluids, cosmetics and beauty products, exhaust fumes, cleaners, and medications.

You might want to consider detoxing, if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Insomnia
• Reduced mental clarity
• Poor digestion
• Low libido
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cancer
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Thyroid Disorders
• Adrenal Exhaustion
• Infertility

Not all cleanses are created equal.  It’s important to have a qualified physician help you find one that is right for you.  If you go back to your old habits once you’ve completed a cleanse, the benefits won’t last.  I see a lot of people go through the effort, but don’t change their lifestyle.  I highly recommend avoiding unhealthy foods and products to guarantee long lasting results.

Live natural.  Live well.
Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac.

Check out Heather's Web site at www.getnaturalgetwell.com

Hello everyone! 2010 is upon us; it's not only a new year, but a new decade. Looking back, it has been quite an interesting one. 2009 itself was a massive learning experience. This past year has opened my eyes to many things, but especially to live more sustainably.

Some college students feel as if they can't live a sustainable and frugal life without having to sacrifice their lifestyle. I'm here to tell you that's not the case. I'll be giving you tips on how to save money, go green, survive college, and reduce your impact on the environment.

Here are a few simple things we can do to make a drastic change in 2010:

• Do not print your e-mails: Most college students don't; the less evidence, the better. A lot of us only use our e-mail accounts for school, internships, or work. This goes for assignments as well. Try not to bring a paper copy of your assignments to class unless it's absolutely necessary. The trees will thank you.
  
• Download green iPhone apps: One that will help you track your carbon footprint is Carbon Tracker (obviously). Other good ones that will help you on your way to greatness are
• Bank of America: mobile banking
• Pizza Hut: order your food right where you are
• Chipotle: who doesn't want their burrito ready when they get there?
• iFlip: a flashcard application for $5 that will save you many index cards
  
• Pay your bills online: Save a stamp (aren't they $0.42 now?), an envelope, and some time.
  
• Do your shopping online: This is some advice I wish I would've taken this holiday season. Avoid the lines, you get a greater variety (sometimes), and you save gas. Only downside: you can't try on the clothes, so for those sale items, I suggest you go ahead and make the trip.
  
• Clickbee.net is a website where you can get cash back on your purchases. Doesn't hurt to try.
  
• Turn off your lights: When you leave a room, turn the light off, even if you're coming right back, but especially if you're not. Your energy bill will thank you, which in turn will have you thanking yourself.
  
• Limit your showers: Sure it might feel swell, but you really only need a 5 minute shower to hit all the basics and crevices. Make it a challenge with your friends to motivate you even more.
  
• Share a ride: I cannot emphasize it enough: carpool, carpool, carpool. I know you have friends who go to the same places you go. School, work, movies, etc. Take the trip together.