1. Keep several lines of research -- theoretical line and applicational line. Let other people, in particular your colleagues, feel that you are a useful person.

 

2. Do some visibly independent work.

 

3. Establish your visibility. Let more people in this area know about your work -- this is useful at the time of tenure judgement when you need many recommendation letters from people all over the world. 

 

4. Doing research is a marathon. Keep a constant pace.