in case anyone else with a h-1b also loses their job unexpectedly (this is 6 months old for me now so i feel pretty ok sharing it):
- identify your 'special' skill set
- identify 8-10 people you know who have great job titles in well known orgs who can write letters about how great you are
- find a great immigration lawyer
- incorporate a company doing the thing in your special skill set
- put some money in the company's bank account
- apply for a O-1 visa within 60 days