How to survive … being a nonentity

You're polite and punctual, hardworking and diligent, and yet nobody seems to know who the blazes you are. It's time you made your mark in the workplace and an indelible impression on your boss - here's how …

Start talking in a louder voice

It may have escaped your notice but many of your more well-known colleagues bellow, particularly during meetings. Survival of the loudest, you might say. You don't have to go quite that far, of course, but if you normally speak in a whisper, raise your voice. If you get nervous speaking in front of a crowd of co-workers, start rehearsing at home in front of the bathroom mirror. Okay, so this may not turn you into the suave looker who makes irritatingly witty off-the-cuff remarks, but if you say something sensible, however succinct, you won't be branded "the mute". Also, this way, during a meeting, your ingenious suggestion won't be drowned by a plagiarist colleague who puts it forward as their own idea.

Put yourself about a bit (so to speak)

Take on tasks you might normally shrink from. If someone needs to go to another department to talk about something, volunteer. When a presentation is looming, say you are happy to do it. If the thought of this sends you running for the hills, remember: it's a huge hurdle to begin with, but it is one that must be jumped.

Phone matters

Always give your name when you answer the phone rather than that of your company or department. This is a step towards recognition rather than anonymity and can do wonders to further your career (unless you've cocked something up, in which case give someone else's name).

Consider a makeover

Look at your clothes and hair. Are they dated beyond belief? Bribe someone stylish outside work to take you shopping and to the hairdresser's.

Celebrate your birthday

Either invite everyone to the pub or take cakes into the office. This'll get you noticed. And the endless renditions of "Happy birthday, dear Tim!" will mean everyone learns your name. It's only a problem if you don't want everyone to learn your age.

Show your quirks

If you have any that is. If not, start cultivating some. Make sure you have a long list of hobbies, such as paragliding and scuba diving (but not collecting mini Darth Vader figures, basket weaving or trainspotting). This will mean people start to talk about you - and that's only the beginning …

Have something unusual on your desk

Like a weird stress toy or a parakeet. This will gain you widespread fame: "Yeah, you know Tim - the one with the parakeet on his desk. He's a laugh."

Help to organise the office social

Make sure it's somewhere cool and everyone has to let you know personally whether they can make it. This will make you seem like a doer. If you're still a nobody after all this, it's time to change jobs or resign yourself to life on the bottom rung.