Few people want to be the meek mouse in the corner. The employee who does good work, but nobody knows their name. Invisibility is definitely not the way to go about getting a promotion. If you’re tired of the company executives not knowing who you are, it’s time to get noticed.

The first thing you need to do is find out what will make you invaluable to the organization. You may think it can be accomplished by simply working hard, but there is actually more to the equation. It’s time to have a sit down conversation with your manager. “What will it take for me to be a top performer?” Work together with your boss to come up with a set of goals for yourself and the department, and then get to work. As you accomplish each goal make sure you let your manager know. Don’t just tell them about it, send a report that details the goal, the actions and the successful conclusion.

Automation, automation, automation. Sure paper may be easier for you, but that pile of paperwork will only succeed in being the fort you’re hidden behind rather than a testament to your outstanding productivity. Batch your “to-do” list and turn to your computer to get it all organized into manageable (and neater) chunks. Have you ever considered an editorial calendar of upcoming events? Keep your boss in the loop on your excellent time management skills in an easy-to-read calendar or report delivered directly to their e-mail in-box every day.

Does anyone else in the office need help? Once you have your own work load under control, offer to help and/or cross train in other departments needing assistance. This is the chance to discover new opportunities for growth.

Most importantly, remember that you only have two hands. All of your efforts at getting noticed mean nothing, however, if you take on so much work that you end up making mistakes or missing deadlines. Make sure that whatever you do is completed with 100% excellence.

If your goal is to move up the company ladder, your first step is to get noticed. Not in the clothes you wear (though that’s important), or the way you show up to work on time every day, but in your actions and effectiveness. The next time that plum promotion opens up with the corner office, you will be the first person they think of.