Hearing whispers of layoffs around the watercooler? Feeling a bit insecure about your job? Although there's no guarantee to avoid a pink slip, here are some tips to make yourself as indispensable as possible to your company:

Make yourself visible.
Does your boss know who you are, and what you do? It may sound like a silly question, but don't assume your boss is aware of your accomplishments. When managers lay off employees, unfamiliar personnel are often the first to go.

Get to know your boss.
Think of ways to help your superiors look good to other managers. You'll be sure to get noticed. And appreciated.

Establish credibility.
Your credibility is extremely important. Establish yourself as an honest, hardworking, and responsible employee. Show that you can act independently yet wisely. Earn management's trust and your job will be that much more safe.

Be even more productive.
Get your job done better and faster than ever before! Exceed expectations. Hard work is fine, but only results will impress your boss. Take initiative: establish some goals for yourself. This will help you produce better results, deal successfully with deadlines, and ultimately enhance your credibility.

Be flexible.
Can you adapt to new and different situations quickly, without much ado? If not, work on being more flexible. Take a course or participate in any outside or company sponsored activity that will add to your expertise. Also, be open to new projects and additional responsibilities.

Stay optimistic.
Just as smiles are contagious, so too is optimism. Nobody, especially bosses, likes a pessimist; they detract from office morale. Remember, good morale is essential to a successful working environment. If you positively influence those around you, chances are you're a valuable employee.

Speak and write well.
Communication is the key to success in business. Clear speech is mandatory for successful presentations; poor speech detracts from the message being delivered. The ability to write succinctly and directly is also important. Many of us believe you can't learn superior writing skills, that you're born with them. Wrong. There are plenty of books, audio tapes, and seminars available which can help significantly improve communication skills.

Network yourself.
Familiarize yourself with people outside of your department, and your company. Develop new contacts, and keep in touch with old ones. After all, 70-80% of all jobs are filled in this manner.

Become a team player.
Demonstrate that you're committed to the company, not just to your own personal goals. Remember, if you can work well with others, your boss will recognize that you can compromise and cooperate as part of a team.

Market yourself.
What kind of image do you project? Is it one that exudes success and motivation, or does it indicate that you're merely going through the motions until 5:00 PM rolls around? Make an effort to dress appropriately and smartly for work. This will imprint a lasting and positive impression on your boss.

This information was obtained from AOCNet.com