Standing out at work is important. But add a struggling economy with everyone spending more and getting less and suddenly standing out at your workplace becomes essential. Are you just another face at the office or someone who is likely to be tapped for the next promotion? Do you have an accurate picture of how you are regarded?

AccountingWEB has researched ways to shine so you can spotlight your talents and polish your presence in the office. In no particular order, here are our top five recommendations:

1. Be Your Own Advocate. In the work environment, this is not a time to be modest. Take credit for your own hard work and make sure that the higher powers at your firm know you are the one responsible for it. Accountancy Age Young Professional Magazine even recommends asking your manager to acknowledge your efforts in meetings and company newsletters. If you have trouble accepting praise, you must learn to believe you are worthy of it.
    
2. Communication is King. Use your social skills and strive to be a contributing member of any team at work. Think about what you say and how you act. Positive interactions draw people to you while complaining and negativity will drive them away like gazelles from a lion. The goal is to project the image of a confident and personable professional, someone who will be at the top of the list when the next promotion opens up. Excellent communication also extends to your written reports and memos. Be clear and concise.
    
3. Build Relationships. You do not have to befriend everyone at the firm but the person in the next cubicle could one day be running the entire operation. The relationships you forge, starting on your first day at work, will no doubt impact your future. Take the time to build trusting relationships and nurture them so they are of value to you and others.
    
4. Get Out of the Office. If you are spending countless hours at work and no one is even there to notice, your hard work could backfire and appear to be poor time management. Extend your reach beyond the office. Attend the breakfast meetings or after-hours get-togethers at the local chamber of commerce or seminars and conferences within the accounting industry. You can network at these gatherings then return to the office and promote your involvement by encouraging others to get involved.
    
5. Take the Initiative. Future leaders don’t rely on their superiors for answers. They look for solutions on their own and arm themselves with fresh ideas. They understand the urgency of important projects and are up to the challenge. While it may sound simple, it is worth noting that they finish projects they start, focus on goals and not just activities, make decisions without waffling and meet deadlines. They don’t get rattled at the first sign of uncertainty, don’t align themselves with negative thinkers and they learn from their setbacks.