Reduce Your Chances of Getting Laid Off

Keeping a low profile to stay out of harm's way is a good instinct ... when you're camping in the wilderness. In the real world -- the corporate cement-jungle working world -- survival requires doing just the opposite.

With company cutbacks becoming routine business, everyone's under scrutiny -- even your co-workers hiding in their cubicles, all balled up in the fetal position, won't avoid being seen. Don't be that guy (or gal). When layoffs loom, you want to be more than a blip on the radar. You want to be the person mentioned frequently in meetings. In good times and bad, you want to be that employee known for your good work at a fair price and with an upbeat attitude.

In other words, getting noticed is your best defense against getting the boot.

How to Get Noticed (in a Good Way)

Getting back slaps from the boss (or high-fives if it's casual Friday) doesn't require adding an extra 10 or 20 hours to your work schedule or bringing baked goods to every meeting. The strategy is actually quite simple: Focus on their needs, not yours.

In Seven Years to Seven Figures, author Michael Masterson says that higher-ups really take notice of those who (1) solve the company's biggest financial problem, or (2) find new ways to increase sales (or whatever the business goal is) and put them into action.

And that takes work. But the old cliche about working smarter rather than harder isn't a bad one, as far as cliches go. So roll up your shirt sleeves and follow some of these tips from Masterson on making yourself indispensable to your company.

Mold Yourself Into an MVP

1. Plug in to the larger priorities. Every year, companies set their annual goals. If you've gotten yourself involved in those talks, excellent -- you already know what matters to the big bosses. If you aren't clued in to the broader business objectives, do a water-cooler survey to learn about the latest buzz.

2. Do some industry reconnaissance. It's easy to get wrapped up in what's happening inside your company's walls, but regularly scanning periodicals and industry websites can help you find new ways of approaching your job. If your company still shells out for you to attend conferences, write up your notes and relate what you learned to your current company's operations and goals.

3. Act like a business owner. You don't have to be the person who volunteers for every project to get noticed. It's better to spearhead your own initiative -- one that's designed to solve a company problem or meet an objective more quickly or profitably.

4. Seek feedback. Don't let your hard work fall flat during the big "reveal." Seek frequent feedback on special projects, in addition to your regular work performance. Show that you value others' expertise by listening and responding thoughtfully.

5. Get creative with your pay. Ask for profit-based incentives to be tied to your performance. Yes, there's a risk that you'll make less than if you settle for the standard raises, but there's a bigger potential upside, too. Even better, such thinking illustrates that you're personally invested in the success of your company.

6. Get noticed. Progress updates are important not only for the pointers you'll get, but also because they spotlight your work without seeming like you're bragging. Highlight your solid wins, as well as your colleagues' contributions. And don't be stingy with praise. The best leaders elevate others along with themselves.

Isn't it heartening to know that nice guys and gals can get ahead?

As a columnist for Fool.com, Dayana Yochim's idea of "dressing for success" means donning a jester's cap. Though one of the hazards of doing so while networking at an off-site event means occasionally being mistaken for the party entertainment.