How to make yourself indispensable

There are many ways to stand out from the crowd, writes Belinda Williams.

Are you disposable? It's an important question to ask yourself, because skill and talent will only get you so far. A more personal approach could help ensure you're not just another faceless creditor - charismatic people have a knack for making themselves indispensable, owing to their stand-out role in the staff cast. Whether you're an owner, manager or employee, here are some ways to be unforgettable to the people you do business with.

Do other peoples' work

Help yourself by helping others, says Michael Shevers, area manager at Drake Recruitment Services. "Every manager can tell you that they don't have enough time in a day to manage every one of their employees equally," Shevers says. "They would be grateful for the assistance of a proactive team member who can help other team members solve problems, troubleshoot issues and find information." Shevers says helping out - especially at your own inconvenience - will earn you kudos and forge strong team bonds and trust. "Employees who help in this way are often the first to be thought of as indispensable."

Be an ideas person

Shevers says finding ways to save money, increase client satisfaction or make a process more effective is another way of cementing your position. "Being seen as an employee who, from time to time, can generate cost-saving or money-making ideas or company improvements is often an excellent way to be seen as indispensable."

Be the bearer of

good news

Don't shy away from blowing your own trumpet. Pass on positive company feedback - especially when you get a mention. "Don't hide your light under a bushel when you get good feedback from a customer. Let your manager know that there is a happy customer on the phone, or forward that email with glowing feedback," Shevers says.

Be an expert ... at

something

Create an "identity profile" and promote your expertise in an area you're familiar with. "No one in the business knows everything about everything, so pick a topic that relates to your company and become an expert in it, a go-to person," Shevers says. "Whether it's the company policy manual or the computer system, study up and soon you'll have a profile for the right reasons - knowledge that everyone will want to use at some stage."

Remind clients why you're needed

Being indispensable means your client feels that without you, their business will "suffer in some way", Shevers says. "This kind of relationship is more than promoting your latest products or services. "It's a way of integrating yourself into your client's business where they think of you as a partner, not a supplier." Schedule time with clients so you have more opportunities to remind them why you're needed. "Offer to sit in, or even present, in any of their regular business meetings where you can learn more about their business and teach them about how yours can assist them," Shevers suggests. "Invite your clients to your office or premises to show them how you do business and allow them to learn what happens when they ask for your products or services. It's like inviting an old friend into your home - it genuinely builds trust and loyalty," Shevers says.

Keep it real

Career coach Kate James from Total Balance Group says it's important to be "totally authentic". "Don't try to put on airs and graces, don't try to impress people - just learn to be comfortable in your own skin."

Under-promise and

over-deliver

Don't forget the promises you made when pitching your business to clients, because they will remember. "One of the worst things that we can do is to say we're going to do something and not actually follow through on that because we get busy or distracted," James says. "Be true to your word."

Improve the office mood

You might share the same role as many others at work - but there is only one of you. It's OK to demonstrate your individuality to stand out from the crowd, James says. "Make a positive contribution to the culture of the organisation - I think that's really important. People do notice that positivity."

Respect yourself

James says it is important to "set healthy boundaries" and find a workplace that shares your values. Extra hours do not always result in extra recognition.

Don't stop marketing

Just because you've secured a new client doesn't mean you should stop trying to win them over. Michelle Gamble, "chief angel" at Marketing Angels, says taking clients to lunch is "an oldie, but a goodie". "Nothing beats face-to-face time."