5 moves to make to boost your paycheck

Do you sit in a dead-end corner of the office unrecognized by management? Rather than sitting quietly and pounding out your daily tasks, jump-start your career by becoming a go-getter, one expert says.

"Don't just sit there and ask, 'Why doesn't management do it?' Take the initiative and do it yourself," says Bob Nelson, author of 1001 Ways to Take Initiative at Work.

"It will make your job more interesting," adds the San Diego, Calif., writer. "You'll get known as the person that makes things happen."

Plus, when it comes time for your performance review, those great ideas coupled with your motivated spirit can stack up in your favor and boost your salary.

Nelson offers his top five ways for you to put your career on the path to success and more cash in your paycheck.

1. Think of ideas for your current job.
The ideas can be anything from a new ad campaign to streamlining how employees order office supplies.

"Not all of the ideas have to be exceptional. It could be something that saves 10 seconds on a task you do several times a day. Saving time in that one step can really add up," Nelson says.

2. Develop your ideas.
"Develop your ideas instead of plopping them on the table and expecting someone else to run with them," he insists. "Take an average idea and make it great. Turn it into a productive plan."

3. Do a trial run.
Talk through your idea with a co-worker. That way, you'll make sure you've thought of everything before you present the idea to management. Nelson recognizes that it's normal to feel protective of your ideas, but don't let this stop you from sharing them with a colleague.

"People are afraid someone will steal their ideas and they won't get credit, but this is a false barrier. Most ideas are a matter of context and opportunity," he says. "Don't be overly cautious."

4. Take the idea to a manager.
Once your idea's developed and ready to shine, take it to your leader. "Manage up," he says.

Explain to your boss what a difference it will make for the company. "Show them you have sound ideas and the energy to do it," Nelson adds.

5. Stick to it!
"It may not seem like a great idea [at first], but there are many cases in my book about people who stood behind their ideas and were successful," Nelson explains.

Of course, don't spend all of your time fighting for an idea that's going nowhere. Start working on your next big idea! Before you know it, you'll go from that guy in the dark, back corner of the office to the "man with the plan."

Who knows, maybe you'll even light up your desk with all of your bright ideas.