Remember, Your year-round accomplishments are what factor into the type of bonus you may be eligible for, and your employers are regularly observing you. You can not expect to get great results by working harder a few weeks before bonuses arrive. Rather, make it a point to give it your all every day you are at work. Here are some easy and actionable ways to work toward a sizeable bonus:

Volunteer to help others with tasks that you may be valuable on, even if it's not part of your direct responsibility. If another team or group needs help, be quick to step in and offer your advice or services. This is especially true when the task is something you are particularly skilled in. Don't wait on others to ask for help. Volunteer to show how proactive you are and how willing you are to give of yourself to improve the overall bottom-line. Be sincere in your efforts to help others and you'll be pleasantly surprised that what goes around does come around.

Go the extra mile and do a better job than you are asked to do, to show that you never settle for the bare minimum. Don't overlook mistakes that you could correct easily, or do your tasks half-heartedly. Strive for perfection—this will convince your employer that you are a cut above the rest and deserving of a bonus.

Be proactive in mentioning and evidencing your accomplishments to the employer who makes bonus decisions. Of course, you don't want to go over board, but make sure that what you are contributing to the workplace on a weekly basis goes noticed by the higher-ups. If you go out of your way to help another team, why not casually mention it to the employer if you see him in the hallway or the elevator?

Remember, bonuses are given on the basis of the work employers observe you doing, so make sure you give them plenty to admire! And as I say elsewhere, always keep in mind that proper preparation prevents particularly poor performance.