Self-promotion

You work hard, you do your best, and yet you don’t get the recognition you deserve in your company. Are you baffled as to why? The reason could be because you fail to promote yourself.

Too many people believe that showing up to work and doing a great job should be enough to catapult them to success, recognition, and promotion. In fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth.{{more}} Think back . . . how many times was the person who got promoted also the person everyone thought kissed up to the boss?

Yes, there is a fine line you should not cross when self-promoting. Let’s look at what you can do so that you’ll be the one who is noticed for the next choice project, promotion, or invitation to go out with the leaders.

Rule 1.

Clarity is Power. If you know what you want, then getting it becomes easier. Stay on course. Do you have your eye on the corner office? Are you striving for control of the big accounts? Do you want to be considered for that promotion? Whatever your goal, make sure it is clear and concise so you can develop a plan to achieve it. Do you have more than one goal? Each goal will require a distinct plan and a different approach to get you noticed within your organization.

Rule 2.

Know what you’ve accomplished. Some people are just not able to articulate their accomplishments in a clear manner. Besides showing up for work daily and fulfilling your regular duties, how have your contributions impacted the company? Think of at least three to four ideas you can use as talking points when you meet new people in the company. These points will serve as reminders of how valuable you really are to the organization.

Rule 3. Revamp your resume. Once you’ve identified what you’ve accomplished, ensure those points are in your resume. Be specific—sweeping generalizations of how wonderful you are aren’t effective. As a consummate professional, paint a mental picture around each of your endeavors. The “self-promoted you” should be evident to anyone reviewing your resume.

Rule 4.

Build up your confidence. Many people fail miserably on this point. Almost everyone says they have a lot of self-confidence, yet when presented with an opportunity to speak about what they do, few can deliver. It takes confidence to speak up, volunteer, or present your ideas. Take the risk. Sell yourself!

Rule 5.

Network. This is a universal business- and career-building principle. Get out there and meet people. People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Once you meet someone, follow up with them. Keep in touch. If you are out of sight, you are often out of mind as well. Don’t miss the best opportunities.

Rule 6.

Stay connected with your boss. Managers and supervisors are too often seen as a mean-spirited, vindictive group of cliquish people. Yet in most cases, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Connect with them and verbalize to what you aspire—include them in your plan.

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert.” For a FREE SPECIAL REPORT on Avoiding Career Killers in the Workplace, send an email to info@workplacesuccess.com
Visit online at www.workplacesuccess.com