Advance Your Career: Get Out of the Shadows and Get Noticed

Do you sometimes feel your hard work is “invisible”? Do you dread the idea of tooting your own horn? Do you think self promotion smacks of showing off?

In a fast paced, changing workplace, it’s who sees you and knows your work that counts. Don’t assume people will notice the wonderful quality of your work or that of your department. Therefore self promotion, done the right way, is increasingly important for career success.

Here are 7 tips for getting visibility for you and your team’s efforts.

1. Be proactive.
If you see a new project or role that will help you expand your skills, take advantage of it. Do this, particularly if it’s one that has high visibility or has a significant impact on the bottom line.

2. Make yourself visible.
Spend a few minutes every day greeting and talking with your co-workers. Speak to colleagues face-to-face from time to time, instead of sending emails or instant messages. Go to some of the social events and after hour get togethers. Remember the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.”

3. Build a network of allies.
If you help people out when they need assistance, then they will be grateful and will help you out too. This relates to the expression “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours”.

4. Focus on success not failure.
At meetings report on what is working well and what is on track. This brings attention to both you and your team’s achievements. Avoid focusing only on struggles or frustrations.

5. Show a little of your personal side.
It adds color and depth to your professional image. Personal interests help other people to identify and remember you an especially important advantage in large organizations or in the crowded marketplace.

6. Help others understand your value.
People are too busy to notice everything you and your team does and recognize the value to the company. It’s up to you to find ways to summarize and package the benefits of your work and that of your department. Don’t hog the glory – share it.

7. Get involved in company charity events.
Volunteer for community activities, represent the company at a telethon, be the person in charge collecting funds for disaster relief, etc. This expands your network and helps people see you in a different light – not just the IT person who makes sure the systems work or the HR rep who explains company policies and procedures.

Career Success Tip:

People can often overlook your efforts, even if you consistently work hard. It’s up to you to get noticed and stay in their thoughts, so you can keep moving toward your career goals. Build a network of allies, track your accomplishments, take on additional responsibilities whenever possible and work in areas that are important to your organization. Also see Build Your Reputation and Your Career

Do you want to develop Career Smarts?