SUCCEED WITH STYLE: How to Land That Next Promotion

SUCCEED WITH STYLE: How to Land That Next Promotion

Want to move ahead in your company and land that next promotion? It’s actually more attainable than you think. Yes, the competition is fierce. And education, experience and skills alone don’t cut the mustard anymore. But if you can clearly define what makes you unique, what you are known for and what you can do to help solve immediate issues in your organization, you’re on the right path.

Follow these tips to help get you started:

1. - Define your vision for your life and your career. When you have a clear picture of where you are going, you can map out your plan and begin to see opportunities where you are able to differentiate yourself. Can you tie your vision to your company’s goals?

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2. - Do you love what you do? Is your current work aligned with what is most important to you? Clarify your values and passions. Knowing these will help you better determine what fits best so you can look for opportunities within your organization that are aligned with your goals.

3. - Highlight the skills and characteristics that make you unique. If you are the only one who does what you do, list the things that make you unique and valuable. For example, I’m the only image consultant that has 20 years corporate experience in marketing, advertising, branding and sales, has a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, studied Couture Fashion in Paris and infuses humor into much of what she does.

4. - Learn how to explain what you do (or what project you are managing) in 30 seconds or less. Consider this your elevator pitch. Mastering this technique will set you apart. If you can explain what you do for the organization including the results you deliver in 30 seconds or less, I guarantee, senior management will remember you.

5. - Identify your champions. These are the people both inside and outside your company who provide guidance and support and will go to bat for you when key opportunities arise. These are the people who will want to know these things about you. Schedule time to meet with them periodically.

There is much more that goes into this process. Next week I’ll share more steps that can help you stand out from the crowd.

Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder and serves as the style advisor liaison for Dress for Success Rhode Island, which will hold a fashion show fundraiser at the Providence Biltmore on April 28. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com.