Subject: Louisville Business Journal placement
From: "Merilee:::Kern Communications" <[email-masked]>
To: "John" <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 09:13:20 -0700

http://louisville.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2009/04/06/editorial3.html

Friday, April 3, 2009
Success in the Workplace
Are you shamelessly self-promoting?
Business First of Louisville - by John M. McKee 
More than ever before, it's important that those who are in a position to benefit your career know who you are and what you've accomplished.

Successful professionals understand the importance both of being visible and letting others know about their achievements.

Just as important, they know how to reach this objective in an appropriate way that is not construed as bragging or conceit.

1. Develop an elevator speech. The chance to make a great impression can come up at unexpected times - including during an elevator ride.

Develop a message that is about two or three sentences long and memorize it so that you may capitalize on fortuitous chance meetings.

2. Pace your boss. To stand out from others, employees should ensure they are in the office whenever the boss is in. Let her or him see that you share the same work ethic.

If your boss has decided that it's necessary to be there after hours, on weekends or early in the morning, be there at the same time.

This is an opportunity to capitalize on one-on-one time with the boss.

3. Over-communicate. Keep anyone who is in a position to help you advance well apprised of your work.

Take advantage of every legitimate opportunity to have face time with your boss or other decision makers. The more that people are aware of your projects and results, the better the chances of your name being suggested when opportunities arise.

When working remotely, create a "status update" memo, which helps those in other locations keep track of your progress and performance.

4. Shine brighter by sharing credit. No one likes a "glory hog." One of the fastest ways for a subordinate to become disliked and disrespected by a boss is by taking sole recognition for a team effort.

Good employees are recognized for their ability to share success with others. Cite those who have helped create successes - especially your boss.

5. Look the part. "Presence" plays a big part in who gets promoted and who doesn't. Presence is a combination of how we look, how we carry ourselves and our communication skills.

Many decision makers associate appearance, demeanor and speaking ability with overall ability - a challenge for those who have physical or other stereotype-based attributes that are difficult, if not impossible, to change, such as height or weight.

Regardless of any barriers, carry yourself with best posture, speak and gesture in a confident and authoritative manner, and wear attire that imparts your success.

6. Arrive rested and prepared. Far too many arrive at work and meetings tired, foggy and underprepared, which hinders performance.

Quality sleep not only leaves you well-rested and focused but improves your ability to think critically.

The more rested and prepared you appear, the more likely you are to be seen as the one who is in the best position to perform what's needed.

7. Toss the tech. Those who think that e-mail communication replaces the need to actually talk with people around them - including the boss - fail to recognize the importance of personally connecting with others.  

Communicating in person whenever possible is imperative, no matter how intimidating your boss might be.

8. Deliver the goods. In business, it's all about accountability. Bosses love those who know they are there to perform a function, not to come up with excuses as to why they couldn't deliver results.

If you have fallen short in a task, admit it. Show that you take responsibility for the shortfall and are willing to "make good." The boss will respect your approach.

9. Know what you're worth. Employees who know what's going on in the market gain additional respect from their bosses.

By keeping on top of the job market, the rising stars and key players, who's hiring, and your value to the company, you present yourself as a professional who is seeking career opportunity. That can increase your perceived value to the company.

Be careful not to appear as though you're "shopping around" for a job elsewhere, lest they feel you're not committed to the organization.

10. Network, network, network. This remains one of the most effective ways of sourcing jobs outside your existing employer.

If you don't have connections outside of your company, then develop them online and off! Attend industry events and read periodicals and online journals to be aware of changes.

If you don't have a page on LinkedIn or Facebook, make one. More hiring decisions are made using Internet searches. And always have an up-to-date and thoughtfully articulated résumé ready for any request.

John M. McKee is CEO of BusinessSuccessCoach.net and author of "Career Wisdom - 101 Proven Ways to Ensure Workplace Success." Send comments to [email-masked].