The corporate ladder may sometimes feel like it's coated in oil. For all the work you do, sometimes it seems like the boss only notices people who aren't you. While it's easy to lose hope, you need to keep pushing. Sometimes you even have to do things that scare the crap out of you. Fortune favors the bold, and you only get so long to make your career what you want it to be. The following are some great tips you can put to use right now.
Take People Out for Coffee
Networking is a scary word to some people, but it really doesn't have to be. While entrepreneurs are known for taking people out for coffee, sharing stories and asking thoughtful questions, many employees never think of doing this. Can you name one or two people you'd enjoy having a conversation with? For a few bucks, you might open up a whole new relationship.
Read About People
This isn't about reading gossip tabloids. This is about learning more about how people's minds work, so you can answer that immortal question: Why? Pick up a few books on how people's minds work, and they'll help you relate to other people better than ever.
Be Visible Doing Great Things
You don't have to go around bragging about what you've done, but it's okay to show that you're doing great things. Many people believe that if they simply work hard enough, they'll be noticed. Sadly, this just isn't true. Find a way to let your boss (and their boss) know that you're going above and beyond to make the company better, and they'll appreciate your initiative.
Always Have a New Idea
New ideas are the life blood of businesses that thrive in constantly changing times. When you have new ideas, and share them, you'll expose people to thoughts they might never have had on their own. These ideas can do wonders to get a stalled project back on track, or even start new projects.
Question Authority
Always be respectful of your superiors, but it's important to never be a "yes" person. If you believe something could be done better, bring it up to your boss in a positive way. If it's a positive suggestion and you can back it up with facts, a good boss will thank you for it. Just be sure to be polite and professional, and carefully avoid assigning blame or calling your boss "wrong."
Business isn't rocket science... even if your business happens to be rocket science. You just need to be noticed by the right people for doing the right things. It all ultimately comes down to being the goto person when something specific needs to be done. When everybody knows you have what it takes, you almost won't be able to help but thrive.
About the Author: Marlon Eckler is a business consultant and mentor who loves working with young go-getters as they struggle to make it in the business world. When he's not working, he enjoys browsing http://www.goldenmoontea.com for new blends of black, red, and oolong tea.
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