20 Tips on Getting Ahead in Your Career

So, you're looking to get ahead in your career.

Everyone knows someone who seemingly gets by without much effort. Maybe even someone who is very successful without having to work hard.

Chances are this isn't you.

If you're like most people you have to drive hard just to keep up. You have to give your absolute best. If you have decided you want to succeed and get ahead you need to decide to be a workhorse. If that doesn't sound easy or glamorous...well it isn't. But you have to put in the work first before you get the rewards.

So what are some of the ways to separate yourself from the pack and get ahead in your career?

TWENTY WAYS TO GET AHEAD

1. Brand yourself! Think of your favorite brand. One of mine happens to be FedEx. They flat out get it done. And you know and trust that if you give them your important package they'll get it to the destination on time at an exceptional rate. You need to be that way in your work life. Employers want to give a task, assignment or responsibility to someone they value, can trust and who they know will flat out get it done .


2. Step up! Take initiative. Look for things that need to be done and get them done. Either through yourself or leverage it to others. Volunteer for the tough, undesirable assignment.


3. Arrive early! If you arrive early, you are already ahead of 99% of your colleagues. That's good news for you. By arriving to the office at least 30 minutes early you can plan your day, tackle any messages or e-mails from overnight and get your coffee poured.


4. Stay late! Those who leave when the 5 o'clock horn sounds don't typically get ahead quick. Those who make the additional call, send the additional e-mail, finish the extra task do.


5. Be available! This means 24/7/365. Business is a rapidly changing environment and companies value employees who are willing and able to assist when needed. This doesn't mean you have to be at the beck and call of your employer but be flexible and willing to engage at any time.


6. Think! Think before you speak. Think before you send an e-mail. Think before you act. And be ready to think on your feet.


7. Be Organized! Have your information and resources sorted out and readily available. This will give you peace of mind and help you fulfill #6 above a lot easier.


8. Be Prepared! Know your numbers, anticipate problems and questions, come to meetings ready to go (check my post on meetings for more information...http://therossnetwork.blogspot.com/2007/11/meeting-prep-or-lack-thereof.html)


9. Give Credit! Support your team and those who helped you accomplish your work. First, everyone knows you didn't do a big task on your own. Second, you may need help again.


10. Don't Panic! Problems will arise. Those who can keep a cool head are most likely to lead and find a solution. With that, don't lash out or point fingers when problems occur.


11. Under Promise, Over Deliver! Sounds basic but it's a tricky concept to master. Not only will people's request be incredibly urgent to them it's easy to over commit and want to appear responsive. This takes practice and good communication.


12. Communicate! Be precise, concise and clear.


13. Ask Questions! Get all the information you can from your boss, customers, vendors and teammates. Asking that one extra question may be what directs the project and helps reach the outcome.


14. Be Face-to-Face! In today's environment with e-mail, voicemail, text messaging, etc it's actually more rare to do many day-to-day tasks in person. If your boss e-mails or leaves a message that might require a long reply, consider replying in person...with a leave behind document prepared.


15. Understand Financials! The lifeblood of a business is its financials. Even if you are the receptionist, you need to have a basic understanding of business financials. At the minimum, learn about a Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow. And this is one area where the higher you go the more you need to know.


16. Be a Steward of the Finances! Manage every dollar of the company's money with the highest regard. You may be awarded more of it long term for your responsible behavior.


17. Set Goals! If you want to get ahead, you need to achieve the company's goals. You also need to set and achieve your personal goals. To get ahead you may need a skill or experience you don't yet have. Set them as goals and make plans to achieve them.


18. Respect and Honor Subordinates! Disrespecting subordinates may work in some industries but most people need the help of their human resources. You're more likely to achieve your own professional goals if you have a staff that feels respected and willing to put in the extra mile for you.


19. It's not a Social Club! It is fine to have great relationships at work...but it's not a social club. You are at work to get work done not chit chat. Spend your work time working and your play time playing.


20. Hold Yourself Accountable! To get ahead you need to be accountable. To your boss. To your colleagues. To your Clients & customers. To yourself! People who place blame or make excuses do not get ahead. And the less your boss has to hold you accountable the better.

BONUS: Be Consistent! Whatever you do to step up and set yourself apart from the crowd do it consistently. Stepping up only at certain times (i.e. review time) is blatantly manipulative and won't help your cause.

This is just a short list of recommendations. There are many others but if you start to tackle and master a few of these people will start to notice...maybe even your boss.

You just might get ahead in your career!