How to best promote yourself at the workplace

You might consider the following statement cheerless, but it is largely true: doing your job - even if “a la perfection”- in many cases will not get you the praise/ reward/ promotion you so much deserve, it will not even get you the employee of the year award unless you go the extra mile. What more can a steadfast employee do? Blast your own horn; yes, you’ve read it correctly. Should you wish for your co-workers, boss, director, CEO to know about your accomplishments (and maybe later on keep the superstar that you are in mind for that senior position you have been eying), you might as well not brag, but lay the facts to the public (the office in your case), in a gentle and thoughtful way of course, never aggressively or offensively. Think of it as pitching yourself for a new position, you’ve been there and done that successfully at a certain point, the slight difference is that right now, you get to pitch yourself while on the actual job, leaving your options open for any career advancement or promotion opportunities (and also of course the bonus, rewards and words of appreciation).

Question is: What are the best ways for you to market yourself at the workplace

• 1. Be nice to your direct boss: You do not necessarily need a reason to pop by his / her cubicle. Make it a point to drop by twice a week to give him/ her a face to face update about your job activities and have a light chit-chat about other things (such as football, extra-curricular activities, pancakes with blackberries, or whatever else might put a smile on their face).
• 2. Be present during department/organizational meetings: By being present, we are not referring to mere physical presence but rather active presence and positive contribution when and where convenient. Always aim to ask a question (don’t settle for less than brainy ones) or answer a question (especially when you are 100% certain it’s an answer to wow the crowd)! You will be surprised by how many people will remember and refer to you as the positive team player with remarkable insights and a genuine interest in the department/ organization’s wellbeing.
• 3. Don’t restrict yourself your office connections to only people in your department: Are you the senior marketing executive? Befriend other colleagues in other departments such as IT, accounting or maybe HR. You never know where the next opportunity lies; an opportunity that might perfectly suit your bundle of exceptional skills may not necessarily be bound only to marketing. Broaden your horizons and expand your networks!
• 4. Voice your accomplishments: Have you just closed a deal with a hot shot client? Have you made you department’s filing system much easier by suggesting an efficient simpler “personal” technique? Spread the news (in writing if doable) – a statement of facts that need not transcend a self congratulation letter. Make sure you do however include a line or two that state how your deed will contribute to your company’s betterment. Documenting your accomplishments will be a great resource for your boss to refer to during the annual appraisal (and this might actually just get you that raise you’ve been longing for).
• 5. Gear up to wow the crowd: Your arsenal of skills does not merely consist of technical and interpersonal skills required for your role, you do have as well many other skills (and hidden talents). Put them in use when the situation allows it. Do you have an eye for design? Volunteer (in front of your boss & upper management) to give the decorators a hand with the new office design. Have you studied French as a foreign language? Offer to be the middleman between a colleague and one of his “Only French” speaking clients. News flies, and so do good deeds. Be a good–doer who does not shy away from sharing his accomplishments with an entourage that he respects and learns from everyday!