Move Up that Ladder: 5 Core Strategies for Getting Yourself Promoted

“There is no use trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he be willing to climb.”

Career experts mention that the day you embark a new career, you should immediately begin planning for your next promotion. And you know what? You must! Make sure the focus is strong enough on the job you were hired for, you need to succeed and excel in the current position before aiming for the next one

In today's situation, employees need to create and manage their own career paths. Always remember that a promotion is not always an upwards. Sometimes, you may need to make a lateral movement to place yourself for a later upward move.

How do you develop your promotion plan? Use these 5 core strategies into your plan.

1. Start Mentoring Relationships

One study found that in four out of five promotions -- those who were promoted had a mentoring relationship with someone ranked higher in the company who helped spread the good word about them. Some companies have formal mentoring programs. Even if your company doesn't have, there are methods which you can build relationships with people in higher positions. Mentors are also great sources for information and career guidance.

2. Measure Results

Make a better case for a promotion by displaying detailed information about your past successes. Those who get real results, get ahead of others.

Please note down a record of your daily activities that enhance the company's bottom line, or even those which increases productivity -- anything that drives positivity. Make sure it's creative, and innovative. It shows your 110% commitment and loyalty to your company and the people in the higher management.

3. Exercise Self-Promotion

How many of you were taught that modesty is a virtue? --- Not when you're trying to get ahead. Be known as the guy who can perform, a known quality. If you have accomplished any major task, make sure people know about them; especially the people in the higher management

Sell yourself -- and let it be known that you are seeking to move a step upwards. A professional we know sends out a monthly report to her boss and her boss's boss to keep them updated on her progress on different projects, and also to share all the accomplishments that happened in the previous month.

4. Build a Bond with Your Boss

Face it -- your Boss can both raise the gate and push you into the realm of a higher position -- or he or she could keep the gate down, and prevent you from any movement in the company. Make sure you use all given or created opportunities to forge your boss as a key supporter of your promotion.

Use professional background to stress your interest in staying with the company. Use the yearly performance appraisals not just to go over your accomplishments, but to discuss with your boss about possible obstruction to a higher position-- and how to overcome those hurdles.

5. Acquire New Knowledge and Skills

It's definitely one of the best methods to succeed within a company. Always be expanding your knowledge and skills in areas which are important to your company. With the ever changing technology development and environmental forces, you must develop a habit of upgrading yourself -- not just to stay in your job, but also to stay marketable.