Whether you are a recent college graduate or a newly hired middle manager, everyone can benefit from more visibility and valuable time with the decision makers. Getting face-to-face interaction with the senior leaders can be instrumental in getting a raise or a promotion. Here are seven secret tips to increase your exposure among your company’s movers and shakers.
1. Ask to attend or fill in for your boss at an upcoming meeting:
The next time your boss is scheduled to attend a senior-level meeting, ask her or him if you can tag along to take notes and/or learn more about the project.
You can also volunteer to represent your boss/department/division in their stead.
2. Send a birthday or congratulations card:
Everyone appreciates a card on their birthday or special occasion. Google the names of your CEO, President and senior leadership team to determine their birthdates or work anniversary. Then send a brief card to acknowledge their work accomplishments or special day.
3. Request to work on a highly visible project:
If you hear that your organization is working on a new big project or initiative, ask if you can join the team. Offer suggestions for a new business proposal or ideas that relate to your professional expertise to help others know more about you.
4. Provide key information:
You should do your best on every project, but you should also find ways to share enhanced processes, cost savings, and best practices that you have created or learned with others in your organization.
5. Give your feedback in a constructive manner:
As my grandmother used to say, you catch more flies with honey than you do with S _ _ _. When people ask for your opinion or to share your thoughts on a particular topic, proceed with caution. Start with the positive points, then mention the areas “that can be improved and enhanced.”
6. Introduce yourself:
This is an easy thing that anyone can do, however, many people fail to introduce themselves to their organization senior leadership team. Use any and every opportunity to connect, such as an elevator ride or standing in line at the cafeteria. Simply say, “Hello FILL-IN-THE-BLANK-NAME” my names is XYZ and I work in XYZ department with FILL-IN-THE-NAME OF THE HEAD OF YOUR DEPARTMENT OR DIVISION.
7. Put your name on every document you create:
When all else fails, be sure to include your name (and possibly title), and date in the footer on every page of your PowerPoint, Word or Excel documents. Just like branding, repetition helps others to recall your name when they hear and see it again and again.
This week is a perfect opportunity to increase your visibility at work and in your industry. Try one of these seven (7) ideas to help take you from stranger to a sought-after professional. Take time to remind yourself that you can increase your “face-time” with key decision makers, by doing things one thing at a time.