Is there some way to advance your career that’s faster than completing an MBA, and easier than rescuing your company from a hostile takeover bid? The truth is there are plenty of microchanges that can have a macro effect on increasing your value as an employee.
If you want a raise or just more job satisfaction, try these simple tips for taking your work performance to the next level. They’ll pay off quickly.
Online Microchanges for Greater Career Success
The internet makes it easy to gain knowledge and promote your visibility. Take advantage of virtual opportunities to climb the career ladder.
1. Edit your LinkedIn profile. When’s the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile? Let colleagues see your most recent accomplishments. Research the most effective keywords that will make you stand out.
2. Manage your network. Organize your contacts so you can follow up with the interesting graphic designer you met on the jogging trail. Whatever software you use, a successful system will help you to stay in touch and grow your network.
3. Support others. Networking is more effective and rewarding when you focus on giving to others. Take a second to retweet someone’s message or recommend a former intern on LinkedIn.
4. Follow industry news. Impress others with your knowledge. Spend a few minutes between meetings scanning the top business blogs in your industry.
5. Collect time saving apps. Use technology to increase your productivity. Find a program that will remember your passwords or play phone tag for you.
6. Monitor your time. On the other hand, it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re browsing online. Set limits on your YouTube sessions if you find yourself becoming distracted.
Offline Microchanges for Greater Career Success
Face-to-face interactions still have a dramatic impact. Maybe that’s even more true today when so much communication occurs electronically. See what a difference showing up in person can make.
1. Demonstrate initiative. Identify what your boss considers to be the top business priorities so you know where to devote your efforts. Find a way to contribute that goes above and beyond your job description.
2. Volunteer your assistance. Make allies by being helpful and generous. Pitch in when your office mate is facing a tight deadline.
3. Speak up. Participating in meetings and business discussions will grow your confidence as they bring you extra approval.
4. Radiate enthusiasm. Your boss will trust and value you more if you show that you’re invested in your career. Think about how your efforts contribute to the success of the company.
5. Express gratitude. Let your colleagues know how much you appreciate them. Offer sincere praise and share credit for team projects. They’ll be more likely to return the favor.
6. Dress sharp. Appearances count. Pay attention to the office culture so you can choose an appropriate wardrobe even if there’s no formal dress code. One good rule of thumb is to start dressing like the position you want to hold in the future.
7. Join a professional association. Membership has its benefits, including networking and educational opportunities. Your employer may be willing to cover all or part of the cost.
8. Use your vacation days. According to the Harvard Business Review, employees who take all of their vacation time have a 6.5% higher chance of receiving a promotion or a raise than their peers who are stockpiling their time off. Now, that’s a fun way to succeed in business.
The average fulltime work week in the United States is already 47 hours long. Wouldn’t you like to have a strategy for impressing your boss that doesn’t involve putting in a lot of extra hours? These microchanges will help you do a great job and maintain balance in your life.
