Wondering if that Promotion is Coming?
So, you've been in the trenches. You’ve given up evenings, weekends, holidays – basically letting your life be a long tribute to Excel spreadsheets, Teams meetings, and unread email chains. All because you have a vision. You’re aiming for that next level, and you’ve been putting in work. The kind of work that has you squinting at the clock, only to realize you’ve just given yet another Saturday to “the dream.”
And for what? Because you hope – oh, you really hope – that somebody up there sees you. You’re holding onto the dream that one of those decision-makers (or their cousin or their neighbor’s dog) will finally recognize you and offer you a golden seat at the table. Or, you know, maybe one of them quits or disappears, and voila! The door is wide open for you. That’s the fantasy, isn’t it? That somehow, your hard work will speak so loudly that they won’t have a choice but to give you your due.
But then, in walks the gut-punch. The email, the “congratulations” message, the team announcement – all celebrating someone else. Yep, your peer, the one who, let's be honest, doesn’t seem to be doing half the work you are. And maybe they’re the one that leaves early for all the “appointments” (you know the ones). It stings. And it’s not a new story either; in fact, you probably know someone it’s happened to, or maybe it’s happened to you. And if it hasn’t yet? Keep on living.
So, let’s get real for a second: why did they get the promotion? You may be tempted to chalk it up to popularity. “It’s all about who you know!” you say, and yes, sometimes it is. But it’s also about who knows YOU. Here’s the truth – they didn’t rely on hope. While you were head down, hoping somebody would eventually throw you a bone, they were making themselves known. They were strategically vocal, sharing their work and goals with the people that needed to know. Hope is not a strategy, fam. Thinking that someone will magically read your mind and “see” you? That’s how careers stall.
If you want that next level, you need to master the art of corporate self-marketing. Here’s how you can make yourself visible and undeniable:
10 Strategies/ Tips to Market Yourself in the Corporate World (and get that promotion!)
Speak Up About Your Work (Without Apology)
Get comfortable talking about your wins and projects. If you’ve made a difference, saved the company time, improved a process, or led a project to success, don’t be shy. A quick email update to your manager or a short mention in meetings can work wonders. Bragging? Nah, this is just factual reporting.
Ask for Feedback, Then Use It
Regular feedback sessions (beyond annual reviews) show that you’re interested in growth. When you ask for feedback, people take note of your ambition, and when you act on it? Even better. You’ll become known as someone who’s genuinely invested in improvement – and ready for the next level.
Network Strategically Within Your Company
Connect with people outside of your team, especially leaders in other departments. These are the folks who can vouch for you when new opportunities open up. Attend cross-departmental meetings, volunteer for projects that involve multiple teams, and make time for a quick coffee with those in decision-making positions.
Build Your Personal Brand
Think about how you want to be seen in the company – as the go-to problem solver, the innovator, the one with the big ideas? Start acting and speaking in alignment with that brand. Write down three adjectives you want to be known for and embody them in every interaction.
Align Your Goals with Company Objectives
Show how your work supports the bigger company goals. This alignment demonstrates that you’re not just in it for yourself but are invested in the company’s success. When it’s promotion time, your contributions will look strategic and valuable, not just busywork.
Document Your Achievements
Keep a running list of your accomplishments and contributions – big and small. It’ll come in handy during performance reviews or whenever you need to make a case for yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to take notice; give them the evidence they need.
Mentor and Be Mentored
Mentorship shows that you’re a leader even before you have the title. And having a mentor yourself gives you insights into what’s expected at the next level. Look out for people who could use your help, and seek out those who are where you want to be.
Seek High-Visibility Projects
If there’s a big project that’s visible to higher-ups, get involved. You don’t have to be the lead, but being a key contributor on an important initiative puts you in the line of sight of those who matter.
Set Up a Career Development Plan with Your Manager
Make a specific plan with your manager that outlines your goals, steps to get there, and timelines. Follow up on it consistently. This shows that you’re serious about growth, and it gives them a roadmap to help you get there.
Promote Others and Build Reciprocity
Praise and elevate your team’s wins too. Creating allies and a sense of reciprocity will mean more people advocating for you, which can lead to opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise.
So, after all this, go ahead and hope. But not before you’ve set yourself up to be seen, heard, and appreciated for the work you’re doing. You deserve the spotlight – just make sure you’re standing in it!
