Getting a promotion is not only about your performance, but also about your visibility and relationships. Your network can be a powerful ally in your career advancement, if you use it strategically and respectfully. In this article, we will share some tips on how to leverage your network to get a promotion, without being pushy or annoying.
Your advocates are the people who can vouch for your skills, achievements, and potential. They can be your current or former managers, mentors, peers, clients, or other influential contacts in your industry. You want to cultivate strong and genuine relationships with your advocates, by keeping in touch, providing value, and asking for feedback. You also want to make sure they are aware of your career goals and aspirations, and how you can contribute to the organization.
Best way is to to know who can put in a word for you, or want to directly hire you and start a project. Best probables are your ex managers, or colleague whom you worked with.
Your network is not limited to your immediate circle of contacts. You can also reach out to new people who can offer you insights, opportunities, or referrals. These can be people in other departments, senior leaders, industry experts, or alumni from your school or previous employers. You can connect with them through online platforms, events, introductions, or informational interviews. You want to be respectful, curious, and helpful, and avoid asking for favors directly.
Connect with more people online and offline. You never know how a connection can better your chances of landing on a deserving role.
Your network can help you get a promotion, but you still need to prove your worth. You want to showcase your value by delivering excellent results, taking on extra responsibilities, initiating projects, or solving problems. You also want to communicate your achievements and impact to your network, by sharing updates, success stories, testimonials, or recognition. You want to be confident, but not boastful, and highlight how you align with the organization's mission and vision.
A stake holder Whom you work with can give you a role if you help build business. Show case your leadership skills. If you exhibit ownership with these people, they could hire you just for ownership, smartness and skillset kept aside
Your network can also help you improve your skills, knowledge, and reputation. You want to seek feedback and advice from your network, by asking for suggestions, recommendations, or referrals. You can also ask for endorsements, testimonials, or introductions to decision-makers. You want to be humble, open-minded, and grateful, and show that you value their opinions and expertise. You also want to act on their feedback and advice, and update them on your progress and results.
Always have 1:1 with your manager and skip level. Let them know your aspirations and keep seeking for projects and roles that align to your aspirations. Ask them what you are not doing right and work on it everyday.
Your network is not a one-way street. You want to offer support and appreciation to your network, by helping them with their goals, challenges, or needs. You can also share relevant information, resources, or opportunities with them, or congratulate them on their achievements or milestones. You want to be generous, sincere, and proactive, and show that you care about their success and well-being. You also want to thank them for their support and guidance, and acknowledge their contributions.
Go above and beyond even if it not something that concerns you, if you can add value please do not hesitate to get it closed even though you are not judged on it. This adds superb value to the perception, and employees often want people that go above and beyond their job role for business or operational betterment
Your network is not a static entity. You want to maintain your network, by staying in touch, following up, and nurturing your relationships. You can also expand your network, by meeting new people, joining new groups, or attending new events. You want to be consistent, responsive, and respectful, and avoid being too needy, demanding, or intrusive. You also want to adapt your network to your changing goals, interests, and circumstances, and keep it relevant and diverse.