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FEATURE ARTICLE
As Economy Picks Up
So Will Opportunities Within Your Company
There's good
news on the employment front! A growing number of human resources
managers are optimistic about the job market.
So things are looking up for those of you in the job market.
But this is also good news for those who already have a job.
This growing sense of optimism will probably translate into more opportunities
within your organization.
So stay alert for opportunities to advance or to move laterally to
broaden your skills and position yourself for future success.
Here are five ways to get out in front of your competition:
1. Express
Your Interest
Let your supervisor
know you're ready for new challenges and want to play a role in any
expansion efforts. As companies look for growth opportunities, they
will form task forces, study teams and interdepartmental committees.
Tell your boss you want to be a participant, not a bystander.
2. Stay on
Top of Current Events
Stay alert of
your company's growth plans by reading its news releases and annual
and quarterly reports. Get copies of executive speeches and reports
from investment firms that follow your company. Then brainstorm how
you and your skills can contribute to the success of these ventures.
3. Write Your
Own Market Plan
If you see an
opportunity to market a new product or service, grow your company's
existing portfolio or increase client service, create your own market
plan. Do your homework, crunch the numbers and write up a proposal
to present to your boss or senior management. Even if you fail, you'll
reap dividends from the exposure and gain the reputation that you
want to play a bigger role in the success of your organization.
4. Take Advantage
of New Training
As companies loosen
their purse strings, they'll also be investing more in training and
development. Visit with your supervisor or human resources department
to find out what new skills you need to improve your effectiveness
and promotability.
5. Network,
Network, Network
Keeping your nose
to the grindstone is admirable, but it will also pay to get away from
your computer and stay actively involved with your network. Keep on
top of what other departments and divisions are doing, what their
plans are, and how you might fit in.
As your company
gears up for growth, find ways to increase your visibility and to
showcase your talents to decision-makers in your organization. When
in doubt, look for problems to solve. That's one of the effective
ways to get noticed, appreciated and promoted!
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