How Your Career Can Thrive No Matter the Economy

Here are two similar articles but contain meaningful suggestions for growing your career. The first is from the Wall Street Journal and suggests ways to get a raise in a recession. In particular, I like their thoughts on showing your worth to the company and having the right attitude as follows:

3. Show your worth. Make your accomplishments clear to your boss, experts said.

"In tough times the people that [companies] want to reward are the people who are producing value for them," Mr. Chapman said. "If there is some value you can produce and other people can't, that makes you more eligible for a raise. Focus on making yourself indispensible."

Ms. Shapiro recommended keeping a list of accomplishments to make an objective case that you are worth more. If others have been laid off, you may have picked up new tasks to highlight.

"You need to prove that you are worth more to the company," Ms. Shapiro said. "Go in and say: 'I really value working here. I've been doing these things I don't know if you're aware of.' "

5. Keep the right attitude

Though it may be tough, try to stay upbeat in the office even as companies falter, Ms. hapiro said.

"A big part of this whole process is keeping that smile on your face," Ms. Shapiro said. "When times are tough companies do not want complaining employees. You have to have a positive approach during this time or the company will see you as part of the problem instead of part of the solution."

The second piece is from Yahoo and lists five ways to be indespensible. I like their thoughts that are similar to those from the Journal:

3. Be Profitable. If you're not clear how your work either makes the company money or cuts costs -- or both -- you'd be wise to figure that out soon. If you need help, talk to trusted friends, coworkers and even your boss. Letting your boss know that you're trying to improve your contribution to the bottom line can't hurt. Plus, it's a reminder of how essential you are.

Klaus says, "Be certain that the results you are focusing on and producing are the ones your boss and company value most. Translation: efficiency, cost-cutting and revenue."

4. Toot Your Own Horn -- Loudly!

No one appreciates arrogance, but staying quiet about your contributions isn't wise right now. Whatever you do to move the company forward -- stay late to complete a project, have a great call with a client, train someone else in a new skill or improve your output -- make sure that your boss knows about it. Your resourcefulness and willingness to work hard are attributes most managers want to keep in-house.

John M McKee, founder and CEO of BusinessSuccessCoach.net, says "Successful professionals don't wait to get noticed while they toil away on a project."

Here are my thoughts on these issues:

1. Your career/ability to earn is your #1 financial asset. You need to do all you can to protect and grow it.

2. There's a systematic way to show that you deserve a raise. And even if you don't get a raise now, taking the steps toward it will benefit your career now and in the future.

3. The more you can show you are making your employer money or saving them money, the better off you are -- especially if you're way ahead of the pack in either (or both) of these measures.

4. Be sure people know what you're accomplishing. You can update your boss using something as easy as a weekly email so she knows what you're bringing to the table.

5. Having a great attitude won't save a poor performer, but it's certainly a great tie-breaker if things are close between you and someone else. So smile and look on the bright side of things. ;-)

6. These days, it pays to keep your eyes open -- both inside your company and outside. Inside to make sure you're valuable and your job is secure/growing, and outside in case you're laid off or find a better opportunity.

Agree or disagree? Drop me a note at Twitter and we can chat about it.

Comments

[KellyB]

If you are a good worker and the company is just not in a position to give you more money, see if you can get other perks. Maybe they're willing to give you extra paid time off. Or maybe they've got free tickets to a sports team, or theatre, or event in your area you'd be interested in. Mybe they'll allow you to work from home one or two days a week, saving on commuting expenses. Think of some other ways they can reward you, and if you're prepared to give them ideas, they might take you up on it.

[My Life ROI]

The line between arrogance and outlining your accomplishments is a thin one. If you choose to walk it, know what you are doing! I have seen quite a few people flop @ this.

But if you can do it right, what a crucial step it is to advancing your career!

[Felicia]

I completely agree. Making accomplishments known (both inside and outside the company) is an important step to advancing your career but needs to be done carefully.