#1. Be Present.

Always show up. It is easy to feel like a fish out of water. It’s easy to feel like you don’t know what you are doing, or assume everybody else does things better. But that is not always the case. If you are present and always show up, you give yourself a fighting chance of outworking those around you by learning and contributing as much as you can.

#2. Tiny Innovations.

Even though others have held the same position as you, there is no one else like you. And there will never be another you. With that difference, there are ways you can innovate mundane tasks.

You can do all the projects no one wants and become the “go-to” person. Once you are the go-to you can always creatively put your spin on what you do. As long as what you do is effective and profitable for the company, you cannot go wrong.

Every time you innovate effectively, you are seen as someone who can think outside of the box and get things done.

#3. Journal Your Progress.

“Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become” — Sandra Marinella

There is no telling how long your career will be or where it may take you. Documenting your progress is essential because you create a moment in time to reflect on your thoughts.

Capturing how you felt during the challenging projects. The people you met along the way, the lessons learned, your dreams, and ambitions.

When you are further along in your career or move on to another, this journal will be great for memories or help to others you want to share it with.

#4. Go The Extra Mile.

“You can start right where you stand and apply the habit of going the extra mile by rendering more service and better service than you are now being paid for.” ― Napoleon Hill.

How do you learn new sales strategies or new computer software at work? You will have to do it after work, on your own time. That is the best way to get ahead. Too many people want to learn about their field only when at work.

Those who thrive in their career are the ones who are learning and applying. They take what they learned off-work hours and use it during.

#5. Learn How To Promote Yourself.

Sales and Marketing aren’t only for salespeople. Everything thing in life is about sales or marketing, whether we like to admit it or not. Promoting yourself doesn’t have to be seen as sleazy — It is quite beneficial.

If you will not promote your skills, who else will? Nobody, that’s who.

Your boss is busy and is too involved in their own lives. They may not notice you — so you will have to stand out.

Make people know what you do.

Talk about what you contributed to.

Show your work.

I used to think it was bragging when you told of your accomplishments but was I ever wrong.

How will people know if you don’t tell them?

How will people know if you don’t show them?

That’s where the opportunity lies… In people knowing what you do.

And the best way for people to know how effective you are is to market yourself.

#6. Become A Linchpin.

A Linchpin is a person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization.

The famous book by Seth Godin coins this term.

Linchpins figure out what to do when there’s no rule book. They delight and challenge their customers and peers. They love their work, pour their best selves into it, and turn each day into a kind of art.

Linchpins are the essential building blocks of great organizations.

You can essentially create your own lane anywhere when you are indispensable.

#7. Mentors.

The safest way through a minefield is going with someone who has already been through one. — Teronie J. Donaldson

Mentors are essential. The sad thing is that not everyone is lucky enough to have them. If you are lucky enough to have a mentor, you will see the benefits in your career.

Mentors can shave years off of the learning process. You can cut through the things you think you need to learn and understand the company culture faster. Also, by association with the mentor, you can be propelled into better working opportunities.

#8. Read Often.

Knowledge is power. Actually, Applied knowledge is power.

If you have a base of knowledge, you can improve the trajectory of where you want to go.

If you dont have a mentor, then you can utilize mentors via books.

Books are so valuable and indispensable to your knowledge.

Keep in mind someone spent a large part of their time putting their knowledge into a book, and by reading it, you can download that information. The treasure trove of knowledge in books will be extremely helpful throughout your career.

If you want management lessons, then Peter Drucker is your guy. If you want to learn marketing, there are a lot of experts. The list goes on.

Whatever you want to learn there will be a book about it, so dive into reading. ASAP.

(Check out more of my content on TikTok @tedonabooklist for more ways to develop your reading skills)

#9. Study Management.

To accelerate your career, take a study in your companies management.

You will learn in real-time what they do during stressful periods, good times, and day to day situations. Situations that will prove useful when you become a manager one day.

You get free leadership lessons right as long as you are willing to pay attention.

#10. Help Others Succeed.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ― Charles Dickens.

As you rise in your profession, ultimately you will be successful based on the number of people you helped succeed.

The most illustrious careers are from the people who have taken the time to help others in difficult situations or guide others’ paths to their own success.

Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help.

Thank You For Reading