If you want to move up to the corporate ladder, gone are the days of working at one firm and earning promotion after promotion until retirement. The workplace is now more flexible and fluid and requires that one put more strategic thought into career planning. This short slideshow presentation with expert tips and advice will help with your current and future career plans. For more career planning tips from the experts, visit us at www.distinctiveweb.com or follow us at: Twitter: http://twitter.com/distinctivedocs Facebook: http://facebook.com/DistinctiveDocuments Google+: http://plus.google.com/+Distinctivewebofficial LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michelledumas

1. Career Planning Expert Advice to Move Up
the Corporate Ladder Quickly.

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These days climbing the corporate
ladder isn’t often done in a straight line.
Career planning has
gotten more complex.
Gone are the days of retiring from one
firm, having worked your way up and
paid your dues. Today’s workplace is
more fluid and flexible – and it can be
challenging for this reason.
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Have a goal in mind.
Create and follow a clear roadmap.
Imagine being at the top of your career
field, then start career planning. Work
out milestones needed to get from here
to there. Chip the milestones into the
individual steps needed to reach each
one. Adjust as needed.

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FOCUS on education.
Get the best training as early
as possible. This makes you
more promotable and more
confident in your decision-
making. This allows you to act
decisively and with authority,
no matter the level of your
job.

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Participate in the
social network
Not just online! (Although the
computer and your mobile are
important tools to expand your
network and stay plugged into
current trends in your field.) Join
professional organizations, mentor
and be mentored. Build and
cultivate relationships.
Network.

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Work harder and smarter.
Exceed expectations by volunteering
for higher-impact tasks and become
known as the problem-solver. Tackle
something that’s crucial but no one
wants to take on. Then just get it done.

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Stay positive.
A can-do attitude will take you
far. Be calm and friendly no
matter the task or complication.
Everyone admires a capable,
cool head.

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Become an SME.
When you’re the subject matter
expert, you’re by definition a go-to
person. Strive to become known for
your expertise inside and outside your
current company.

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Build your brand
Blog on industry-related topics.
Guest blog, answer questions
and comment on well-known or
up-and-coming industry forums.
As your expertise, recognition
and network grow, you may be
invited to lead a seminar at an
industry conference.

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Understand
the big picture.
Focus your efforts and career
planning in line with the
company and management’s
goals. Make your boss’ goals a
priority and s/he will want you on
the team. Become involved with
higher-impact projects. Keep your
finger on the pulse of your
company so you don’t waste
time on projects being sidelined.

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Catalog Successes.
Keep track of accomplishments in
concrete terms. How much did you save
the company on that last deal? What
percentage of business have you brought
in? Use the list at review times or when
going for a raise. The bigger
accomplishments make
great lines for your resume.

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Work well with others.
Bosses want to advance those who
they can trust to work with anyone,
with any type of personality, any type
of team and get things done.

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Engage the CEO.
Interact with C-level execs when
you can. Something as simple as
commenting positively on a
recent company speech or
announcement. Start small. You’ll
pique their interest and the more
who know your name, the better.
As long as it’s not for denting their
car in the parking lot.

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Be fearless.
Switch companies if you’re frozen in
place at your organization. Get
some intel on other companies with
online research and through your
trusted contacts. Find out where
those in your position or expertise
area are most valued. Switch
jobs when necessary to
acquire a new skill and round out
your experience.

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Michelle Dumas runs of one of the longest-standing and most
respected professional résumé writing firms on the internet,
Distinctive Career Services, LLC (dba Distinctive Documents).
Since 1996, Michelle has empowered thousands of
professionals with résumés that get results and win jobs fast.
Get insider résumé writing tips that you won't find anywhere
else at her website. Go now to www.distinctiveweb.com
The Internet’s Résumé & Career Marketing
Specialists…Since 1996
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resumes@distinctiveweb.com
(800) 644-9694
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