10 Career builder tips, advice and strategies for growth.

In whatever work I do, Career builder tips and strategies on growth is always on top of my mind. Unlike a machine I do not expect to work somewhere and remain just there like that for ever.

I need to grow and develop. After doing research and investigations and after talking to many successful professionals,

I have come up with the following 10 important career builder strategies you should always know in order for your career to grow:

1. Improve your employer’s ROI (and on you of course).

Like it or not, we all get paid to produce results (unless your employer is unusually benevolent). Ideally, the employer expects you to be at par with -- or at best, outperform -- established objectives for your position.

The employer pays you a certain salary and expects you to return more than what is invested on you; in other words a high return on investment (ROI) is expected.

Work hard and do everything possible to deliver a high return on what has been invested on you. Do not be content with what you have but always strive to scale greater heights with this career builder strategy.

2. Professional development.

Learning never ends, they say. Continuously investing in professional development -- training programs, professional associations, education, certifications, reading professional literature, and the likes -- will help you stay abreast with the latest advancements in your field, and also a step above the competition.

Set aside an annual budget (if your employer doesn’t sponsor) for your professional development and growth. Do not you are too old to study, but develop that unique thirst for more knowledge.

3. Challenge yourself.

Top professionals constantly challenge and reinvent themselves, pushing the bar to achieve more every time. A career builder strategy that will always help you set your achievements bar high and above.

Do not be content with what you have achieved. If you are able to produce 100%, try for 110%. Constantly challenge yourself to achieve more every time.

4. Become a valuable resource.

Do people come to you for advice very often? If not, take steps to become an expert in your profession. From internal employees to the media, you must be viewed upon as a valuable resource. Look for publishing (articles, books, etc.) and public speaking opportunities in your profession and take advantage to hasten your career growth.

5. Love all, serve all.

No, I am not trying to preach. Try volunteering on projects, community initiatives, company presentations, internal committees, etc. Take on extra tasks.

The rewards of such service (translation: the extra mile) will go beyond the professional frontier. Being perceived as “helpful” and motivated could do wonders for your career.

6. Learn to work through the political machinery.

You don’t have to become a conniving politician in order to achieve career growth (success). Just know what to say and when; avoid confrontations, disputations, etc. I know you are asking, why politics? Every profession, company, institution and organization has its own internal politics. Be a smart politician.

Do you attend company events, conferences, etc? Does your boss know what results you are producing? If not, you might be missing out on great opportunities. Let you be visible, don’t hide behind the crowds.

8. Network, network, network.

If I could, I would summarize this article in three simple words, they would be as follows: network, network, network. Knowing the right people, both within and outside the organization (especially experts, authors, and industry leaders) can do wonders for your career. If you don’t have a mentor, consider having one. The right mentor can make a significant difference in your career.

9. Become a better leader.

The corporate world values leadership skills like no other. Irrespective of your profession or position title, leadership skills are always desirable. Be proactive and develop your leadership skills.

10. Follow professional ethics.

Qualities like punctuality, reliability, precision, diplomacy, enthusiasm, positive attitude … are always valuable. The stronger your professional ethic, the more successful your career will be.

Although success doesn’t come overnight, common sense, hard work, and careful career builder planning is what it takes to catapult even an ordinary career to enviable heights.

I wish you good luck as you strive to make your career grow.

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