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career insider

PAPARAZZI & YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS

Beneath the money we earn to do our jobs lies our ego, an ego that needs to be fed. The food it thrives on is compliments we receive which reinforce that we’re doing a good job and are valued by our company. Mark Twain wrote, “I could live one week on a single compliment.” Did he mean without food? Maybe?

Your ego would be well-fed if, when you punched out from work, there were paparazzi waiting in the company parking lot to snap your picture and crowding around, asking you questions. For almost all of us, that would never happen. We work for good companies and do a fine job, but the paparazzi will not be waiting. However, there are ways to get recognition and advance your career track. Here are a few tips on how to get your name in neon lights.

1. PROMOTE YOURSELF
Get involved in company and community activities. Be a team leader, don’t sit back and wait for direction. These involvements are good resume-builders.

2. BECOME AN INDUSTRY EXPERT
Go the extra mile to learn more than your peers. Be a sponge and soak up everything possible. Study and learn parts of your company and industry that are not part of your normal job duties.

3. GET IN PRINT, GET PUBLISHED
Try a company newsletter or a trade association publication. If successful, move up to magazines or a local newspaper.

4. GET MEDIA EXPOSURE
Talk radio and local news stations are always searching for experts. Think out-of-the-box and check your network for referrals to the media. Develop a press kit of your accomplishments and include your resume. Send it to local media.

5. BECOME FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF AN ORGANIZATION
Find a cause you believe in and get a small group to follow. If the group grows that’s great, but being the founder is important. If you can’t be the founder, get elected to any position of value.

[QUICK TIP] STAND UP STRAIGHT
Did your mom ever tell you to, “Stop slouching and stand up straight?” Well, a recent survey indicates that your mom may be right, tall people earn more money. A University of Florida study states that each inch generates and additional $789 per year. The height advantage is most prevalent in sales and management careers.

Some people buy lifts for their shoes. I always thought that’s vain, but maybe they knew more than we thought about the earning power of being tall. So, if your gene pool delivered shortness, standing straight up may help. If the paparazzi ever do show up, stand tall and smile. Thanks, Mom!

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George Gurney has been a leader in the employment industry since 1976. He founded an executive search firm that conducts domestic and international assignments.  He has won numerous awards for recruiting excellence.  He has been a guest speaker at national conventions and seminars.