MUST HAVE A PLAN & WRITE IT DOWN:

1) Make a plan for: Now, 5 years and 10 years--This should include things like: Location, salary, position, mentor (boss, or similar position), skills needed, and consider options (lateral, other depts).

2) Understand the path your boss has taken (or others in similar roles). It's important to know how others have advanced in your company. Know there outside interests.

HOW TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL:

1) Have Pride in your appearance (physical and dress), your job, and your company. Show you're serious. Be a leader not a follower. BE POSITIVE AT ALL TIMES.

2) Finish assignments on time. Don't wait and be asked where it is. Work Hard. Keep a list/log of "to do's" and Follow Up daily.

3) Take initiative. Always look to help others (great way to learn).

4) Make your Boss look good. Make his/her job easier. Be a Team and Company player. Establish a Bond with your boss (learn about outside interests).

5) Stay out of trouble and office politics. This will come back to bite you. Don't talk bad about ANYONE!!!! Don't Whine!!!

6) Bring solutions, NOT problems to your boss. Be a problem solver.

7) Be a Sponge. Learn your job and others as well. Understand the culture of the office/company.

8) Understand what your boss likes and doesn't like. Understand the information he/she most requires and asks for, and have it ready when needed.

9) Volunteer for as many projects as you can handle (exposure). Request more responsibilities.

10) Be on time to work and not the first one out the door.

11) Develop a MENTORING relationship with someone on a higher level (boss). This shows interest and is a great source for information and career guidance.

12) Build your Network. Get to know as many people as you can. The more people that know your strengths and abilities, the more your name will be discussed for potential opportunities. You also can learn more about the company and how other departments operate.

13) Create Opportunities. The Key Buzz Word is; CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. If you see an area that has been neglected or feel there can be improvement in a particular process, write a proposal that will make a positive impact to improve efficiencies or reduce cost.

14) Track accomplishments. Keep a record of everything you do that enhances the company's bottom line, improves a process, or reduces costs.

15) Never text, talk on the phone or surf the web for personal reasons. This is viewed as stealing time and money from your company.

HOW AND WHEN TO ASK FOR A RAISE:

1) Know your worth; research the web, research your own companies web site, ask HR what the salary range is for your job and the next level range. Career Builder and job boards have information on salary levels by location.

2) Sell yourself on Performance. Maintain a list/log of all your accomplishments and have this available on a daily basis. Never beg because you just simply need the money.

3) Be Confident. If you're worth it, you will never offend your boss with a request for a raise. Do not fear, no one has been fired for asking for a raise when they can back it up.

4) Raise vs. Promotion: If you're being paid at the top level for your specific job, you may be requesting a promotion rather then a raise. You should know this.

5) Remember, increased responsibilities open the door for a raise. You may have to take on the additional responsibilities first, but it's well worth it for a raise later.

6) Getting a better offer from an outside company can be used to leverage you against your current company. This is risky but works. You will find out quickly what your company thinks about you.

TIMING Don't wait for performance appraisal. It's to late. The decision has been made (2 Months prior to appraisal is better).

GOOD TIME: you accomplished something noteworthy, completed a major project with great results, your team increased sales by 25%, your company took on a BIG new client.

BAD TIME: you failed to meet your budget, failed to meet your goals, your company is downsizing staff, your company missed their sales target by 30%.