Do the right people know your name? Do they think of you when opportunities come along? Do you have a robust network of friends and close acquaintances who trust you, admire you, believe in you and want to help you?

Visibility is a career strategy! And it doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it. Don’t wait until you need a new job or want a promotion . It’s never been more important that it is right now to build your professional profile - don’t be a best kept secret. Be top of mind with the right people in your company and your industry.

Last night while meeting with technology leaders I heard the story I’ve heard a thousand times - talented individuals who are in transition and wish they had kept up their network. They’re out vowing they will never again to let this happen.

Want to assess your current visibility?

Answer yes or no to the following 10 questions:

1. I’ve received a positive note from my boss or my boss’s boss within the last 30 days.
2. I’ve attended at least company social event in the last 60 days and met or strengthened a relationship with at least one colleague.
3. I’ve spoken up and put a new idea on the table within the last 60 days.
4. I’ve attended at least one professional event and made at least 3 new contacts in the last 30 days.
5. I’ve given an external presentation speech to an outside organization or client in the last 90 days.
6. I’ve given an internal presentation to my boss or a group of decision makers in the last thirty days.
7. I’ve volunteered on an initiative that is not within the scope of my job in the last six months.
8. I’ve written an article, a white paper, blog for publication in the last six months.
9. I’ve volunteered for a leadership role with my professional association in the last six months.
10. I have been actively using social networking and social media to build my network of contacts.

8-10 “yes” responses - you’re a rising star who knows how to build visibility - keep going!

5-7 “yes” responses - you’re building visibility; now try something new

5 "yes" responses or fewer - now is the time, seize the day, get busy and get visibible!

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