Want to get promoted? Tired of getting passed over? These tools can help you get promoted fast! This article is part of a series, so be sure to read the entire series to get all the tools. Many of these tools are great if you are in business for yourself too.

Show up early and leave late

I make it a rule to show up at least 15 minutes early and leave at least 15 minutes late every day. I will sometimes coordinate my schedule with my boss’s schedule for maximum effect.  Tip: Use that extra time to beat your competition by getting more done!

Develop your skills

The average employee reads only one book about their job in their entire career. If you only read one book a year (or about one minute a day) you’ll be far more skilled than they are in just a few years. Why not commit to reading 10-15 minutes per day to study in your field.  If you don’t like to read, listen to audio CDs/MP3s in your car, or while you walk the dog, etc.

Get extra training

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Take advantage of any extra training that is offered at work. Pay for someone your own too, you will be repaid many times over after your first promotion, invest in yourself! Take a seminar, class, or some online training. It is superior skills that will move you forward. Also be sure to chat up the training you are doing when you are at work. People will give you credit for doing the work, long before it’s completed. People will immediately see you as a serious professional, someone who is growing, and someone who’s certainly going places.

Develop your network

This is a major career skill, so get a couple of books or audio CDs on how to do this and start studying them. Begin to network in three main areas:  1) at work  2) local networking groups  3) online social and networking sites.  Each source will bring you valuable resources. Networks can garner you valuable allies, access to vital information and resources, make you aware of opportunities, and even help you with the job search if you need to switch companies to get promoted. Most people’s success is as related to their network as it is to their skills.