It doesn't matter how long you've been at an organization, if you want to move forward, you should have a pre-laid path to promotion. Whether you want more money, a better title or simply to meet a goal, promotions don't typically just happen— you have to earn them.

Yesterday, Promotional Consultant Today shared five tips for building a path to your next promotion. Today we share five more.

1. Build Your Network. The more people who know you, know your strengths and abilities, know your value to the organization, and know (at least some of) your ambitions, the more likely your name will be discussed when opportunities arise.

An added benefit of networking is that you will learn much more about the company if you network with people in other areas of the organization.

2. Ask For More Responsibilities. Volunteering to help out other departments or teams—or simply asking for more responsibilities—increases your value within the organization. Asking for more work shows your interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed—as well as putting a spotlight on your value to the organization.

3. Act Professionally. Earn a reputation for being dependable, professional and cooperative. Act and look the part.

  • Dress professionally and neatly—even on business casual days.

  • Ask questions when you aren't sure how to do something.

  • Dare to be different. Make yourself stand out from the pack.

  • Keep a positive outlook on things, even when in tough situations.

  • Don't whine, complain or blame others when things don't go your way.

  • Make a name for yourself in your industry through conferences, articles and speeches.

  • Don't be a clock-watcher.

Finally, be a problem solver. Don't go to your boss with problems. If a difficult situation arises, be sure to come up with at least one solution before seeking your boss's blessing for dealing with the situation. Problem solvers get promoted. Complainers who expect the boss to solve all their problems don't.

4. Be A Team Player. Because so much of work is now accomplished through teams-departmental or cross-functional— it becomes even more important to share successes with your team and to avoid pointing your finger when there are failures. And by being a team player, you only build your reputation and increase your value to the organization.

5. Create Your Own Opportunities. After studying the needs and challenges of the organization, if you see an area that has been neglected—and you have key skills in that area—write a proposal for a new position.

And even if the company does not go for the new position, you have again shown your initiative, creativity and value to the firm— and these things can only help you the next time you request a promotion.

Source: Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com and is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years.

Compiled by Cassandra Johnson