Sometimes, as we seek comfort in others, God allows them to fail because He wants to be that special person in our lives. Knowing such doesn't immediately eliminate struggles of emotional abandonment. We're glad God loves us. We just want another to care besides Him.

“My work speaks for itself…I shouldn’t have to tell anyone about my skills.” “Why did they hire from outside, I am already doing what’s required of that position?” “Why did they get job, I have more skills and experience than they do?” “How come my name is never mentioned when promotions come up in conversation?”

The answer is…you need to promote your skills and experience. Everybody quotes old saying, “It not what you know, but who you know.” That’s not quite right. The correct saying should be, “It not what you know but who knows what you know.” The people that can make decisions or have input on your career need to know what you know. This will only happen if you promote, promote, promote your special skills and experience.

Here are five secrets you can use to promote yourself for promotions:

1. Volunteer to Make a Difference Volunteer for assignments that expose your skills. Look for especially challenging projects that other people have declined.

Also volunteer to mentor others within your organization. This will show and develop your leadership, management, and interpersonal skills. Keep management posted on your challenges and how you are working with person you are mentoring to overcome these challenges.

Volunteer to write a department or organizational newsletter. This is another way to benefit a large group with your ideas while showcasing your skills and ideas.

2. Be a Solution Creator not a Problem Maker Anybody can find problems within organizations. My experience is that you don’t need to find them…they will find you. Sometimes they have a special skill of finding problems and reporting them.

Develop skill of looking at these problems as “opportunities for advancement,” step back and analyze opportunity, and develop ideas for overcoming problem. Make sure you communicate these solutions during meetings, e-mails, memos, and conversations with management. You will soon be looked upon by management as someone who can overcome obstacles and make things happen within organization.

3. Handle Next Level at This Level If you are a manager and want to become a vice president then, start working like a vice president. Find a vice president that is open to mentoring you for next level. Remember, that vice president will not be promoted to next level unless organization sees that vice president has developed someone to take their spot. It might as well be you. Plus you can lighten their work load.

Explain to vice president what you want to accomplish so that everyone has a clear understanding and that this is a win-win situation for all involved.