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This was my response to a reporter today who asked about the top 5 tips to get promoted in a tough economy. Thought I'd share them with youin this quick bulleted list.

1. Tell yourself the truth about your performance and your talents - whatresults can you offer? What has been your track record over the pastyear or so? Take a good hard look at what makes you promotable andask yourself the tough questions before somebody else does.
2. Get raw, honest-to-goodness feedback from others even if it hurts - onceyou have examined your personal results, find out what kind ofprofessional reputation you've created. Do key players respect yourwork? Will you get the support you need to advance to the next level?What kind of advice can you solicit on the steps required in yourcurrent professional environment?
3. Be prepared for a "pat on the back" promotion - yes, you might have to recognize that a salaryincrease is just not possible right now in your company. Be open to apromotion with a "head nod" instead of an increase in pay.Ultimately, you can revisit salary once the economy begins to turnaround. Track your results over the coming year so that you canjustify and support an increase once this conversation is open againin your business.
4. Figure out what your brand is, then market, market, market - this ties back to #1 and 2. What kind of core themesare you known for and what consistent message are you sending aboutyourself? If you have a dynamic brand as a reliable,solution-oriented leader continue to think of ways to enhance thisbrand. Contribute in meetings, be able to speak to how your work isimpacting the bottom line results.Become known for something positiveand relevant in your industry.
5. Manage your online reputation - since so many employers these days are connected with their employees,prospective candidates, etc. online, it's important that you haveestablished a solid, congruent image. You will want to do thisresponsibly, and remember that it's almost better to have an invisibleonline brand (none at all) than to have a "two-faced' online brand -one where you're Dr. Jekyll at work and Mr. Hyde at play.

Now what do you think about this list & what else should be on it?

About the Author: Tanya Smith of Be Promotable helps ambitious workingprofessionals get the promotion of their dreams. To get instant accessto her free special report on how to surefire steps to get promoted stopby and visit http://www.bepromotable.com/.