Conventional wisdom dictates that if you work hard and show competence on the job, career success will inevitably come your way. But experts say you may have a long wait coming. Keeping your nose to the grindstone may not get you anything except, well, a raw snout. Nowadays, the best strategy for getting ahead is not to wait to be noticed but to deliberately call attention to yourself.

Achieving high visibility is not easy; there's a very fine line separating effective self-promotion and boastfulness. If you come on too strong and give the impression of bragging, it could backfire. Tooting your own horn without sounding offensive is an art, so learn how to hit the right notes:

• ASSERT AND PROMOTE YOURSELF
  While you wish the higher-ups would reward their employees solely on merit, the real world doesn't always work that way. Remember, “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”. Individuals who are rewarded often boldly asks for it. If you don't want to be caught in a freeze frame as everyone zooms by, practice to be assertive and self-advertise. Whenever possible, subtly make it known to your superiors about your progress, successful project or a great presentation. You may find this uncomfortable initially but remember, no one will know about your accomplishments if you don't broadcast your accomplishments and take credit. Worse, somebody else may even take your credit away.

• TAKE A BOW
  And while you're at it, learn to accept the kudos that come your way. Don't brush them aside with self-deprecating expressions like “Oh it was nothing” or “I'm sure others could have done it just as well.” Your boss just might agree with you if you say them often enough!

• JOIN FORCES WITH ALLIES
  Of course, you can always rise to the top of the corporate ladder on your own. But wouldn't your climb be swifter and easier with a helping hand or a gentle push? Seek a buddy or a mentor to look after you and support you, someone who will say “That's a great idea!” when you present your proposal in the next brainstorming meeting. Of course, be sure to reciprocate in kind.

• BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  It's difficult to put all your plans in motion if you suffer from poor self-esteem. To bolster your self-image, you'll have to catch negative thoughts that play in your mind and replace them with positive statements. If your inner voice insists your opinions are worthless, your work unimportant or that nobody listens to you, muzzle it until it learns to stop saying “bad words”. Teach it to say, “I have something good to offer”, “My thoughts count”, and “I'm important”.

• BE PREPARED
  If you're going to a meeting or an event, prepare a 30-second “elevator speech” - an introduction of yourself and the service or business you represent – to use when meeting new people. Bring business cards and write notes at the back of cards for follow-up. Offer a firm handshake. Catch the other person's eye, smile and listen. To strike up a conversation, comment on books and newspaper reports you've read. Show interest in others by asking them about themselves. You can never tell what opportunities might arise from these gatherings.

• GET INTO THE VOLUNTEER HABIT
  Gain visibility by volunteering to spearhead company events and committees, especially those that will require you to work with other departments and learn new functions. A word of caution, don't overdo it. Don't take on projects or enlist in activities for the sake of promoting yourself. Get involved if you are truly fired up by the idea and welcome the challenge. Otherwise, the gambit may do more harm than good.

• NETWORK
  Networking is one of the most powerful self-advancement tools around. If you're really serious about reviving your asphyxiated career, try to get over your shyness and start exercising your people skills and mingling with the crowd. Networking isn't only about attending professional gatherings and swapping cards and engaging in small talk with new acquaintances. It's also about taking the time to eat lunch with your coworkers and stopping briefly to say “hi” as you pass a colleague down the corridor. Someone, somewhere, may suddenly recall you as that friendly officemate with the ready smile and refer you to a business associate or a recruiter she knows.

• ALWAYS LOOK YOUR BEST
  There are ways to promote yourself without uttering a word. Ever noticed how some people stand out simply by the way they dress, stand, talk and act? These people just naturally seem to inspire respect and deference because they exude professionalism and confidence. If there's an aspect of you that needs improving – whether it's your fashion sense or posture – do something about it now. Strive to appear well groomed – looking like a winner will make you a winner.

• MASTER YOUR FIELD
  While doing a good job is no longer enough, it doesn't mean you can move forward solely on the strength of self-promotion. High visibility can only do you so much – in the end, it is still a question of how effective or productive you are at work that decides whether you deserve a promotion or not.