Are you the type of employee who wants to put his career on fast-forward? Well, you are lucky because here are some tips coming from Donald Asher, author of 10 books, including “Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn’t and Why.”

Asher observed that, “Most people think that a promotion is a reward.” But the truth is, “People get promoted because their bosses believe they will succeed in the next assignment.” He also said that the tricks to move up fast is to skill set and timing.

• Keep your ears open. In this case, good timing is also important. If you’ve heard that your company will open an office in London, you might want to finish the project you are working on in time. This will put yourself forward as the top candidate to manage the new office.

• Look for a mentor. Asher says that, “Attach yourself to a superstar who can give you plum assignments and help you surge ahead.”

• Never stop learning. According to Asher, always learn new things and skills, especially when the economy is in transition. Asher shares this one, an HR professional who saw the recession coming and trained herself in downsizing. As her company start to lay off workers, that person was promoted to help the company to run its downsizing effort.

• Praise your boss. You should never go over your direct supervisor’s head unless you do it by paying your boss a compliment. Use “Trojan horse” compliments. According to Asher, “Praise is a Trojan horse for information.” You can send a message about yourself to senior bosses in the form of kudos for your supervisor. For example, write a quick and enthusiastic note saying how much you learned at the event you went together. Also, mention that your boss did great and you accomplished your goals and more.

• Prepare the one who will replace you. If you have trained the perfect candidate that will replace you, your bosses will be more likely to select you for a promotion. However, you should not make yourself indispensable in your current job because if your boss think he can’t do without you, how will he move you into another position.

• Accept all promotions. Always take the promotions offered by your company because if you turn down a promotion offer, you will not get another. Be willing to relocate also. Asher insists that, “You have to move to get promoted.” Most people who are working in Seattle, New York and San Francisco don’t want to leave. Don’t be too picky about the location because “There’s a difference between age 28 and 38,” says Asher. “If you don’t move in the early years, you’re losing the opportunity to break out of the pack.”