You don't climb on and ride to the end. Promotions demand talent, luck, planning and political know-how. If you believe you're a candidate for promotion, prove it by keeping on top of the technical and legal issues that relate to your profession. Don't count on the company to tell you what you need to know and pay the tab for you to learn it. Take control of your career by becoming the most knowledgeable employee in the division.
Performance appraisals are like stepping on the bathroom scale.
Truth is sometimes unpleasant. If you haven't received a performance appraisal, ask for one. You need to know, in writing, what the boss thinks of your work. Most companies have a structured approach to raises, but the CEO makes exceptions for superstars. Because promotable people take two aspirin and come to work.