Ten New Rules for Getting Ahead

Business is all about people. To succeed in the business world, one needs to have good interactions with people. Here are ten rules that will help you in the future for getting ahead in the business world.

Rule No. 1: Get the Lead Out of Your Resume
Nothing spells "blah" louder than the typical jargon-filled corporate résumé, yet nothing is more commonly found on recruiters' desks. A Big Leap résumé has to sound like a human being wrote it, about him or herself.

Rule No. 2: Don't Answer That Ad
Big Leapers don't respond to job ads—they make contacts and create conversations that lead to job offers, funding, or consulting engagements.

Rule No. 3: Get the Gang Involved
If you haven't been a networker, you'd better start, because a Big Leap absolutely demands the participation and cooperation of your network

Rule No. 4: Build an Online Presence
Create a free LinkedIn profile to tell the world who you are and what you know and care about. If you're a writing type, continue the megaphone-building with a blog, a podcast series, and a daily "tweet" or two on Twitter.com.

Rule No. 5: Don't Abuse Your Network
Treat your network as a brain trust, not a favor bank. From thoughtful conversations, personal introductions will flow, if they're meant to.

Rule No. 6: Don't Skimp on Research
A Big Leap career move depends hugely on careful, methodical research, from coffee dates with subject-matter experts, to online exploration of deals and people moves, to attendance at industry conferences.

Rule No. 7: Whatever Else You Do, You're a Salesperson
Think you're an IT hotshot, a marketing whiz, or an innovation prodigy? You may be, but like it or not, you're also a salesperson-and you're selling yourself. Don't think of yourself as a natural sales type? Look for opportunities to hone your skills: Pitch your boss on a big idea, or convince your colleagues to go along on a potentially ticklish idea.

Rule No. 8: Edit Your Story
In every Big Leap encounter-face-to-face, online, or on the phone-you need to tell your story in concise, compelling fashion. No rambling, off-point, off-color tales; just those that tell people what they need to know.

Rule No. 9: Pick a Role Model
Whether you're headed for an international assignment, an entrepreneurial escapade, or something completely different, focus on a person you know or a public figure you admire. Study their Big Leap moves and figure out which ones will work for you.

Rule No. 10: Be Open
A Big Leap doesn't require you to know exactly what you want at the outset. It requires that you want to find out, and then to do it. Keep your ears, eyes, and mind open. This doesn't mean you shouldn't be focused, but don't be rigid.

- 20600674 (Entry #5)