You may have heard the saying: It’s not what you know, it is who knows you. I believe the new mantra is just who knows you.

Often, when a job opening is posted the hiring powers may already have someone in mind. This person is the one they know about including what they stand for, their personal brand and work history of success.

So, I ask— Who knows you and how do you network to increase the number of people that do?

There are at least five vehicles of networking:

• Formal events once or twice a month

• Informal, meaning casual by chance, in the hallway, parking lot, the elevator, etc.

• Social Media such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Spoke to name a few

• Being published

• Having a leadership role in an industry or work-based organization

You must have your personal introduction and interesting areas of conversation to share at a formal networking event and be involved in three of the above five networking vehicles. Otherwise, no will know who you are.

In this fast paced world, e-mails need to be succinct. The reader must know quickly what the message is about. An immediate tool is using the subject line to specify any action needed or not needed. It also should have a timeline on when the action must be completed. A follow up phone call may also be necessary. I always change the subject line on communication string if the subject has moved to a different direction.

Finally, try and keep an email to just one topic. Many people do not read emails all the way through. Having just one topic instead of several will help ensure the message will be read, understood and acted upon.

Follow these recommendations and your message will not get lost.

Women this year at the Oscars decided elegance trumped shock and too much skin. The colors went from vibrant jewel tones to pale sparkles. Full length ball gowns appeared to be in the majority.

It is interesting to note that no matter who they are, women all over have the same challenges on what to wear and how to be comfortable for the evening. Of course, if one actually gets to a red carpet, a statement must be made. Diamonds in earrings and bracelets were the statement this year. Also, there were not too many necklaces on those wearing strapless dresses.

In a recent New York Times business section, John W. Rogers Jr., Chairman, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments, talks about the qualities of a good team player. One point he makes is how important being a good listener is.

In today’s busy world it is challenging to be a good listener. Practice when engaged in a conversation, especially a difficult one. Be aware of body language and word choices. Do not think ahead of the conversation. If you find your mind moving faster and jumping ahead, replay the conversation by saying: This is what I heard you say, is that right?

Also, if you are unsure about the intent of what is being said, ask clarifying questions like that. This will help ensure you are being a good listener.

At a recent presentation I noticed some folks in the audience who appeared to lack any emotions as they usually are revealed from facial expressions and body language. A colleague even asked, “Don’t they look like card board cutouts?” Being engaged, whether in a meeting or in an audience, is a critical element of leadership presence.

Don’t be the folks who:

– Maintain a poker face

– Stiffly cross their arms

– Constantly look around the room and never at the presenter

Instead, be the folks who:

– Show they are listening by the engaging their eyes

– Move their body toward the presenter

– Ask questions when appropriate

– Validate the speaker by providing positive comments

I recently purchased a four-CD set on “Be a No Limit Person”. What I found so inspiring and at the same time very challenging was how to be in control of oneself instead being defined by the environment. Oh, we can still complain about everything from the cold weather to the challenging economy. Beyond that, however, Wayne Dyer is saying to be optimistic and control your own well-being by having a positive attitude.

It is much easier to walk around with the gloom and doom attitude. It takes effort to self-talk into control of the outcome. Having a positive attitude will be better for your health and at the same time you will draw folks to you who want to be around you. If you continue to worry and predict the worst, it will happen.

You can purchase the CD at Amazon or go to You Tube to listen to Wayne Dyer on “Be a No Limit Person”.

LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Spoke are the current major social media vehicles in today’s business world. To establish your presence, you must have a current, attractive picture, an up to date bio and a short list of current things you are involved in.

Your network must include industry associations. Marketing may include blogs that will impact your audience. The blogs on your Facebook or Twitter updates should reflect current issues related to your work. They must also be positive and once in a while give a good inside view of you as a person.

Why does it matter? Because the world moves so fast that we are not always allowed a face-to-face with our audience. Social media allows you to cast a wider net to capture your audience.

Often, talented folks make the mistake of speaking in a voice and using words that are not natural to them. This becomes noticeable when they are asked to explain what they said and they get tangled up in explaining what they mean.

The late Tim Russet of Meet the Press once said that he always knew that if his father understood what he was saying then he was speaking in his own voice and words. His comments would also resonate with the rest of his audience.

To ensure you are speaking in your own voice, begin to practice with folks who don’t know your subject. If they understand your explanation, then you are speaking in your own voice.

We all have an inherent communication style– it is how we are wired.

It can adapt and even grow organically when you surround yourself with folks whose approach is different than yours. For example, if you tend to be an introvert, work with someone who is a natural extrovert. If you have a task oriented work style, bring folks in who are more strategic. Watch how they approach situations. Take note of the way people interact with them. Use their interactions as a guide to stretch yourself to become a more rounded and aware communicator.

A true professional tips those who provide good service, especially in the situations that are repeated. My rule of thumb is as follows:

20% for dining and personal services and at least two to three dollars for the car service and the airport baggage handler.

During the holidays, the tip should be the amount of one service charge. For example, if your manicurist charges $20 dollars then the tip should be $20. These are the folks who make your life easier and tipping is great way to show your appreciation for what they do.