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.

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.

In a recent workshop for folks who are transitioning from one position to another, it was apparent that they needed to become the CEO of their brand in their professional life.

A few questions you want to answer to ensure you are the managing your brand effectively include:

• Does your audience know what you represent?

• Does your audience want to get know you?

• Is your presence one that represents your brand?

• Can you explain the value of your product or service?

Answering these few questions will help ensure you are the CEO of your brand.

In Adam Bryant’s new book “Quick and Nimble”, he uses anecdotes and strategies gathered from American CEO’s about how they help managers get better by teaching them how to be good coaches. Good coaches give honest feedback and help those who they coach create a vision so they can grow.

One challenge for managers is giving honest feedback in an inclusive manner. Using the three to one rule is critical. In this type of feedback, talk about three skills they do well along with one area they might want to strengthen and why. In the book, what most coaching CEO’s then did was to occasionally check back to offer support because change is difficult but it can be achieved with consistent support.

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”.

I am always pleasantly surprised by great customer service. Great customer service is when you as the consumer are respected and the issue is solved immediately and with ease. Recently, I ordered a product from Amazon and it was missing some parts.

I went to the issues and returns section of Amazon’s website and chose to have a chat about it. I confess I was thinking they would give me a problem.The customer service person gave his name and handled the problem immediately with no indication that he felt I was not being truthful. Amazon also sent a script of the discussion for my records!

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a key element of everyone’s professionalism was that we treat everyone as a number our one customer and client?We listen to the issue and refrain from being critical or defensive while solving the problem to the customer’s satisfaction, just like the folks at Amazon, Costco or Nordstrom. If we all did this, each of us would truly be considered a five star professional.

Recently, I noted that many folks were trying to carry too many bags or had a bag that was too stuffed or big to carry.

Here are some tips to keep you from looking like you’re being overwhelmed by your luggage:

For Women:

• When carrying files, use a tote that can also act as your purse.

• For large files and a laptop, use a bag that has wheels (put your purse on top of the bag). It looks professional and is easier to manage.

• Don’t overstuff a purse or tote.

For Men:

• Select a backpack that doesn’t make you look like you are going on a camping trip.

• Do not over stuff briefcases – it makes you appear overloaded.

• If you have heavy files because you are a road runner, use a roller bag. Tumi makes several smart ones.

Keep these guidelines in mind when you are preparing and managing your luggage.

A key element for folks who have a polished, smart, elegant image is their clothing choices. Their clothing is appropriate for the occasion and their role in the organization. The color resonates and makes folks feel confident about them. Their accessories add just enough nuance to enhance their appearance. Their overall look showcases their leadership presence. Make sure that these key clothing factors capture your elegant style no matter what situation you find yourself in.