These basic tips for career success are from SkillPath, a seminar and training company and university partner that trains more than 500,000 people each year at companies, not-for-profit and government agencies across the globe including American Express, Microsoft and Lucent Technologies.

Know yourself. To catch the attention of management, use your own personal power. Know yourself, set goals, continue to grow, build relationships and always bring something to your team. It is also important to continually take inventory of your skill set and what areas you may need to develop. Your professional skills open the door for opportunities and advancement.

Eliminate speech habits, gestures and mannerisms that shout “I’m a lightweight!” To project a professional image, avoid tentative speech, indecision, weak handshake, poor posture and rambling speech. All tell your listeners a lot about you. Work hard to replace negative speech habits and mannerisms with positive ones that will cause your listeners to be open-minded.

Positive body language includes standing straight with shoulders back and head up. Keep your weight distributed evenly on your feet with hands at your sides and fists unclenched, or sit straight, leaning forward slightly to show interest. Avoid such negative body language as slouching, fidgeting or sitting with your arms folded across your chest. Keeping your chin down or glancing up furtively gives the impression of subservience.

Appear confident, comfortable and professional when you speak. Fear of public speaking is one of the most common phobias that plague business people, and yet, we are always speaking, whether in a meeting with a boss, with a customer or in front of a group. All of these are perfect opportunities for visibility. It is critical to develop the skills and confidence to speak effectively, no matter what the occasion or audience. An effective speaker is a lot like a good tour guide. It’s your job to make the journey memorable for your listeners. Know your purpose, audience and logistics. Start strong, and with the end in mind. Rather than present a “data dump,” use humor, stories, examples and visual aids.
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