The capacity to be at ease with yourself, to realize your own strengths and weaknesses, is an attribute.

That attribute becomes essential if you want to succeed in your career. Remember, no one else is like you – you are unique, a child of the universe. Appreciate, acknowledge and revel in that uniqueness.

Come to terms with your nature, and your own particular skills and you’ll be a better person. Once you do this, you can start to give yourself to your job, to your business relationships, and to the world.

YOU are an exclusive product, and this product is what you should bring to all of your networking experiences. Lay down your principles and leave the mob behind. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not or you’ll fail.

It may be a truism, but if you don't enjoy things, you won't do them well. To bring the best to a job or a business relationship you need to be honest about your pursuits. You need to be candid with yourself about your needs, your natural gifts and acquired talents. Examine the parts of your life where you received praise without a lot of effort – that’s where your natural talent lies.

What do you take pleasure in? What do you do to unwind? What are your hobbies? If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

By taking a rain check, you might realize where your personality could shine in the work environment. If you’re not suited to a job or workplace, it will only bring tension. In the world of success or failure, the way you fit in makes all the difference.

Both in the world of business and business relationships you’re trying to sell you.

You can't sell yourself well if you don't understand what you have. Examine yourself. Are you at ease talking in front of groups or do you hate it, can you handle maths, are you intellectual, do you possess business acumen, are you a natural leader? What about things like empathy, ambition, and tolerance? They’re very important in the real world; so when you’re writing down your strong points blend them with the other skills, let them compliment each other.

To understand your limitations, use the same method as above to find where you’re weak and need reinforcing. Be honest. When you understand where you’re coming from, you can sell your strong points and minimize your weakness. No one will be aware of your weakness, if you don’t tell.

Most of what we do is driven by an unconscious motive. To find the power source of your drive, try to answer these questions.

• What inspired your main achievements?
• What fired you up in the first place?
• What induced you to go down that particular route and no other?
• What things tend to set you in motion?

When you understand where your passion comes from it becomes a strong selling point. You can use it to interest a potential employer. They’ll love to know your trigger points.

Companies are always searching for that top 10% – 30% employee who can really achieve. Leave them in no doubt that you can meet it.

Expect interviewers to ask pertinent questions regarding your

• Accomplishments
• Triumphs
• Resourcefulness
• Leadership potential.

Managers are conscious that some candidates can stand out in a one-hour interview, but what about the long term? You need to demonstrate that you can deliver what you promise. You must exhibit what you’ve accomplished, and how you got there.

To not be prepared, to have no proof available, simply won't do.

If you’re not quite up to standard in an area, now is the time to recognize it and bring yourself up to scratch. Get involved. Show initiative. Develop those skills and activities.

Successful people look upon themselves as a business. They behave like a business, they think like a business. They respect accomplishment, endeavour, and excellence. They use time-management, and value their own status.

You’re a company with a valuable product, and skill knowledge. Your CV should become your sales catalogue; it should draw attention to your strengths and play down your weaknesses. Your appearance, clothing, and behaviour should be in harmony with your business principles. Join the "Top 10% – 30% Club" or remain run of the mill club.

Remember, reputations take forever to build but can be destroyed in a second. Start building yours now - and hang onto to it.

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