• Always have a positive attitude.

Positive thinking and attitude stimulate your brain to make sure it is functioning at its finest. It also increases your energy level, which makes you more careful and better prepared for your chores. Positive thinking also helps you think more clearly to improve your focus, as it reduces your stress level.

• Staying educated.

Staying one step ahead is always a great way to ensure success. One great way is to always look further and study your industry. Know what’s happening and what’s experts say about it. Looking for current trends is also helpful. Once you find them, start training yourself in these areas, as knowledge will always be power.

• Have your personalized elevator pitch.

True to what others say, the first impressions always last. What would you say and do if you only had 30 seconds to convince someone that you were diligent and a leader? Plan this in advance, as you will never predict when you will be needing it in the future.

• Always learn to network.

Unluckily, sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. Having said that, you can simply start by learning to network. You can also build a network in-house. You may invite a colleague for lunch, or simply take time to walk by someone’s place to just say a simple hello.

In addition, you may actively seek opportunities to build networks outside of work by participating in organizations and groups.

• Keep an open door for new opportunities.

Read specialized publications. Listen to people in your network and when new opportunities come, don’t sit and wait. Take the initiative and ask a question and don’t be shy!