How to Get Ahead in Business

Business CEO's and branch managers and heads of big companies were not born into that position. They weren't given that title when they first arrived on the scene looking for a job. Chances are most of them started off at a low level position and moved their way up through the company ladder and earned the big job. In doing so they amassed a quantity of knowledge and gained a sense of what to do and what not to do when going after jobs. They're there because they knew what to do because someone else has taught them what to do. Every once in awhile though, they give out some tips, and when they do it would be wise to keep your ears open and your minds attentive.

First things first, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Don't misconstrue what I'm telling you. I don't mean be best buds with your closest competition and share information with them. What I mean is, know something about them, give yourself the leverage, if you can get your hands on their ideas, take them. it's ruthless out there and they're your enemies so don't you dare tell me they wouldn't do the same to you for a trust fun and a company Mercedes.

Second, never, never give away what you know. If you say half of what you know to anybody during a conversation that you don't need to say you've said way too much. Never show your hand, never show your weaknesses or your strengths. The best move in business is the surprise attack, copy cats of course will emerge, but if you give away too much of your idea, you'll be stuck as a copy cat and not the original.

Thirdly, do what you do better than everyone else. If you're the mail room boy, be the best mail room delivery boy there was. If you're the secretary, be better than the other secretaries, you don;t have to go above and beyond what you're asked to do, just do what is asked of you and do it right. People will take notice and you won't be holding down that position forever.

Fourth, put in the work. The guys that are at the top didn't slack off and goof around in their lower positions when they were starting out. They came to work and put in the work they needed to do and did it well. You're not at work to make friends, you're at work to get paid and get a bigger paycheck each week.

Fifth, dress the part. Don't take for granted the power of appearance. It really does make an impression, so dress your best no matter where you end up and keep looking the part without over exaggerating your position.