Business connections, on which your promotion or career opportunities depend, are a kind of a game. What mechanisms to use to influence other people? What words to use? How to present yourself to achieve your goals? And how to stay honest with yourself and others?

1. Focus on the needs of… others

People enjoy expressing their needs, talking about themselves and having a devoted, loyal audience. They feel good knowing that their needs are important to someone and their words deserve attention and recognition. Take advantage of this. If you want a promotion, focus on what your superior needs. What qualities does they look for in an ideal employee? What is important to them? Listen, observe and implement.

2. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not

Remember, a lie will always come out sooner or later and you will only waste valuable energy in sustaining your illusory image. Contrary to what you might think, this is an exhausting task. You’re much better off taking the path of honesty ( which by no means means involves informing everyone around you of your flaws!) and a positive attitude.

3. Win through action, not persuasion

The more you demonstrate and show, the more credible you are. The more you talk, explain, clarify – the more you lose. Action is the key, not theory.

4. Do not get involved in the affairs of others

Be ‘independent like Switzerland’. Involving yourself in the affairs of others, in business relations, will not bring you any good. By remaining independent, you increase your ability to influence and at the same time you do not create a negative attitude towards yourself.

5. Keep time under control

Haste, confusion… All this makes people perceive you as a person who has not well-thought through their behaviour, schedule and responsibilities. Give the impression of being calm and in control of time – as if you were sure you would always have enough time, that you would always succeed.