If someone asks you what you do for a living, can you give a concise and complete answer without boring someone to death? You should be able to do in the time of an elevator ride. Make it your goal this week to perfect your “elevator speech” so that next time someone asks you what you do, they will walk away knowing a little bit more about you.

Personal referrals are the best referrals and they are free. Don’t let your opportunity get off at their floor without knowing what you do.