What does it take to create a high performance career that gains steam, rather than peters out? Read on.



My company Big Fish Marketing turned 21 this year, and I couldn’t be prouder of my business and the brands we’ve built. In honor of our anniversary, I’ve made a list of the major lessons I’ve learned from working with top executives at some of the world’s biggest brands.



1. Be curious.



Do everything you can to understand the people who influence your success. Ask them about their challenges, dreams, what makes them happy. Then just listen and say, “Tell me more” to spark deep and productive conversations.



2. Know your value.



Crisply articulate who you are and what you can contribute in a way that tells those in your sphere of influence why you are the solution. Before you start talking, know your audience so that you don’t sell them, but serve their needs.



3. Get on a mission.



We are all here for a true purpose. Why are you here? If you don’t know, others will define you and you could end up on the wrong path. Take time to consider and live by your mission and you’ll enjoy a passionate, prosperous life.



4. Score face time.



If you want to make meaningful contacts, nothing beats actually (not virtually) being in the room. Leaving your family and being frisked by airport security isn’t fun. But, the opportunities are out there, not over email, Skype or on a cold call.



5. Travel for inspiration.



The best way to stay interested and have an interesting life is to travel. You’ll bond with the people you love, make unforgettable memories and get energized for what’s next. Travel isn’t about going away; it’s about finding you.



6. Stay positive and play fair.



If you’re a tough cookie, take a look at yourself before you crumble! Being jealous and spewing venom about your co-workers won’t help you to be seen as a leader. Worker bees that play martyr will also be passed over for promotions.



7. Look the part.



Let’s face it, you’re branded the minute you walk through the door. In any business situation, appearances count big time. In fact, research shows that 65% of communication is visual, so if you are not looking the part you play with your own creative flair, you are running the risk of being forgettable.



8. Celebrate yourself.



When you get caught up in failure or drama, throw yourself a party. Invite the people in your life that are uplifting. The surprise will not be how much those present love you—the surprise will be remembering how much you love yourself.



9. Block time for big projects.



Stop putting off what you really want to do. The space to do great work will never find you; you have to carve it out and be protective of it. Go to a local bed & breakfast or simply turn off your phone. If you want to get it done, get away!



10. Invest in your success.



Today having a business coach is more common than having a therapist. You’re fooling yourself if you think you can get to the top alone. We all need an anchor in rough seas. Take a workshop, hire a vocal trainer, fitness guru, get a stylist… whatever you need to look sharp and remain relevant.



11. Recruit brand cheerleaders.



Solidify the support of mentors, sponsors, colleagues, friends, and other professionals you admire (or as I fondly call them, brand cheerleaders) to open doors, sing your praises and put your hat in the ring for new opportunities.



12. Work smart, not hard.



To be seen as a courageous leader and achieve staying power, let go and stop trying to fix, enable and control everyone and everything around you. Delegate the small stuff and when you don’t know the answer, find someone who does.



13. Get your swagger on.



You’ve got moves no one has seen yet. When you walk into a room, own it and convey your message with confidence. Nonverbally tell your audience, “Pay attention, what I have to say matters.” And they will.



14. Leave a bad situation.



Change can be terrifying, especially when money and security are on the line, but what you do for a living shouldn’t be something you simply tolerate. If you’re not in a situation that inspires you to reach your highest potential, get out.



15. Strike while the iron is hot.



Within 24 hours of leaving a meeting or getting off a conference call, follow-up with an email and anything you promised to deliver. I’ve won so many projects because I followed through while my competition dropped the ball.



16. Be a closer.



Don’t second-guess your client or boss. Step confidently up to the plate, grasp the bat and set your sights clearly and firmly. Then swing for the fences. If you strike out, keep refining your game until you get to “yes.”



17. Tell your greatest story.



When interviewing or networking, shape perception by sharing a killer signature story—one where you triumphed in a challenging situation. If your story reveals your true character and demonstrates that you believe in yourself, you’ll make a believer of others.



18. Amplify your voice.



Make sure that your website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter presence and other social media reflect your authentic voice and your authority or mastery of your area of business. Write blogs, curate quotes, re-tweet people you admire. In no time, you’ll be seen as influential.



19. Become a specialist.



The linchpin of a successful personal brand is your area of expertise. Being a generalist is old news. Zero in on your specialty and you will find clients who need your unique skills or a position that requires your special talent.



20. Compromise a little.



Digging in your heels is rarely the answer. Collaboration and compromise costs you very little and can pay off handsomely. It is not about scarcity, it’s about abundance—everyone getting something they really need vs. what they want.



21. Give yourself a break.



Doing your absolute best is one thing; perfectionism is quite another and can often be a barrier to moving up or ahead. Put your do-it-right energy into the things that matter and let everything else be “good enough.”



Practice these 21 essential career skills and you’ll not only make a name for yourself, you’ll enjoy the ride.