_Do you want to get that raise or negotiate a promotion? Consider this: The next time you have to negotiate something try to have the meeting in your office if at all possible. Studies show that you are much more comfortable in your own space and that you are much more likely to get the result that you want if you are holding the meeting in your office.  We are more confident when we are in a location we feel comfortable in.

_This is a question many of my clients ask. Not all advisory boards are paid, but most of them do receive some from of compensation. Donations to the members’ favorite charity, a discount on a service that the board members use and the company offers, or a gift certificate are common forms of compensation for more informal advisory boards. Boards that are helping make high stakes decisions are usually compensated with a stipend for each meeting attended.

_Gossiping is one of the most destructive actions that anyone can engage in. If you have a problem with someone - tell him or her directly if at all possible. Don’t complain about them behind their back. Always talk about someone as though they were in the room. To do otherwise is destructive to both the person who is not present to defend their action and to the person who is being critical.

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_When someone says or does something that is upsetting, do your best to step back and remember that although it might have felt like a personal attack, the things that happen at work aren't personal – they're business. Take a deep breath, go for a walk if possible and then consider how you might be able to look at the exchange and improve the way you do business.

_ More companies than ever before are setting up advisory boards to help develop strategy to implement business goals. The key to using an advisory board is to make sure you have the questions and areas you need help with in mind and can clearly articulate the role you would like the members of the group to address. Have an agenda. If you are not experienced at running meetings, ask or hire someone who is an expert in meeting facilitation to chair the board.

_Innovation is rarely a solo act. Most great ideas come from teamwork and collaboration. If this is so, why are most people so reluctant to ask for help when they are trying to solve a problem or work out a way to do their job differently? If you are struggling with how to make a change in your business and haven’t come up with the answer on your own, pick up the phone and call a trusted colleague or friend and ask them to brainstorm a solution with you.

When setting goals and making new years resolutions, it helps to be as specific as possible. The greatest success in achievement happens when we spend time really thinking through what we want and why we want it.

_When setting goals for 2012, take time to look back on the accomplishments you've made in 2011. Look at the goals that you've been most successful in achieving this year, and consider the strengths that you should build on 2012. It's important to build on those things that we are the most talented and accomplished in. This will result not only getting more joy out of work but in experiencing greater success as well.

Expect success and you are more likely to achieve it.
Visualizing what you want to happen is an important tool in achieving your goals. Take time to write down in as much detail as possible the outcomes that you'd like to see happen in your career, family, and personal lives. You should do this for both short term and long term goals. By spending time visualizing the details, the goals become less abstract and the steps towards success begin to reveal themselves.