The strategy these leaders employed to gain visibility, hence credibility, for their work can be summarized as "know and value yourself and let others know."

• They identified their strengths and capitalized on them, informing others about their ideas and the results that they obtained.
• The comment, "Modesty does not create opportunity," offered by one of the leaders captures the significance they placed on the need to be assertive in gaining visibility.

Many of the leaders recognized and acknowledged a strong foundation of early support from family and friends, teachers, mentors, or business associates, which they parlayed into a successful focus on following their passions.

• But this experience was not universal, and other participants who did not report such support also achieved extraordinary success.
• While early support for leadership can be helpful, it does not appear to be a requirement for later success.

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Follow-up is essential in the job-search process, notes a downloadable guidebook, How To Find A Job In A Jobless Recovery, prepared by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.. Job-seekers often complain about employers who do not acknowledge their calls, letters, even their interviews. How often have you heard: "I sent out hundreds of resumes and have yet to hear back from any of them. They at least owe me a letter or call." That notion could not be further from reality and will get the job-seeker nowhere. The interviewer's only mission is to find the right person as soon as possible. The job-seeker is owed nothing. Interviewers have no moral or business courtesy obligation to acknowledge anything. Keep in mind that the manager with whom you interviewed has at least a dozen other responsibilities on his or her plate. A follow-up call and/or letter should not only remind that person that you spoke, but also refresh the employer's memory about what separates you from other candidates.

Follow-up also demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm about working for that employer. Such a small percentage of people actually follow up these days that the candidates who do really distinguish themselves from the rest of the pool. The full guide can be downloaded here.

A number of experts on women and success note that one obstacle that holds women back is underdeveloped negotiation skills. According to CareerWomen.com, women still find that their most useful negotiation tips come from other women. CareerWomen.com surveyed business women over the course of a year asking for their best tips and advice for successful business negotiations and compiled these "10 Negotiation Tips From Women in the Trenches:"

1. The Mars/Venus relationship needs to be top of mind in business negotiations. Communication styles between men and women are different, and as a result, negotiations can be complex. Keep your communication style direct by sharing plans, not concepts. Think collaboration not confrontation.
2. Use mentors to help refine your negotiation skills. Given that you will be negotiating with both men and women, pick a mentor from Mars and Venus to get perspective from both sides of the communication spectrum. Practice makes perfect, so practice, practice, practice.
3. Women tend to think of getting along vs. getting what they want. Be clear about what you want and practice asking for it in a calm, direct manner. Don't be confrontational. Getting fired-up and emotional may have an adverse reaction.
4. Negotiation is a conversation and you may risk getting off-track. Stay focused; remain on point and on course to avoid a negotiation disaster.
5. Gaining buy-in along the way will get you closer to your goal faster. Making sure that the other party is being heard is a sign of respect and will be appreciated. Repeat the points of the other side and use language such as "Let me make sure I completely understand your point."
6. Successful negotiating requires preparation. Be prepared with a strong understanding of your needs and motivations, as well as the other side. Do your research, gather relevant information, and if it's complicated, get outside expertise from a mentor or colleague.
7. Creative solutions are well respected, especially if they demonstrate a strong understanding for the goals of the business. Most points are negotiable and remember; it's not always about money. Think add-ons, better terms or additional services.
8. Starting with your bottom line may close the door on negotiations. Be prepared to compromise and expect the other party to compromise as well.
9. Being fair is not a loss. It shows that you are willing to adjust your expectations to meet the needs of the other side. Ask the question, "Why don't you tell me what you think is fair." You may be surprised at the answer.
10. Negotiating is a process not an event. One conversation may not culminate in a final decision. Be willing to say, "Let me think about that and get back to you in 24 hours."