Book excerpt: Put Your Best Self Forward In a world where change is constant, building business relationships quickly is key. Professional presence can help you stand out in the crowd of e-mails, voicemails, business meetings, and social occasions. It offers a personal style that projects your competence, credibility, and confidence—whether you are in person or in cyberspace. 5 Steps to Professional Presence offers a proven system that has been used by over 1,500 corporations since 1980. Step One: Make a powerful first impression using the essential components that convey trust, rapport, and connection. Step Two: Use nonverbal communication to maintain the first impression and create a lasting one. Step Three: Master high tech communication—e-mail, voicemail, and wireless—where the first impression usually begins. Step Four: Avoid no-win business situations with grace and savvy. Step Five: Develop the social skills you need to make the most of corporate outings, business meals and parties, and networking events.