Getting ahead in business is about more than being tethered to your mobile 24/7. In our seventh annual Executive Survival Guide, we show you how to endear yourself to everyone from the CEO to security; start your day like Warren Buffett; build your personal brand (even if you're The Boring Guy); and embrace your inner jerk. We'll also help boost your education quotient with profiles of the best EMBA and MBA schools in the land.
MASTER THE ALL-NIGHTER
Step 1: Take a nap. A 90-minute snooze will take you through a full sleep cycle and help you avoid grogginess.
Step 2: Eat protein. Carbs = serotonin = lethargy. Stick to snacks like nuts, jerky and boiled eggs.
Step 3: Be strategic. Lay off the caffeine for a day or two. Then use it when you need a jolt. Avoid sugar—it will make you crash.
Step 4: Move around. Do some jumping jacks or take a quick walk to signal to your body that it’s time to perk up and focus.
Step 5: Enlist a buddy. It’s easier to stay awake if you’ve got a workmate to kvetch to.
ACE THE PRESENTATION
Step 1: If it matters to you, it will matter to them. Focus on why you’re excited about the project and think it’s important to your company.
Step 2: Move away from the data. You know what happens when people hear stat after stat? Zzzzz.
Step 3: Start strong with something unexpected. Anecdotes are good, but keep them relevant.
Step 4: Step away from e-mail, FB and Twitter. Go for a walk about an hour before the big talk. Breathe deeply, stretch and reset.
Step 5: You’re smart and know what you’re doing. There’s a reason athletes repeat this mantra right before an event.
DRESS THE PART
Step 1: Add colour and be bold. Try a statement accessory or scarf. If you insist on a traditional hue, spice it up with purple shoelaces or a magenta gingham pocket square.
Step 2: About that pocket square: Less is more, which means voluminous puffs have no place in the boardroom (or anywhere, really).
Step 3: Ditch the Windsor knot. If you’re wearing a proper shirt collar (that is, a short one) and slim tie—2 5/8 inches is perfect—a simple single knot won’t seem so small.
Step 4: Focus on cut, not cost. It doesn’t matter if your suit’s a Canali, Chanel or off the rack at J.Crew. Good quality is always worth paying for, but you no longer have to splurge.
Step 5: Top it all with a modern twist on the classic trench coat. The new cut is slim and stops above the knee.
Step 6: Up your frame game. In the Warby Parker era, glasses are stylish—even sexy. For those who don’t wear specs, try sunglasses: You can never go wrong with Persols.
HOST A BUSINESS DINNER
-Make a reservation at a restaurant whose menu you know well. That way, you can make recommendations if anyone asks.
-Arrive early so you can suss out the table. If it’s too close to the bathroom or smooshed into a corner, request a new one. Then invite the VIP to take the seat with the best view.
-Turn off your phone.
-When it comes to ordering, your guests will follow your lead, so order an appetizer to let everyone know they can do the same.
-Ask your guests whether they’d prefer red or white wine, then order accordingly. Choose a wine you’ve enjoyed before or simply ask the sommelier for a recommendation, taking into consideration what everyone has ordered. But limit yourself to two glasses of vino. And if any of your guests start getting messy, subtly excuse yourself and ask the server not to refill.
-Don’t rush the business talk. Wait at least until after the appetizers have been served, but ideally before the main course. Stick to between two and three hours total.
-Arrange beforehand to pay the bill at the maître d’ station. Then, as the meal wraps up, excuse yourself to go hand over your credit card.