It's the oldest, corniest piece of advice in the world but it still works. The strongest networks are built on friendship. Be a friend not only to the people in your network, but to the people who matter the most to the people in your network.

You can't buy a good reputation; you must earn it.

Don't confuse visibility with credibility.

It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice. You don't know who your top customers will be five years from now or where you will be in 10 years. You may have a fancy title, but you will always need help from the people around you.

Rough spots sharpen our performance. And more often than not, obstacles can be turned into advantages. You just can't let your disappointment get in the way.

By my count, more business leaders have failed and derailed because of arrogance than any other character flaw.

If you walk backwards, you will never stub your toe.