3 Speak with enthusiasm - lead and people will follow, if you speak with energy and enthusiasm everyone else will assume that they should be at least interested in what you have to say. If you are not enthusiastic about your work, at least speak with energy by sitting up and speaking with emphasis on key words. Watch politicians on T.V. to see how they stress their point.

4 Anticipate objections and be ready with your response. What are questions you really do not want to be asked? Work out best responses and rehearse how you will take charge of situation.Then when meeting takes place you will already know what to say and can instead focus on listening to everyone else.

5 Exude certainty. Nobody wants to hear that you are not sure whether you can do something. Be certain about what you can do, and be direct when you need more information or more resources to get something done. Whenever you hear someone agonising over whether something can be done, notice negative effect it has on those listening, and remind yourself that you will not allow same to happen to you.

There are three components to identity.

Self concept is expressed when you fill out a series of "I am" statements. You think of yourself as a father, country club member, and banker.

Social identity is way others view you. People treat you differently if you're a bank manager or if you're starting a new e-business in a field they've never heard of. Think about how you feel when you're introduced at parties as, "This is Mary. She is a…"

Paper identity is way you're regarded by businesses and professionals you deal with. When you have a job, it is easy to get credit and a premium checking out. When you change careers, especially if you start your own business, you may be on shakier ground.

Your response to a new identity will be unique: "After being on my own, I went back to a corporate job. When we got United Way forms, it hit me. I was now an employee. It didn't feel good." Others will find same world liberating: "No more chasing after clients -- and I love pension contributions!"

I encourage career changers to include a plan for identity change, as a way to help smooth journey.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. author, career coach, speaker Career Freedom: Your survival strategy for the new millenium Customer Service for Coaches and other Professionals http://www.movinglady.com/ebooks.html Career Freedom Ezine mailto:subscribe@movinglady.com