3 Strategies for MBA Success

Being successful takes commitment. For many, an MBA is the road to success.

Yet, according to Scott Galloway, a clinical professor of marketing at the New York University Stern School of Business, there are three simple rules everyone should follow if they want to be successful in their careers.

1) SHOW UP EARLY

First impressions are everything. That’s especially true when it comes to business.

Research from Harvard Business School finds that people often form two impressions when meeting someone.

“We’re judging how warm and trustworthy the person is, and that’s trying to answer the question, ‘What are this person’s intentions toward me?’ And we’re also asking ourselves, ‘How strong and competent is this person?’” says Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist.

Those two questions, according to Cuddy, account for nearly 90% of an overall first impression.

Galloway adds that showing up early is critical to making a good first impression.

“Assume that whoever you’re going to meet is busier and more important than you,” he writes. “Assume that they spent a lot of time preparing for the meeting. Assume that there’s a waiting list of people who want to be in your position.”

2) GOOD MANNERS

Your mannerisms play a big role in your journey to success.

Even the small things can go a long way.

“Behaving like a decent human being is not difficult,” Galloway writes. “Say ‘thank you’ to your colleagues for their contributions. Acknowledge people when they do something great. Offer help when you see someone struggling.”

Doing these things, Galloway says, will show results.

“You’ll find that people will be more willing to answer your calls on a Sunday night,” he writes. “And when you make a mistake (which you will), a well-mannered attitude can afford you a second chance — even if you don’t deserve one.”

3) FOLLOWING UP

Once you make a good connection, it’s important to keep the relationship going.

One of the best ways to do that is making an effort to follow up.

“Tell them you appreciate them,” Galloway writes. “Share an article they might be interested in. Acknowledge their presence. If they asked you to respond to something, do it. All of these things are more than just polite, they make you reliable and memorable.”

Sources: CNBC, Wired