No one needs to tell you that in business, power is everything. It's your primary weapon in the ruthless world of negotiations, relations and money. It's what separates a good businessman from a great one.

Those who have power don't acquire it by osmosis. Meticulous effort is required to project an image of professional poise and status. Lose that image, and few will take you seriously. Do you think that presidents or CEOs goof around? Never -- because they know that much of their country's or company's reputation depends on their personal image.

You've read before about how to create an air of power. Here are some more tips to show them that you're a man to be reckoned with.

1- Be invaluable
When you make yourself indispensable, you have an edge over others. Hell, you even have an edge over your superiors; they can't afford to lose you, so you have more ammo when bargaining time comes around. Indispensability could take the form of a skill or merely a piece of information. When you're rare, you're more respected.

2- Don't be a yes-man
You only have to gain the good graces of your superiors, no one else. Try too hard to please others by laughing at their bad jokes, smiling at every remark and agreeing with every insipid observation, and you'll come off as desperate for affirmation or a raise. You don't have to play nice. Laugh only if it's funny, and others will be smiling at you.

3- Be friendly with a select few
You may be the most sociable Mac in the building, and that's great. But if you want to go far, remember that buddies don't become bosses. If you're everyone's pal, people will think you're easy to reach and therefore not powerful. Choose a couple of people at the office to befriend, and treat the others as acquaintances. That doesn't mean you should be rude, though.

4- Smile when others disrespect you
If someone tries to destructively criticize you, brush it off. Shout back and you'll show that he won and, even worse, that you are easily ruffled. If you must retort, do so calmly. It'll catch them by surprise and they may even backpedal. Take your time. Nothing warrants turning into the Hulk.

5- Be sporadic in your comments
"Say less than thou knowest," was the Fool's advice to Shakespeare's King Lear, and there's a reason that line was immortalized. Those who speak only when they have something important to say are usually held in high regard, while those who prattle on are merely tolerated, if not avoided. The trick is to listen more often than you speak. When you do speak, reserve it to say something brilliant.

Keep an open mind and a shut mouth

6- Think more often than you talk
Do you ever cringe at people who simply can't wait for you to finish your sentence before they chime in? Learn from them, and keep your mouth shut until others finish talking. There are three benefits to this. First, you'll be seen as a good listener, which is a rare quality these days. Second, you'll know what's on the mind of those around you, which you can use to your advantage. Third, others won't have a clue about what you're thinking. Uncertainty most often strikes fear and deference in others.

7- Speak with authority
Bill Gates can get away with a squeaky voice because he has a $40 billion price tag. You don't, so your bellows should remind people of the Voice of Doom crossed with that of a charismatic dictator. Speak clearly and with conviction. Form complete sentences, don't pepper your words with "like" and "um," and never talk about anything with a desperate or nervous tone.

8- Don't kid around
No one likes an uptight grump, but there are times to be casual and times to be serious. They're not always black and white, so sharpen your tone instincts. When you kid at the workplace, others won't take you as seriously. Learn how to separate casual conversations from somber ones, what is appropriate to say in each and in what manner to say it.

9- Look like a professional
It's important to look good, but dress with your brain. If your office dress code is business casual, showing up in three-piece complete with cufflinks will look absurd. Instead, figure out what the de facto dress code is and take it up a notch. Dress as formally as you can, but go so far as to wear a bowtie and you can consider yourself a walking joke.

Your threads, however, are only part of the equation. You must also look professional in your mannerisms. Don't adjust your clothes or your hair, don't twiddle your fingers and fiddle with your ring or pen. All these habits indicate nervousness. Be composed and watch your posture.

10- Don't boast
Speak with your actions more than with your words. You'll be noticed if you work hard, so let the quality of your fruits speak for itself. Others will probably give you the props you deserve. If they don't, just make your hard work more visible to them. But maintain some subtlety, and don't try to do so by consistently complaining about how swamped you are.

11- Be a good public speaker
If you'd rather be dead than give an impromptu speech, you have no place in management. Rhetoric skills are expected of any leader to day. Join your local Toastmasters club and overcome your fears of public speaking. Learn to move people with your words, and the world will be yours.

the smell of power

Yes, power can be taken in like a subtle fragrance. People know it when you walk by and when you interact with them. And it makes them defer to you. Don't just wait for power to slowly saunter your way. Grab it by the horns and wear it proudly.