1. Be Hot
Easier said than done, right? This is easier than having teenage children think that you're hot, however. This is career hot and is within your control. Here's how you get started. Let's say that your function, or the type of work that you want to be doing in a job or two, is directing software engineering. Congratulations, getting focused is the toughest part. The next part is just a little research: what does it take to be the best VP of software development in the world? Seriously. Don't shoot too low in your research or you'll only find out what your current company wants. Go to help wanted ads, ignoring geography, that have keywords of "software management," "VP software," etc. Identify the recurring themes in these ads. The words that pop up again and again are market needs, i.e. hot areas. Companies are short on their supply of these skills or they wouldn't be advertising for them. (Read more about "Sharp Skills" in The New Job Security.) See what's in high demand and, as long as it's in line with your career goals and your interests, go get it! If your company doesn't pay for the training, pay for it yourself. You're on your way to killer competitiveness when you stay at the cutting edge of your field with Sharp Skills.

2. Be Visible
This is an on-going task, and it isn't about self-promotion. It's about sharing expertise, leadership, and success. Being visible isn't something that you do once, let's say by making a speech, then assume that people are going to remember you. An old rule of thumb in sales is that it takes 5 "touches," i.e. times that people hear about you, before they remember you. What are your five times? Who do you want to remember you? If you're developing a new skill and want the senior executives to know about it, show them a sample of your results. Maybe you publish something (non-proprietary) about the new video game you've developed, including credit for your company? Maybe you step forward, volunteering to lead a project while everyone else steps back? Maybe you take a leadership role in a professional association? My upcoming article on the WITI website, "Reputations that Last: The 5 points of being a Star" will give you additional ideas. You can be the hottest woman in technology and unless you act on ways to increase your visibility, only your mother will know it.

Not tall orders are they, being hot and being visible? It's taking the time to think about them that's the challenge. Being both are within your grasp. What are two small steps that you are going to take today to get you started? Becoming a job magnet is your reward.