You've Got This: The essential career handbook for creative women

What is the most important thing to me in life? What do I really want to achieve in my life?

If someone else has called the meeting, they may have already sent around an agenda beforehand. If not, ask them what is on it. If they don’t have one, under the guise of being helpful and making sure they’re able to cover everything they want to, offer to create one on the spot.

Cultivate two things equally – structure and flexibility.

What do you both value? Chances are, the reason you’re being worked so hard is that your boss or client wants the best result for their company. But what exactly is this? Can you pinpoint it? Is it making more sales, increasing profits, getting a project done on time, or simply looking good to their boss? When you talk to your boss or client about

My personal definition of success right now is . . .

In the PR and comms industry in Australia, for example, this includes media publications and websites such as AdNews, B&T, Mediaweek, Mi3 and Mumbrella, and the business, media or communications sections of newspapers such as the Australian Financial Review, the Australian, the Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and the Guardian.

Be your own PR. It’s time to talk up your achievements. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, imagine that you’re talking about a friend who has had your successes, or pretend that you have a new client (aka you!) and you’re relaying all the great things they’ve done.

What’s the story that you tell them? Is it consistent? Is it one you’re proud of?

Have negative body language