After my last post in which I ranted about the ten things that people do that showcase their insecurity, I thought a little positivity was in order. While noob practices run rampant, there are a number of spectacularly gracious people out there from whom we could all learn a thing or two. It's not about being "nice". God knows, I have never been accused of that nor is it something to which I aspire. Nope, it's about having respect for yourself and others and having the genuine desire to see others do well. I call it generosity of spirit; you can call it whatever you want. Now quick, before the chorus of angels starts up and the halo floats down...

Amanda's Top 10 Ways to Showcase Your Gracious Self

10. Stay in touch via email and social media, even when you don't need something: A quick greeting or shout out shows that you care enough to keep in touch. Pinging only when you need money, a job, a reference, bail money - not so much.

9. Invite discussion in your social media spaces, especially your blog and Facebook page: Make your social spaces interactive, it's more fun for everyone and makes you the host with the most. I once saw an FB bio from a social media newbie that said "welcome to my page, make yourself at home". I was impressed - he got it intuitively and he proved to be a good host!

10. Respond to your social media responses: It always irks me when people post something and then don't bother to respond to members of their community who have taken the time to comment. That's just rude. Thank people for commenting and if they added something of value, ask questions to engage them further.

9. Pass on job opportunities, media queries, interesting articles: It's the information age and we're inundated with the stuff. Nevertheless, there are a lot of gems that while not useful to you, just might be of use to someone else. Passing on relevant bits to friends, acquaintances, colleagues, clients, and prospects lets them know you're thinking of them.

8. Strive to be better for your clients: A lot of people focus on how to get more out of their clients. I propose that we focus on how to give more. I know a very successful realtor who makes it his mission to stay on top of trends and opportunities in the real estate market, believing that his clients deserve the very best. No wonder that he has a thriving business and a large fan base.

7. Refer clients to your competitors: What craziness is this?? Hear me out. If you're committed to providing your clients with the best, you'll refer business that is not your forte on to colleagues who have a proven reputation in thatarea. It's a win-win-win. The client gets top notch work, your colleague/competitor thinks you're swell, and you get to avoid looking like a no-talent, know-nothing. It's a good thing, as Martha would say.

6. Offer your expertise...for free: I can hear the collective gasp already. There's a lot to be said for offering your advice and maybe a few tricks of your trade free of charge. Whether your sharing with a non-profit group, a student, a prospect, or even a competitor, feel solid enough in your own value that you can afford to share some of what you know without diminishing what you have to offer. Internet and social media celebs have built careers on this premise. You can too.

5. Don't drink your own Kool Aid: There will be times when the world will adamantly agree that you are fab. Inevitably, as soon as fab status sets in, the haters come out to play. Keep a level head and be secure about who you are and the haters and trolls can't touch you or taunt you into actions that are less than gracious. I know one tech celeb who is fawned over and denigrated in equally huge measure but he never wavers from his thoughtful trademark approach.

4. Work well with others: I am the last person to join hands, sit in a circle, and sing kumbayah, but I do have a soft spot for certain collaborative efforts. Joining up with complementary talents for a project allows you to realize the tremendous talent others have and humbles you to your rightful place as a cog in the wheel. Seeing yourself as a small part of the whole can counterbalance those myopic world domination goggles that are so common among solopreneurs.

3. Put away your cape every once in awhile: It may be that the world sees you as superentrepreneur but if that's all they see, they'll start to doubt your authenticity. Let your inner Clark Kent show now and then by disclosing a quirk,uncertainty, or failure - you know, the human stuff. I once referred to it as strategic vulnerability which seemed to go down well with the aggressive, war room types so if that term makes you feel better about revealing your inner pansy, go for it.

2. Eliminate the degree of separation: You don't have to be Kevin Bacon to be a connector. Most of us have a huge network of cool, talented people who would benefit from getting to know each other. One very successful financial advisor in town spends at least an hour every day connecting people in his network. No kidding! He's happy and prosperous so he must be doing something right.

1. Appreciate absolutely everything: Yep, everything. Say thank you for small kindnesses that are shown to you everyday. Appreciate the crap that comes your way, forcing you to be a better person whether you like it or not. Revel in the stunning magnitude of technological advancement that makes the world such an exciting place to be right now. Mostly, be grateful for the simple fact that you were lucky enough to wake up this morning and give it all another go.