If the last 20 years has taught us anything it is that we have no idea what the next 20 will hold. That being said, we can focus on the road ahead of us, and make a plan and execute it on a higher level than last year. As we close out this decade and move into what is without a doubt one of the most exciting times for technology, entertainment and entrepreneurs, we need to keep a few things in mind to crush it in 2020.

Here are 4 strategies to keep you ahead of the game in the new year:

1. Stop being a CEO

This is not a delegate better, or be the best leader suggestion. Literally, stop calling yourself a CEO. This last decade has shown that anyone can call themselves an expert, and prove it with some good videos and amazing posts. Endless amounts of people had an idea this last decade and called themselves a CEO right out of the gate, and really never did anything worthy of the title. Tim Ferriss talks about this in the 4-hour work week.

Dictionary.com defines a CEO as a chief executive officer, the highest-ranking person in a company or other institution, ultimately responsible for making managerial decisions. You really want to stand out? Identify yourself by your true role in your company. The title of CEO is something that should be earned, even if it’s your own company.

If you are looking to start off 2020 as a new entrepreneur, don’t make this mistake. Go with Vice President and set a goal to earn your own promotion. If you have been doing this for a while and it works for you great, keep it up. If not, you may want to consider a demotion in the new year and set a goal to achieve the title so you can show real growth.

I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” – John D. Rockefeller

2. Podcasts will be the new professional network

LinkedIn has proven to be an amazing way to grow your professional social network, and this past year it showed it’s also a great place to generate business. That being said the word is out and the space is getting crowded. The new professional network and social proof in 2020 will be your podcast, and who’s podcast have you been a guest on.

More and more you can see people who seemed untouchable not sitting down and doing some big TV network interview to get traction, they are guesting on a bunch of podcasts. The more podcasts you can be a guest on, the more you will establish yourself as an expert in your industry. In addition, a podcast is a great way to reach up and down the corporate and social ladder to make that next level connection you are looking for.

Thanks to today’s technology, the barrier to entry to start a podcast is not that difficult. Many applications out there can get you on all the major platforms at no cost. Also, if time is an issue, many people are offering this as a service and it can really enhance your social media presence. As Gary Vaynerchuk has been saying for the better part of 2 years, “voice is the next big thing”.

3. Write an article every week on LinkedIn

Yes, we just talked about LinkedIn getting crowded, but another way to stand out is publishing an article on LinkedIn. Consider your next 3 paragraph post you are going to put on LinkedIn and publish it as an article. It shows up on your feed as a published article, and it looks different than all the other post people are putting out there.

It can be more specific about your product or service too because it is an article and that is what people expect from articles. You are also putting yourself in the space with many influencers on LinkedIn who are doing the same.

Not sure what to write? Go with hot topics in your industry or information about your product or service that could be helpful to someone who wants to learn more. If you’re still hitting a wall, see what is trending on LinkedIn and join in the conversation. Combine this with your podcast and your voice just got clearer and louder on social media.

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

4. Be you

This sounds simple, but it is something many people take for granted. Social media is no longer new, it has traction. People can now see your past and present, if the two don’t match up that is going to raise major read flags. The old saying has not changed over the last 20 years, and it is still true, people do business with people they know, like and trust.

The bot that generates leads is not going to help you make the connection with your next big customer. If you are going to cold message someone, take some time to explore their website, social media and podcast. That human connection can save you more time than any automated system can.

As we will automate the simple things in our life in the new decade, banking, food shopping and other things we don’t need to leave the house for anymore, people will have more time to make connections and establish authentic relationships. This is your chance to get out from behind the keyboard and get in front of people who can help you achieve your goals.