In his new book, TV host Chris Matthews reveals how some of the most powerful people in America got to the top. Chris himself knows a thing or two about success—he started out as a Capitol Hill police officer, served as the top aide to the late House Speaker Tip O'Neill and today is the host of MSNBC's Hardball and NBC's The Chris Matthews Show.

Gayle talks with Chris about his book, Life's a Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success, and about the keys to finding success in any field:

• Get yourself in the game. Whether you work abroad with an international aid organization or you take an internship position at home, Chris says you have to put yourself out there to get ahead. "You never know what door is going to be opened," he says.
• Dress like you're getting paid, even when you're not. Professional attire and a neat, clean presentation will help you get noticed. "If you dress for work, then [managers] say, 'We should be paying this kid!'"
• Do the job at hand. Focus on accomplishing the tasks you're given—whether it's doing research or getting coffee—rather than looking ahead to the next job or connection. People will notice if you're distracted, he says.
• Rejection is part of the game. "Not everybody is going to like you," Chris says, so if at first you don't succeed, just keep trying.
• You only have one reputation. Establish who you are and be consistent rather than trying to reinvent yourself. "People don't like people who keep changing on them," Chris says.