This started out to be about how to get recognized — in a good way – by the boss, but the deeper I got into the topic, the more I realized these tips also work for people who are in business for themselves.
So let’s jump right in.
How to get noticed on the job
- Stand out. Become an expert in some area or skill that can benefit your team or office. It could be anything from how to do social media to pumping out a mean Excel spreadsheet (complete with pivot tables).
In business, this is known as differentiating yourself from the competition. What unique skills or knowledge do you bring to your business — and that can benefit your existing clients and prospects?
- Be consistent. Can people depend on you to behave in a similar way regardless of the circumstances? Do you treat people equally? Do you always do a good job, on time? Are you even-keeled? Are you the same person online, in the social media world, as you are in person?
All these factors are just as important when you work in your own business.
- Show an interest in your boss’ deliverables. Ask how you can help. Any way you can assist the boss will reflect well on you. Just don’t be a brown-noser about it; that will only generate office gossip and ill will.
If you own your own business, this translates into having a broader view of your clients’ business — and its success — than just the little piece you’re working on.
- Ask to take on projects outside your job description. Maybe even the tasks no one else wants to do. It shows you’re flexible and open to expand your knowledge base. Just be sure these other projects don’t negatively impact getting your own job done well and on time.
The entrepreneur can use this tip as a chance to up-sell – what other projects can you handle for your client? What projects can you create from your knowledge of the company?
- Check in with your boss regularly. If you work for a big company and rarely see The Boss due to other commitments, feel free to send a short note at the end of the week, telling him or her what you did. This could help during your annual review, when most bosses can’t remember much about your performance beyond the last month. And you might even score a raise or promotion as a result.
As a business owner, be sure to provide reports as to the effectiveness of whatever you’ve done for your client. Show the numbers, if you can; if you can’t find other ways to show your value.
- Keep up to date with your industry. You may be able to come up with ideas and offer useful information that will help your company…and your career. This shows you care about more than just collecting a paycheck. Again, don’t be a suck-up.
This is true when you work for clients, too – be sure you’re on top of what’s going in your industry. But feel free to add value by keeping up on what’s going on in their industries, too. How can the trends affect their business and how can you help them capitalize on them? After all, it’s in your best interest to help them succeed.
- Be you. Do your actions match your words? Are you comfortable in your own skin? Do you admit when you’re wrong (as opposed to making excuses) and fix it?
Business people know this as “being authentic.”
- Manage expectations. This is so important, particularly if you feel like you’ve got a ton of work to do and no time to do it. Tell your boss what’s on your desk and ask for help prioritizing — so there are no ugly repercussions down the road.
Also, do the whole “under-promise and over-deliver” thing. If you have the flexibility, add a little wiggle room when you commit to finishing a project. It’s much better to get something done a day before you said you would than a day (or more) later. And if everything goes swimmingly and you finish when you predicted (at least to yourself), you’re a hero instead of a zero.
Plus, giving yourself a bit more time will help you overcome any unexpected issues that arise. If you are going to bust a deadline, tell your boss about it right away.
Business owners know how they can shoot themselves in the foot by promising more than they can deliver. I have my own painful experience, giving a client a 4-week window to deliver a website. For painful reasons that were beyond my control, he got his website 2 months later. Did I learn from that experience? Let me count the ways!
- Participate in meetings. Make them work for you by making meaningful contributions. Look at the agenda and find one item that you will speak on and prepare some comments. When that item comes up, speak first.
The self-employed definitely want to shine in meetings, and not just on one item. Be sure you know your stuff – all of it – before you walk into the meeting. If you don’t, admit it and say, “I’ll get back to you with that information as soon as I can.” And don’t forget to listen.
- Be a collaborator. Everyone wants to work with someone who is a good team member, so be able to look at all sides of an issue. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you see the discussion moving off course.
The same holds true when you’re an independent contractor. Time is money – not just for the client, but for you, as well.
- Help manage crises. Is there anything worse than everyone running around like their hair is on fire? Be the cool, calm and collected influence in your workplace. Help focus your colleagues’ attention on how to solve the problem, not make it worse.
In business, your job is to provide solutions. Keep your head and figure out how you can help salvage the situation.
Do you have any other tips to on how to stand out (in a good way!) either in the workplace or as a business owner? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.