You can do all kinds of things to be noticed, but many of them don’t make a lasting impression. What if instead you could stand out in a crowd of professionals and be noticed as the real entrepreneur, leader, and talent that you are? When you set yourself up to be recognized correctly, amazing things can happen. If you follow these suggestions, you will stand out from the crowd and likely journey far beyond it.
Here are 18 strategies that truly work.
1. Be disciplined
Most entrepreneurs are people of impulse, and the most passionate people live by their feelings. But those who understand and practice the art of discipline can channel those impulses into something of substance.
2. Know yourself
Get feedback from others and learn as much as possible about how you come across. Then you can accurately target how you appear in a crowd and what you need to work on.
3. Be conscious
Showing up consciously means always being on time, honoring your commitments, and being prepared. Nothing is more powerful than an individual acting out of a well-developed consciousness.
4. Be confident
When you truly believe you can create what you envision, when you’re not afraid of the obstacles, that confidence will automatically make you stand out from the rest.
5. Practice listening
Learn to listen truly listen–to work toward a deep understanding and hear what’s being said beyond the words. You will stand out in any situation if you become a person who listens from the heart.
6. Cultivate emotional intelligence
Too many otherwise smart people don’t know how to manage their emotions or relate to others well. Emotional intelligence attracts people who are looking to connect with someone who has their act together and who’s competent.
7. Be responsive
Be the kind of person who responds and remembers to follow through. Most people drop the ball and don’t follow up. Respond to emails, calls, requests, and inquiries as soon as you can. You will stand out as a person who respects others and is accountable.
8. Lead with excellence
Let people know that quality is a core value and that everything that you do is done with excellence. Leading with excellence prepares you to deliver high-quality work and makes you stand out as a professional.
9. Know your motives
Why do you do what you do? How well do you know your purpose—your why? Knowing your motivation helps you keep going and makes you easy for others to relate to.
10. Take yourself seriously
Being an entrepreneur, leader, or businessperson requires that you become a master at your craft. It means being competent at the things you do and constantly honing and developing your skills in every way possible. When you take yourself seriously, so do others.
11. Always be of service
Being useful and helpful is an important aspect of making a great impression. Show up with a spirit of empathy and something to give. An attitude of service makes people interested in what you have to offer.
12. Don’t make everything about you
Few things are more boring than a self-centered person. When you meet someone, make the conversation about them, not you. Be interested and engaged; ask questions and listen carefully.
13. Be kind to everyone
Lots of people are only nice to those who can do something for them. Stand out by treating everyone as important and interesting, even those who can do nothing for you in return.
14. Be prepared
When an opportunity arises, the person who is ready and able to be part of whatever needs to happen will always stand out.
15. Be a master collaborator
Be a great team player. Make others look good and sound good. When you collaborate well, people remember how you made them feel, and when people feel good around you, you stand out.
16. Love yourself
It has nothing to do with ego but with confidence within you that elevates your relationships with everything else. You’ll stand out by being modest but happy with who you are.
17. Be inspirational
A passion for life attracts others to you. To stand out and inspire others, you must first be inspirational.
18. Make your life your message
Make sure that everything you do—how you show up, how you act, what you say, and what you do—is a reflection of who you are, so your character and spirit are consistent across every situation.
Great things can happen when you set yourself up to be noticed in the right way. Practice these tips and you’ll not only stand out in the crowd but probably travel far beyond it.
Written By: LOLLY DASKAL
