“It’s no longer about who you know. It’s who knows you.” — Mel Robbins
Every major step change in my career has come because someone knew me and the results I could deliver. Someone had a problem, an opportunity, or a role to fill, and thought of me. Before the conversation even started, there was trust.
That trust started with doing good work. Taking on problems, figuring them out, and delivering what I promised, or something better. Those experiences accumulate into a reputation. People eventually forget the specifics of a project, but they remember what it felt like to work with you. That you followed through. That you made something difficult feel possible. That they’d call you again.
Darling, that is a powerful thing to be known for. And you are allowed to help people know it.
You can be proud of your work. You can talk about what you accomplished, explain how you solved a problem, and raise your hand for an opportunity because your experience makes you a great person to take it on.
If that feels uncomfortable, ask yourself a different question. Instead of “What do I want people to think of me?” ask, “Who could this serve?”
Could sharing your experience save someone from making the same mistake? Could explaining your idea help someone make a better decision? Could making your results visible help a leader think of you for a project where you could make a meaningful difference?
I once heard an observation about brilliant scientists that stayed with me: a discovery can have the potential to change lives, but its impact depends almost entirely on whether someone can explain why it matters in a way that compels people to listen. Having something valuable to contribute and helping people understand its value are both part of the work.
The same is true for you. When people understand what you can do, they can invite you into places where you can contribute more. So do work you’re proud of. Tell the story of what you learned, what changed, and why it matters. Give credit to the people who helped you.
And when you hesitate to share, remember: someone may need exactly what you’ve figured out. Ask yourself, “Whose life could I make better by sharing this?” Let service give you the courage to be seen.
Be the kind of person whose reputation walks into the room before you do. Whose name comes up when there’s an opportunity, long before you get the call.
That starts with the work you do today, and your willingness to help people see what’s possible because of it.
