Are you a silent hero? Are you brilliant at your job but far from famous in your company or industry?
Many people, especially women, believe that doing your job well will attract attention, reward and opportunity.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way – because you’re in competition with others who go out of their way to make connections and impressions.
You may not think of yourself as being in competition but whatever is top of mind is more likely to receive attention. That goes for people as well as movies you might go to or food outlets you might visit.
You need to be ‘mentally available’ – as behavioural economics would have it, and that means forming relationships and getting in front of people continually.
When looking for a person to place in a role or offer an opportunity to, we like to think that we consider everyone equally, but we don’t. Those who have already made an impression and who are known, not just from their work but as a person are more likely to be tapped on the shoulder and invited to apply.
Even at an interview, you have an advantage if you already have a relationship with the interviewer.
You may initially be asked the same questions as others, but because they know something about you, the conversation will become more meaningful more quickly and give you a chance to shine.
You may not be a people person, and this doesn’t require you to be, but if you’re not getting out and meeting your future bosses/colleagues, you’re selling yourself short!
