Making Your Mark: How To Stand Out In Life & Business

By Terrie M. Williams

Imagine walking into the reception area of the company you've dreamed of working for to interview with executives. You look around and find 20 other candidates already sitting there, dressed like you, as qualified as you, and are there for the same purpose. The competition is fierce, and you know it. How will you be different from everybody else? This is a question everyone must face – including me; at the beginning of my second career in public relations, (I began as and am a clinical social worker), when I decided to launch my own agency.

There are hundreds of people out there who do what you do and want the job you want. So, how do you stand out? No doubt, you've heard typical advice, things like "look people in the eye when you speak to them," or "have a firm handshake." And while all that is true, I'm about to share with you ways you can change the game, bring more of yourself to the table, and use your humanity to take you further in your profession.

Early in my career as a public relations professional I quickly figured out that it's not always who you know, but how you treat people—a concept I like to call "people relations." It paid off for me big time when it brought Eddie Murphy, the biggest box office superstar in the whole world at the time into my path. My journey with Eddie began when I established a positive rapport with people in his circle. I sent them notes, letters, and interesting articles to connect with them. Then, after hearing on three separate occasions that Eddie was looking for a publicist, my professional preparation met the moment of opportunity. Having stayed in regular touch with the people around Eddie who passed on what I sent to him, I was able to gain access to him directly. I sent him a package laying out my credentials, accomplishments, and ideas for how I could represent him and, guess what, it worked! When Eddie and I spoke, the first thing out of his mouth was "I got your package and I would love to have you represent me." The miracle happened and it all started with honoring the friends in his circle and developing a relationship.

I can tell you that, in my 20-plus years of experience as an entrepreneur and mentor, I've worked hard to cultivate a highly successful business and strong reputation. I accomplished this by consistently treating everyone well, nurturing relationships, and of course delivering excellence in my field. It's because I extend respect and courtesy that I have landed clients such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Russell Simmons, Ludacris, Janet Jackson, the NBA, HBO, Stephen King, and the late Johnnie Cochran to name just a few — major figures at the top of their fields.

Along the way I have also recognized several key qualities that I personally practice and that never fail to grab my attention when I see them in prospective staff members. Here are five of my favorites that can nudge you a few steps closer than the rest to nailing that new job.

1. Understand That Everyone Wears a Game Face

People have a lot going on, at work, at home, and constantly in their minds. So many of us are stressed out, overloaded, and juggling a million things at once. And sometimes, to be honest, we don't always handle that too well. Just as you may have a lot on your mind that is difficult to deal with, the people you work with might be struggling with some emotional challenge. Set yourself apart by being mindful and sensitive to that, and try to be as helpful as possible as you move throughout your days.

2. Develop Your Relationships

If you meet, or want to meet people that you would like to work with, reach out to them and maintain   that relationship by adding a personal touch. Pass along articles that may be of interest to them along with the message "I thought you might find the enclosed of interest" and include your name, mailing and email addresses, and  phone number; send them notes to say "hello," "congratulations," or to compliment them on a recent activity you may have heard or saw that they did. This kind of extra effort goes a long way toward distinguishing yourself in a positive way. Do Not— I repeat—do not reach out to people only when you want or need something.

3. Take Notice of an Interest and Address It

When you are engaged in a conversation with someone, pay close attention to them. Try to pick up on little details such as whether or not they seem to be an organized person, if their office shows signs that they are a fan of a particular sports team, if they prefer a specific type of music, or maybe they're interested a certain kind of art, and remember it. Some time after your first meeting, you can get your other foot in their door by finding a thoughtful way to address their interest. There are so many little things you can do that give you a big opportunity to stand out.

4. Remember That Everyone is Somebody

A person's position in life should have nothing to do with how you treat them. What goes around comes around. It's the law of the universe. If you acknowledge and show the same level courtesy and respect to everyone you encounter—from the janitor to the receptionist to the CEO—you will develop a reputation as a solid person to work with and build a loyal following of all kinds of people. They won't hesitate to assist you in gaining access to people and resources that can further advance your professional endeavors.

5. Show ‘Em What You've Got

Once you get the chance to make an impression and your mark, make it wonderful. Part of one of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela says "Who am I to be brilliant, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn't serve the world." And serve you must. You've come a long way, put in your study time, and begin honing your craft. Now is the time to strut your stuff. Don't be afraid to lead and succeed. Boldly show your colleagues why you're worthy of their time and investment. That's what businesses are looking for: someone who is not only qualified, but real and has the confidence and willingness to work hard, go the extra mile, and bring their best to the company.

So there you have it: empowering information that can give you a unique edge in life and business. And now that you know, I trust that you will actually put it to regular use. Because that's the key—being consistent. I know you will. Just remember that the little things can and do make a big difference, be kind to everyone, and know that all the positive energy you put out there will find its way back to you. Now, step into your great name, go get that job, and build your career. It's your time to shine! Stay strong.

Terrie M. Williams is founder of one of the country's most successful public relations firms The Terrie Williams Agency and founder of The Stay Strong Foundation. She is also the best-selling author of The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fastpaced Business World; A Plentiful Harvest: Creating Balance and Harmony Through the Seven Living Virtues; and Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens. Her forthcoming book Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting (Scribner) will be published in fall 2007. For more information visit terriewilliams.com or email tmwms@terriewilliams.com.