Stand Out or Stay Overlooked

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I was talking to a friend recently who’s great at what she does.

She’s smart, experienced, and brings real value to her team.

But here’s the problem: nobody notices.

Her ideas get overlooked.
Her contributions don’t get the recognition they deserve.
And promotions? They go to the people who know how to stand out.

The truth is, expertise alone isn’t enough.

You can be the most knowledgeable person in the room, but if no one notices, it won’t matter.

The people who get recognized—the ones whose ideas gain traction and whose careers move forward—do something different.

Here’s what they understand that most people don’t:

Let’s get it:

1. Speak Before You’re 100% Ready

Too many smart professionals stay quiet until they feel fully prepared. But by the time they’re ready to share, someone else has already taken the spotlight.

The people who stand out? They share ideas early and often.

• Speak up in meetings, even if your idea isn’t “perfect.”

• Offer your insights before someone asks for them.

• Ask questions that get people thinking.

How to implement this daily:

• Adopt the “one-thought” rule – In every meeting, commit to sharing at least one thought, question, or observation. No exceptions.

• Use a pre-meeting confidence boost – Write down 1-2 insights before important meetings so you always have something ready to contribute.

• Stop self-editing mid-sentence – If an idea comes to mind, say it before you second-guess yourself. You can refine it in real time.

2. Package Your Expertise So It’s Easy to Remember

Being great at your job isn’t enough—people have to notice and remember what you bring to the table.

The best way to do that? Make your insights stick.

• Instead of giving long-winded explanations, break things down simply.

• Use analogies and stories to make complex ideas digestible.

• Be the person who turns confusing data into clear takeaways.

How to implement this daily:

• Use the “explain it to a 10-year-old” test – Before presenting an idea, simplify it so a non-expert could understand.

• Turn your insights into soundbites – Instead of saying, “We should optimize our workflow,” say, “If we cut two unnecessary steps, we save an hour per project.”

• Master the art of the recap – After meetings, send a quick follow-up with key takeaways. This makes you the reference point for important ideas.

3. Own Your Wins (Without Sounding Arrogant)

Hard work doesn’t speak for itself. You have to speak for it.

That doesn’t mean bragging—it means making your impact visible.

• Keep a running list of your achievements and share them strategically.

• Instead of saying, “I worked on this,” say, “Here’s the result this project achieved.”

• Give credit to others and include yourself in the win.

How to implement this daily:

• Keep a “Wins List” – Every Friday, write down one thing you accomplished that week. This makes it easier to advocate for yourself during reviews.

• Reframe how you share success – Instead of “I did this,” say, “This project led to [X result], and I’m proud to have contributed.”

• Publicly acknowledge teamwork (while showcasing your role) – When celebrating a win, highlight your team’s effort and mention your specific contribution.

POLL

Being an expert isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you show up.

• Speak up before you feel “ready.”

• Make your ideas simple and memorable.

• Own your impact so people see your value.

Because the hard truth is: If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will.

Thanks for reading. Be Easy!
Girvin

P.S. If you want a simple way to: command attention, stand out in your niche or work, and build a loyal audience around your ideas, hit reply and send me a quick “command attention.”