Everyone wants to work with someone they trust and can rely on. Do you have that kind of reputation? Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience in the promo industry, it’s not about being perfect but about showing up and doing what you say you’ll do. Over time, that kind of consistency can build trust and earn you a good reputation.
Writer Jiji Lee says building a positive reputation at work is no different than developing a skill, like becoming a better listener or making sales pitches more engaging. With some time and consistency, you can show your expertise and build a reputation as someone who can be counted on. What are some ways to do this? We share some ideas from Lee in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
Find your niche. You don’t need an advanced degree or decades of experience to own your niche, Lee says. Think about what genuinely interests you and what you’re good at. For example, maybe you have a knack for spotting trends and predicting what will take off on social. Perhaps you have an eye for design and know exactly how to pick the perfect font or color. When you lean into your niche, Lee says you’ll start to become associated with it and people will begin to call on you to get your insight.
Take on an overlooked task or project. Try to stay 2 steps ahead of your boss. You can do this, Lee says, by offering to take on something before being asked. Maybe your company’s social media accounts haven’t been updated in months. Social media can be one of those essential tasks that gets overlooked because people are busy. Offer to run the accounts and do a great job at it. According to Lee, this shows your boss that you are plugged in to what they need and that you’re just as invested in your company’s success as they are.
Share your expertise on social. Even if you don’t think you’re an “expert” in anything, what might seem obvious to you could be completely foreign to others. As a promo pro, you have valuable knowledge to share. Lee recommends writing a LinkedIn post or sharing a helpful tip on Instagram. You’ll reach so many more people than if you were to keep all the information to yourself, she says.
Offer to mentor new employees. Don’t love sharing your work publicly? You can show your expertise by mentoring new employees. Your boss will appreciate you taking the time to offer your guidance, Lee says, so offer up your skills even if your company doesn’t have a formal program.
Take the lead on a meeting. It’s a big moment when you take the lead on your first meeting rather than just being a participant or note-taker. Seek out this responsibility, Lee says. When it makes sense, ask your boss, “Hey, I know we have a meeting coming up with X client. I love working with them and would like to take the lead on that meeting. What do you think?”
Building a good reputation doesn’t happen overnight, but every project and interaction is a chance to show your reliability and professionalism. Find your niche and pitch in where you can. That’s how you can build a solid reputation that earns trust and opens doors.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: JiJi Lee is a comedy writer and performer who contributes to Ink + Volt, among others.
