The Power of Being Known
How to Build a Reputation That Opens Doors
"Do not wait for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect."
— Life’s Golden Ticket by Brendon Burchard
Being recognized for something specific can unlock doors for you in ways that a title or even a company name just can’t.
Whether you’re someone who can problem-solve on the spot, lead a team through chaos, or streamline processes with ease, it’s crucial that people know you’re the go-to person for that skill.
The key here is making sure that others are aware of what you’re great at — you need to make people aware of what your “zone of excellence” is!
The safe choice is relying on your job title or where you work, but that only takes you part of the way there. What people in your network (your coworkers, colleagues, friends, family) remember are the real-world examples they hear about what you do — the times when you solved a tough problem, led a successful project, or brought something important across the finish line. These stories are what stick, not your title or the brand behind it.
The reality is, being known for your expertise doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it.
Building Your Reputation with Intention
There’s a simple formula to make sure you’re not just good at what you do but that people know you’re good at it:
[Being good at what you do] + [Talking about what you do] = [Being known for what you do]
Luckily, it’s not exactly rocket science but remembering this formula leads to real results.
You can deliver amazing results, but if you’re not sharing your success, you might be missing out on future opportunities. People often think, “If I do great work, they’ll notice,” but the truth is, you have to make sure people hear the story behind the great work you’re doing.
What Am I Known For?
I love sharing personal anecdotes on The Operator’s Edge because I try my best to practice what I preach. So, I have a confession - my journey to defining what I wanted to be known for as a coach wasn’t a linear one. It took a lot of commitment to the work I was doing, focusing on helping my clients achieve real results, and then reflecting on the key words they used to describe the impact of our work together when my coaching engagements wrapped up.
One thing I recommend if you’re stuck on articulating what you’re known for is to pay close attention to how people describe you and your impact — and use that as a starting point.
Sometimes, the feedback you get may not align with what you want to be known for.
For example, I’ve had clients come to me and say things like, “People always compliment me on my project management skills, but I do NOT want to be known for that.”
That’s okay! Now you can get clear on what you do want to be known for and start focusing on that. Maybe that means speaking up more in strategy meetings, or sharing the bigger-picture work you’re doing with your manager or higher-ups. Start by understanding how others experience you, then take ownership of your story and take steps to shift the narrative, if needed.
Now back to me :)
I wanted to be someone who helps high-performers go from good to great — someone who helps them harness the confidence they already have in new ways, to make major strides in their careers. I love working with people who have an outsized impact on their companies, and I want them to achieve real, tangible results and be recognized for those achievements. I’ve also become known for being able to balance both the big-picture strategy and the tactical day-to-day details, whether that means reviewing a deck, untangling tricky feedback from employees or clients, or helping them fine-tune an email draft or a written performance review. It’s this combination of strategic guidance and tactical problem-solving that leads to BIG results for my clients. So given this, I thought it would be helpful to take a look at how my clients describe me in their own words.
One client shared that through our work together, she not only regained her confidence but also learned how to navigate the challenges of joining a new company. Here’s what she said:
"Ashley rotated between guide, coach, and mirror in all the ways I needed. She helped me identify where my triggers were coming from, and as a result, I truly feel like I got my mojo back."
Another client came to me for support in communicating with her CEO and found that, through our work, her confidence grew tremendously. She said:
"When I started working with Ashley, I felt like my ideas fell on deaf ears. Now, I feel confident in my communication, and it’s been a game-changer for my sense of self-worth at work."
Lastly, I worked with a client searching for clarity in his career who not only found clarity but found a new role and the courage to ask for what he deserved. He shared:
"I initially sought a coach to help me find clarity and meaning in my next career move. What I received in Ashley was a coach who helped me unlock my purpose and instilled in me the courage to ask for what I deserved. She is smart, caring, and exceptionally strategic. Every time we spoke, I left feeling more empowered and confident in my abilities. She knows exactly the right questions to ask, and she was quick in tailoring her approach to meet my specific needs. Ashley has been an invaluable partner in the short time we've worked together, and I can't imagine a world where she is not a part of my journey."
These stories align with how I want to be known — someone who helps high-performers harness their existing confidence to get to the next level, achieve impressive results, and who, like myself, can balance strategy with the tactical execution that’s needed to succeed.
So, what are you known for? And is it aligned with how you want to be perceived? If not, take a step back, look at how others are describing your impact, and start crafting the narrative you want to own.
Tell Your Network What You’re Great At
The next time you achieve something you’re proud of, ask yourself:
“Have I told at least one person in my network about this?”
If the answer is no, then here’s your next step: take a moment to share it with someone. It doesn’t need to be an announcement or a big deal — it can be a conversation over coffee or a quick message.
Why does this matter? Because when people know what you’re great at, more doors open.
It’s not about tooting your own horn or self-promotion for the sake of it. It’s about making sure the right people understand your strengths. The kind of people who might need your expertise down the road.
The Formula for Success
Here’s the equation again:
Do great work + Talk about it = Build a reputation that leads to new opportunities.
This is how professionals build reputations that last. They do great work, and then they make sure their network knows about it. This doesn’t mean talking about every small achievement. But when you’ve done something noteworthy, make sure it’s not a secret.
What You Can Do Today
Think about your recent wins: What’s a story worth sharing? What’s something you’re proud of?
Identify one person in your network who would benefit from knowing about it — a colleague, a mentor, or someone in your field.
Share your story. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. A simple, honest conversation or note can do the trick.
Being known for your skills isn’t about ego; it’s about creating opportunities. The more you share, the more people associate you with your strengths. So don’t keep it to yourself.
Until next time,
Ashley
About me
If my story and approach resonate with you, and you’re ready to take your career or leadership skills to the next level, I’d love to help.
Or feel free to shoot me a message at hello@workwithashleyr.com if you’re curious about how I can support you in your journey.