The best way to become a stand-out employee, colleague or associate varies from firm to firm and business to business. That being said, the five steps below are universally desired by working professionals and will help you succeed in all of your professional dealings. What’s more, these steps are easy to implement and will make a lasting impression.
1. Respond promptly to emails and phone calls.
Whenever possible, you should respond to emails within three hours or less. If you’re unable to take the time to review and adequately respond to an email in that amount of time, simply respond that you have received the email, you’re currently indisposed, but you will respond to it in a thorough manner as soon as you are able.
The same rule of thumb applies to phone calls. If you can’t respond in an appropriate time frame, shoot over an email explaining when you will be able to return the call.
This practice makes you reliable and others will trust and think positively of working with you.
2. Always follow up.
One of the largest criticisms of junior attorneys and of professionals alike is a lack of follow up. Be sure to always follow up on unfinished assignments, projects or even conversations. And, when you follow up, offer to take on the next step of the task. Employees, co-workers and even outside colleagues who offer to go above and beyond leave a huge impression on those they are working with. Making the extra effort goes a long way.
3. Be available.
In general, it’s important to be available to co-workers and colleagues. If your office has a morning meeting every day, make sure not to schedule other meetings during that time.
Similarly, if you sit in an office, keep your door open as much as possible so that others are inclined to approach when they are in need of assistance.
If someone reaches out to you, consider offering your cell phone number so they can reach you in the evenings or on weekends, if necessary. This will reflect that you care about your work and are concerned about being available. As above, this simple gesture goes a long way.
4. Get involved.
No matter what line of work you are in, your job will be more rewarding when you make connections with other professionals both in and outside of your practice area. Get involved in at least two outside groups—whether they be philanthropic in nature, social in nature, or professional associations. Make connections, positively represent your firm or company while doing so, and work to keep up those connections after they are made.
Employers recognize when their employees go above and beyond in making a reputation both for themselves and for their place of work.
5. Dress the part.
Dressing the part is one of the main reasons we started House of Marbury. It’s so important to make a good impression and to be a good representation for yourself and your office, and dressing the part does a lot to achieve that objective.
