The internet is a little crowded
Here's how to stand out
Hey,
This week I shared a post on LinkedIn, and based on the feedback I received, I feel like it deserves some more context.
I don't have a degree in Marketing. I’ve been in the space for +6 years, and most of the things I’ve learnt and strategies I’m formed, have been acquired from self-study. When I’m focused on a goal and interested in a subject, I’m like a sponge. I read, I consume, I constantly ideate.
But despite the work and time I sunk into this new career, for years I felt like such an imposter.
I contemplated going back to university. I wondered if a piece of paper would make me feel more confident in my work. I thought about spending thousands on courses to 'validate' my credentials—to others and to myself.
But here's the truth: the experience I gained on the job, paired with the strategies I researched and tested on my own time, has been more valuable than any certificate could ever be.
Here’s the 7-step playbook I shared for levelling up at work (and in life):
💡 1. Smile like you mean it
Light up every room you walk into.
A genuine smile spreads warmth and creates connection effortlessly.
People—whether in work or life—are drawn to positive energy. If you’re part of a team, leading one, or managing clients, every single interaction matters. The way you show up, your tone, your energy—it sets the tone for the relationship. When you bring positivity, it creates an environment of trust, collaboration, and enthusiasm. A smile is the simplest, yet most powerful, way to show that energy and uplift others.
💡 2. Over-prepare and over-deliver
While others wing it, you’ll win with preparation.
Consistency beats talent every single time.
Impostor syndrome hit me hard early in my career. I constantly worried that I wasn’t good enough, that any success I had was sheer luck and soon I’d be “found out.” But instead of letting fear paralyze me, I let it drive me. I over-prepared for meetings, presentations, and projects, making sure I had every angle covered. This habit gave me the confidence to shine and ensured I never rested on my laurels. Preparation doesn’t just lead to competence—it builds unshakeable confidence.
💡 3. Show up early and focus
Be ahead of the day, not just the clock.
Use quiet moments to strategize, prioritize, and shine.
Being early isn’t just about punctuality—it’s about setting yourself up for success. Mornings are golden for me. I’ve developed a ritual that helps me block out distractions and lock into a focused, productive flow. For example, I reserve mornings for deep work and high-priority tasks, while afternoons are for admin and easier wins. To focus better, I turn off notifications, create a to-do list the night before, and tackle my biggest challenges when my energy is highest. Focus is a muscle, and like any muscle, it gets stronger with practice.
💡 4. Own your mistakes and learn from them
Messed up? Own it fast, fix it faster.
True growth happens when you take responsibility.
No one is perfect—let that sink in. Mistakes are inevitable, but your response to them defines you. Blaming others or making excuses erodes trust. Owning up to your mistakes and learning from them, however, shows maturity, accountability, and a commitment to growth. My biggest lessons didn’t come from successes but from failures. Each misstep taught me resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills I couldn’t have learned otherwise. Your reputation isn’t damaged by making a mistake—it’s damaged when you don’t take responsibility for it.
💡 5. Do what you said you would do
Trust isn’t built on words—it’s built on actions.
Honour your commitments every single time.
Early in my career, I overcommitted, thinking I could take on everything at once. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. Missing deadlines or scrambling last-minute only creates stress and hurts your credibility. Now, I’ve learned to be realistic about my workload. Under-promise and over-deliver—it’s a game-changer. The people you work with need to know they can rely on you. Consistently delivering on your promises is the quickest way to build trust and earn respect.
💡 6. Go beyond what’s asked
Excellence thrives in the details.
The extra mile is never crowded—so make it yours.
It’s easy to do the bare minimum, but real impact comes from going above and beyond. When you put thought and care into your work—even in areas where it might not be explicitly required—you stand out. Whether it’s surprising a client with extra insights, refining a presentation until it’s flawless, or volunteering for a challenging project, the extra effort doesn’t go unnoticed. Greatness isn’t in the big moments—it’s in the small, consistent acts of excellence.
💡 7. Treat feedback like gold
Growth-minded people turn critiques into superpowers.
Every bit of feedback is a tool to elevate your value.
Feedback is a gift—one of the most valuable tools for self-improvement. But here’s the catch: you can’t take it personally. When you view feedback through the lens of growth, even tough critiques become opportunities to level up. Early in my career, I made it a habit to actively seek out feedback from colleagues, managers, and even clients. Yes, it’s uncomfortable sometimes, but the lessons I’ve gained from it have shaped who I am today. Remember: feedback is insight, and insight is your roadmap to growth.
You don’t need expensive courses or fancy certifications to stand out. It’s about consistent actions that get people to notice.
🔥 Ask yourself: Which of these habits can you start practicing today? And what would you add to the list?
Have a contentful day,
Emma 🌞