By Lauren D. Russell
Copy machine expert. For Maria Eitel, now president of the Nike Foundation, this was her ticket up.
It was during her first job. Looking to stand apart from her post-grad entry-level peers, Maria chose the copier. Why?
Everyone used the copy machine—from assistants to C-level execs. She calculated that she could easily become the best at the copier. As the go-to girl, she would gain entrée to everyone in her company.
So she studied. Became familiar with the intricacies and solutions. A reputation grew.
Every copy problem became an opportunity. She built bridges within the ranks. And, just as planned, she used these introductions to parlay her formal skill set.
In my first job fresh out of college, I too was at the bottom. No industry knowledge. No connections. But armed with Maria’s advice, I was set to find my copy machine.
The first day was a blur of conference calls. Three to five was custom. I was in survival mode.
Like chewing gum and walking, I could type lecture notes in my sleep. Reverting to college instincts, I banged out notes for each call. At the end of the day, I circulated them among my colleagues.
They were thrilled. Each was an undergrad pre-PC. None could participate on a call and type. Digital notes were a valuable tool.
For the next three months, I was put on every call. Group calls. C-level to C-level. They needed me.
I gained full access to every level of the company. Every client. Every aspect of our business.
My entrée came during post-call discussions. Gaining a firm grasp on the field, I promoted my opinion. Slowly, I cultivated value as a participant, not a secretary. It was not long until I was put on every call for my strategic mind, not my ability to type.
So how do you find your distinct skill to stand out?
It’s not about finding a secretarial job and becoming good at it. It’s about finding that ticket to provide access. Get your name to the right people in your company. Build relationships. This might be secretarial, it might not.
It’s about being creative. Being the best. Using that position as the platform to showcase your professional prowess.
Here’s four steps to help guide your way:
1) It’s all about entrée: Who holds the ticket to your next move? Where is the knowledge that you want, but don’t have? The copy machine was a tool to gain access. Note typing was a tool to learn the job. Be strategic and target individuals or groups. Know where you want to go. Know who is the person or people that can get you there.
2) What can you do—not that nobody else can—but that nobody else does? Look at your team, your company—not at the formal hierarchy, but the informal structures. Find a need that gets you in contact with the people you identified in step 1.
3) Be the best: Many people in Maria’s firm were capable of fixing the copy machine. But no one chose to become the best at it. Maria saw this opportunity and ran. Choose something you know you can be the best. Put in the work to get you there.
4) Build a reputation: Once you have the skill, make sure people know about it. Be helpful. Be proactive. Use your ability to build your reputation.
http://blogs.forbes.com/85broa...skill-and-stand-out/
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