Lesson #4: People Only Know What You Tell Them

This is part of our series Six Lessons from Pregame's First Six Years. Check our page for the rest of our pro tips!

If you're looking to become a thought leader, get accolades in your job, move up in your career, and especially if you're job hunting, you've got to learn to?shout yourself out.

Most job- and client-seekers are just too quiet about what makes them extraordinary.

I'm not a mind reader, girl. If you can crush it, you have to tell me -- repeatedly, and in language I can understand.??

No one is coming to save you. Do not put all your chips on getting "discovered."?

The only reason we hear about people who get discovered is that it's so incredibly rare, it's remarkable. But it's not a game plan.

People only know about your achievements, talents, and baller moves if you tell them.

This goes for struggles too.?

If you're going through a hard time and need support, you must be brave enough to seek the help you need.?

Even if it's small, like needing to delegate a task or get some coaching, everyone around you is probably focusing on their own challenges and missing, or misinterpreting, your signs. Rather than be passive (which often turns to passive-aggressive), be up front about your needs in order to preserve valuable relationships.

I see so many professionals cop a resentment because their colleague didn't intuit that they needed something. It's not fair to expect others to read your mind.?

For me, asking for help is much harder than posting a win on LinkedIn. But the beautiful truth is that most people like to help, and are happy to help when I'm specific in my ask.

Give it a try. Comment here and tell us something awesome you did, and also where you need support.

I may not be able to solve all your problems*, but this explicit invitation is a great opportunity to practice so your next ask is easier.?

Strategy & Style,

Ciara Pressler

*most, though.?