Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Remembered: 10 Strategies for Women in Business

How to Be Remembered in Business: 10 Strategies for Making a Lasting Impression

In business, leaving a lasting impression isn’t about luck—it’s about intentional actions that demonstrate your value, build meaningful relationships, and show up with confidence. It’s not just what you do but how you do it that makes people remember you. By focusing on key habits and strategies, you can create a reputation that opens doors and leaves an undeniable mark.

For women in business, being remembered often requires more than just doing great work—it’s about ensuring that work is visible. Many of the most successful women have achieved recognition not just because of their skills, but because they’ve mastered the art of being noticed. Career progression is often less about who is the smartest or hardest working and more about who can effectively showcase their contributions. Women who thrive know the importance of confidence, presence, and nurturing relationships. They don’t just sit at the table; they make sure their presence is felt. Making yourself visible in the right moments and circles can often be the key to unlocking new opportunities.

1. Be a problem-solver, not a problem-pointer: Success in business often comes down to your ability to tackle challenges with determination and resourcefulness. Whether by leveraging your knowledge, seeking advice, or applying creative thinking, show that you are committed to finding solutions. Persistence in resolving issues sets you apart. Example: As a Power Platform functional consultant, if a client is struggling to automate manual processes, research and propose a flow using Power Automate that saves time and eliminates errors. Present it with a clear demo and actionable steps.
2. Toot your own horn—with grace: Tell your story and share your wins. Be willing to advocate for yourself. Share your accomplishments and skills openly—don’t wait for others to notice. Confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s ensuring your contributions and potential are recognized. Example: Post a LinkedIn update about a successful tool you built, framing it as a solution that transformed the client’s operations and expressing gratitude for your team’s collaboration.
3. Exude executive presence: Confidence and composure speak volumes. Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and project warmth. People remember those who communicate with clarity, charisma, and conviction, even in situations where they may not have all the answers. Make Yourself Seen and Heard. Don’t just exist in the room—leave an impression. Whether in meetings or networking events, speak up, share your ideas, and assert your value. Let your presence resonate so people remember not just that you were there, but the impact you made. Example: When presenting a solution design to stakeholders, speak with clarity and conviction, even if you’re unsure about certain details. Practice delivering your points calmly and confidently, projecting trustworthiness.
4. Stay authentic while building connections. Authenticity is your superpower, especially in a business world that often feels overly formal or detached. When you connect with people in a genuine way, they’re more likely to remember you and trust you. Balancing professionalism with approachability makes you relatable and memorable. Be vulnerable, share your challenges and don't sugar-coat obstacles. Example: When explaining a technical solution to non-technical stakeholders, use relatable analogies and speak plainly. By helping them feel comfortable and included, you build trust and leave a positive impression.
5. Build genuine relationships and nurture them: Invest time in meaningful connections, not just transactional ones. People are more likely to remember someone who genuinely cares about their success. Show interest in others' work, celebrate their wins, and be there when they need support. Women statistically are really good at this, making sincere friendly connections with their work networks, and it's an incredible skill to have. It's only half of the puzzle though... Example: Take time to understand a client’s broader business goals and share ideas—even outside the immediate project scope. For colleagues, offer mentorship or guidance to junior team members to create a lasting impact. Or after completing a project, stay in touch with clients or colleagues by sending a thoughtful LinkedIn message or sharing articles related to their interests or industry trends.
6. Leverage those relationships by not being afraid to “make the ask.” Ask for opportunities, feedback, or referrals without hesitation. The man's business over golf is a common trope. However women often fall short compared to male counterparts when it comes to leveraging their networks in fear of being seen as "using" and devaluing a contact. truth is, most people are happy to help, wouldn't you be? They won’t know what you need unless you tell them. The key is to make it easy for them to say yes by being specific and thoughtful in your ask. Example: If you’re interested in speaking at a tech conference, reach out to a colleague who has presented before and ask for an introduction to the event organizer. Be clear about the value you can provide as a speaker and express your gratitude for their support. Ask for opportunities, feedback, or referrals without hesitation. Or If you admire someone’s work in AI integrations for Power Platform, reach out and ask for 15 minutes to learn about their journey or advice on breaking into similar work.
7. Make yourself seen and heard in the room. Being present isn’t enough—you need to make your presence count. Whether in meetings, networking or discussions, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and expertise. Confidence in your contributions not only builds trust but ensures your voice is part of the conversation. Remember, the person who speaks up with ideas is more likely to be remembered. Example: In a sprint planning session, suggest a creative use of Dataverse to solve a bottleneck. Even if the idea doesn’t get implemented right away, it positions you as someone who takes initiative and thinks critically.
8. Be proactive, not reactive. Anticipating needs before they arise is one of the best ways to stand out as a leader. Proactivity demonstrates that you’re forward-thinking and solutions-oriented, which are traits people associate with high performers. Instead of waiting for instructions, find ways to solve problems before they become roadblocks. Too often I hear people say "I was concerned about that" or similar AFTER an issue arises, speak up, be the hero. Example: If you notice a client might encounter issues with a process, create a Power BI dashboard to monitor key metrics. This not only prevents challenges but shows that you’re invested in their success.
9. Master the art of follow-ups. Following up is an underrated but powerful way to stand out in a crowded space. A thoughtful follow-up keeps you top of mind while reinforcing your reliability and professionalism. It also gives you another opportunity to demonstrate your value and commitment. Successful women in business don’t wait for people to remember them—they remind others with well-timed, meaningful messages. Example: After delivering a Power Platform proof of concept, send a detailed follow-up email that highlights key points, provides resources, and outlines next steps. It shows you’re organized and invested in the success of the project.
10. Use personal touches to leave a lasting impression. Sometimes, the smallest gestures are the most memorable. In a world of generic emails and automated messages, personal touches like handwritten notes or tailored compliments can make you stand out. These thoughtful actions show that you value the relationship, not just the transaction, and people will remember you for that. Don't wait for job changes or birthdays to let people know you're thinking of them. Sending useful articles or commenting on their posts will keep you front of mind and relevant if and when you ever do need to 'make the ask'. Example: After receiving mentorship or career advice, send a handwritten thank-you note or a heartfelt LinkedIn message. These gestures make the other person feel valued and appreciated, strengthening the connection.

Being remembered in business isn’t just about technical skills or titles; it’s about how you show up, solve problems, nurture connections, and advocate for yourself. By cultivating executive presence, adding value, leveraging relationships, and committing to growth, you can stand out and make your contributions unforgettable. Consistency, confidence, and authenticity are the foundation of a lasting legacy. Keep these principles in mind to ensure your impact is both meaningful and enduring.

Kim Brian

Modern Applications and Power Platform Solutions Architect at Velrada .

Technical Consultant helping organizations unlock the full potential of their Microsoft efficiency tools.

Feel free to share your thoughts or connect with me to discuss AI or Microsoft efficiencies.