Sometimes we work so hard at being part of the team, a member of the group or one of the guys (or girls) that we forget about being our best, making a solid impression or differentiating ourselves from everyone else.

Even if your job is just one of a handful of people doing the same thing or your company is one of many in the field, here's a good game plan. Don't be just one of:

• A team of sales managers - be "the one." 
• Hundreds of real estate agents - be the one everybody remembers.
• A dozen bookkeeping companies in the yellow pages - be the "go-to" company.

Don't Fit In - Stand Out

People who are acknowledged as outstanding successes in their careers are the ones who make a point of standing out from the crowd. They are not content to be as good as everyone else, and following the well-worn path just won't cut it for them. They make a point of living a life and conducting their business so that they are memorable to everyone - the people they work with, sell to and compete against.

15 Tips for Being Memorable

So, how do we stand out, how do we stay top of mind with the people we want to be influential with? How do we catch our boss' attention? How do we turn prospects into clients?

Here are 15 ideas to build your "memorable-ness":

1. Be curious - About people, about the work, about getting better. Focus on other people. Make it all about them, show that you are interested and care about them.
2. Deliver more - Follow a strategy of more than, sooner than and before it is expected. That is the surest way to distinguish yourself from the competition.
3. Pay attention - Practice active listening - it will pay dividends. When you know what the other person is thinking you can help them get what they want - and what you need.  
4. Help others dream out loud - In sales (and almost every other encounter), if we give the other guy a chance to describe what they want to see happen, we are better prepared to meet their objectives (and ours too).
5. Speak their language - In dealing with others, whether employees, negotiating with vendors, selling to potential clients or anybody else, speak to them in terms that resonate with them. Forget your company or industry-specific jargon.
6. Get excited - Your enthusiasm is contagious. Demonstrating your excitement about a product, a service, a career opportunity, or any other subject can't help but rub off on somebody else.
7. Be authentic - People can spot a phony. Don't try to fake it or wing it. Learn what you need to know, develop the skill that is necessary and present yourself with honesty. Other people will notice.
8. Create your own brand - Make a point of being known for something and developing a reputation as an expert. Develop an image, a brand that tells the world you are the "go-to" guy or gal,
9. Help connect people - When you are the person who makes a point of introducing people to one another and putting them together because they both need something, you become an indispensable part of the solution. They will remember you. 
10. Be visible - Memorable people are the ones who are visible in the community, in their industry and in their company. They volunteer, they participate, they show up. When there is an event, they go. When they get an invitation, they attend.
11. Give sincere compliments - A smart move is to identify something noteworthy that the other person has done and giving them a sincere compliment. Whether it is the fish on the wall, the photo of their cute kids, or the plaque on their desk, letting them know you noticed will help earn their trust.
12. Find common ground - Make a point of listening closely to what other people think is interesting. If it is something you know a little about, develop a conversation around it. If you don't know much about it, ask them to tell you more.
13. Remember names - Everyone likes to hear their name. Most people do a lousy job of remembering them. If you make a point of using other people's names it will serve two important purposes - it will help drill it into your head and cement your relationship with the other person at the same time.
14. Grab their attention - arouse their curiosity - Having something interesting to say goes a long way to building your memorability.
15. Stay in touch - Intentional, timely outreach to people you know will help make sure you are in touch with and face to face with the right people at the right time talking about the right things. Almost no one else does that. When you do, you will stand out.