What problem are you solving?

It’s important to stay focused and remember the problem you are solving.

If you are, for example, interviewing for a job and want to increase your chances of standing out and getting the job, put together a project. If you’re a web designer, show how graphics and text affect conversions. If you’re a business developer, perform an opportunity assessment.

Present a solution, and you will likely get more attention.

(After all, it’s unlikely that the hiring manager is looking for you to solve all of their company’s problems… in fact, it’s actually very unlikely they’re looking for you to do anything — low expectations are in your favor. Use this reality to your advantage.)

But through all of this, be sure to stay focused. Ask yourself periodically (and especially if you start to feel lost), ‘What problem am I solving with this project/document/presentation?’

The answer should be short and to the point. For example, ‘I am standing out from other applicants by being a doer, not a talker’. Bonus points if what you do is relevant to the company’s mission/revenue/etc.