How to Make People Remember You (and Actually Want to Work With You)

I was running late. My speech was in 15 minutes, and I was stuck in the slowest-moving security line at the airport. My early morning flight had been cancelled because there were too few passengers, and we'd been transferred to another airline departing an hour later. Now I was about to miss the opportunity of a lifetime—delivering a keynote on cross-operational excellence at a prestigious medical conference with over 500 healthcare leaders.

The night before, I had debated skipping dinner to rehearse, but I ended up grabbing a quick bite with an old acquaintance from a past hospital project. Midway through our meal, he casually mentioned that he was now working with the conference chair and offered to send her a message—just in case. I thanked him and thought nothing of it.

Fast forward to the airport, and my phone buzzed: "Dr. Mattila” knows about your flight situation. They've adjusted the schedule. Take your time, your slot is moved to 11:30." That quick dinner turned out to be the most valuable networking move I had ever made.

When I finally made it to the conference later that morning, something unexpected happened. The chair greeted me with familiarity—as if we'd known each other for years. "Daniel spoke highly of your work," she said. "He mentioned that integration project you led last year. Very impressive approach."

What should have been a nerve-wracking, rushed presentation became a confident delivery to an engaged audience. My talk received the highest ratings of the conference, and I was invited to speak again next year.

This experience taught me something that has transformed my entire career: Being memorable isn't about making a perfect first impression—it's about creating genuine connections that continue to work for you even when you're not in the room. time, your slot is moved to 11:30." That quick dinner turned out to be the most valuable networking move I had ever made.

The Secret to Being Remembered (For the Right Reasons)

Most people try to be memorable by talking louder, showing off, or making grand gestures. But the truth is, the most unforgettable people do something different:

• They create moments of real value before they need anything in return.

• They connect the dots for others, becoming the missing link in someone's success.

• They make people feel understood, not just heard.

I've spent the last decade studying why some professionals seem to magnetically attract opportunities while others—often equally talented—remain overlooked. The difference isn't skill, credentials, or even charisma. It's their ability to create meaningful imprints on others' professional lives.