September always feels like a fresh start. Summer is over; routines return; and businesses turn their attention to the final quarter of the year. For professionals, this is also the moment to ask: am I being noticed for the impact I’m making?
The hard truth is this; great work alone will not get you promoted. Many talented people assume their results will speak for themselves. But in today’s workplace, opportunities often go to those whose contributions are visible, recognised, and remembered.
As Harvey Mackay once said: “Don’t tell me you’re valuable. Show me the proof.”
Why Great Work Isn’t Enough
- Promotions and pay rises don’t automatically go to the hardest worker; they go to the person whose value is seen.
- Visibility builds trust and influence across your organisation.
- If your achievements remain under the radar; it’s easy for them to be overlooked when big decisions are made.
You might be solving problems, keeping projects on track, or generating results; but if leaders don’t connect those wins to you, someone else could get the recognition.
“It’s not who works the hardest that gets ahead; it’s who gets noticed.” – Unknown
How to Raise Your Profile (Without Bragging)
Being visible doesn’t mean being arrogant. It’s about shining a light on your work in a way that feels authentic. Try these strategies:
- Share wins in a collaborative way: “Here’s what we achieved as a team” while still making your role clear.
- Keep your manager updated regularly; don’t wait until the annual review to showcase results.
- Speak up in meetings with ideas and insights; it shows you’re more than just a task-doer.
- Build connections across departments so more people understand the value you bring.
Why September Is the Perfect Time
September is a moment of renewed energy. People return from holidays ready to push forward; Q4 projects are kicking off; and leadership teams are already thinking about next year’s budgets and promotions.
Being visible now means you’re part of those conversations. If you wait until December, the decisions may already have been made.
As Deepak Chopra reminds us: “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” In the busy months ahead, calm and intentional visibility will make you stand out even more.
Practical Ways to Get Noticed This Autumn
- Volunteer for a high-profile project where your work will be seen.
- Offer to present updates instead of only sending reports.
- Share a short professional insight on LinkedIn to highlight your expertise.
- Partner with colleagues on cross-departmental projects to expand your internal network.
- Ask for feedback; it shows initiative and keeps your contributions top of mind.
“Visibility creates opportunities; invisibility creates limits.” – Anonymous
Final Thought
Doing your job well is the foundation; but it’s visibility that turns hard work into opportunity.
In August, we looked at how to ask for a promotion or pay rise. The truth is, those conversations are far more powerful when the value you bring is already recognised across the business. By raising your profile this autumn, you put yourself in the best position to be remembered when it really counts.
So ask yourself: is my great work enough on its own; or am I making sure the right people see it?