The Art of Making Yourself Useful

I understand the drive to stand out, but in business, you don’t need to be the smartest person in the room to succeed. You just have to be useful! It’s an often-overlooked skill that can set you apart, especially when the going gets slow or tough. It’s about being solutions-oriented, adaptable, and willing to say “yes” when it counts.

As an entrepreneur who rode the various waves of business closures and added obstacles throughout the pandemic, I can distinctly remember (and still name) the employees who saw solutions, pursued them, and helped keep our businesses afloat. Most of them are still working with us today, having been promoted and rewarded for their ability to see through problems and identify ways to help. Here are some of the ways I teach my mentees how to make themselves useful in life and in business:

What does it mean to be solutions oriented?

One of the most valuable traits you can develop in any job is a mindset for problem solving. When challenges arise, and they inevitably will, it’s easy to get bogged down in the issue at hand. But the people who stand out are the ones who focus on finding a practical way forward – and then act on it. Being solutions-oriented means approaching obstacles with a can-do attitude, thinking creatively, and offering actionable suggestions to overcome hurdles. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about being resourceful and proactive in finding them. As a boss, I try to tell my team there are no bad ideas, and empower them with the confidence to pursue their solutions independently. I always remember the doers, movers, and shakers who say “I can fix that” and then genuinely give it their best shot. 

You make yourself memorable by being easy to work with

In my experience, the people who are the most successful aren’t necessarily the ones with the most impressive resumes—they’re the ones who are easy to work with. Whether you’re collaborating with a team, managing clients, or reporting to a boss, your ability to work well with others is crucial. This means being reliable, respectful, and responsive. It means being a good listener, open to feedback, and willing to adjust your approach when needed. When you’re easy to work with, people remember you—and they’re more likely to seek you out for future opportunities.

One small way you can be easy to work with is by taking initiative when scheduling meetings - if a meeting has been requested, take the initiative to put it on the calendar and invite all the stakeholders who need to join. Taking small tasks off your team’s plate can be a great way to solidify your value in any dynamic.

Everyone tells you to say no: know when to say YES

There’s a lot of content out there about the importance of saying no, and while setting boundaries is important, there’s also power in saying yes. When you say yes to new challenges, projects, and responsibilities, you open yourself up to learning opportunities and experiences that can help you grow. Saying yes can lead to new skills, new connections, and new doors opening in your career. It’s about being willing to step out of your comfort zone and take on tasks that others might shy away from. This doesn’t mean overextending yourself, but rather being strategic about the opportunities you embrace.

Learn how to adapt on the fly

Those who thrive in business and life are the ones who can adapt. Making yourself useful means being flexible and willing to pivot when circumstances shift. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a different role, or adjusting your approach to a project, adaptability shows that you’re willing to do what it takes to contribute to the success of the team. This quality not only makes you more valuable but also positions you as a go-to person in times of change.

In the long run, the art of making yourself useful is a skill that will serve you well, no matter where your career takes you. It’s about more than just being helpful—it’s about being a reliable, adaptable team member who adds value wherever they see opportunities to. By focusing on how you can contribute, rather than just what you can gain, you’ll build a reputation as someone who is indispensable. And in business, that’s a reputation that’ll take you far.

So, the next time you find yourself in a slow or tough spot at work, remember this: being useful is an art. It’s about saying yes to opportunities, working hard, being easy to collaborate with, and always striving to be part of the solution. These qualities are what make you memorable and, ultimately, what will set you on the path to long-term success. For more business and mindset advice like this, subscribe to my newsletter, The Ambitious Amiga.