The fastest way to stand out is to put in more effort than everyone else.
Show up early. Use names. Do your research ahead of time. Smile when you greet people. Do more than your share. Follow up quickly.
Work ethic is the universal currency of respect. And it costs you nothing but can give you everything.
This scene from Good Will Hunting is one of my all-time favorites.
Two takeaways:
1. You can read every book ever written, but knowledge means little without real-world experience.
2. Every single person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.