Earlier this week, I was on a boda boda — one of Kampala’s quick public transport options — when the rider struck up a conversation.

He asked me if I knew a certain person. The name didn’t click. I had heard it in passing, but I couldn’t place the face or the story. He seemed surprised — almost as though everyone should know this person. Then he went on to explain that he had just come from this individual’s home. From the way he spoke, it sounded like this encounter was supposed to make him special, as if proximity to a “well-known” person automatically changes one’s value.

But as we rode on, I realized — nothing about him had changed. No new doors had opened simply because he’d been to this person’s house. No opportunities had suddenly appeared. His life and value were the same as they were before that visit.

That moment sparked a thought:

It’s perfectly okay not to know certain people.

I’m sure there are many people who don’t know me. Some I have met, others I haven’t. Even those I’ve met might not remember me, simply because I had nothing to offer that was directly relevant to their vision — or we simply had nothing in common at the time.

This got me reflecting on why people actually get to know others. And I’ve concluded there are a few main reasons:

You solve a problem they have.
If you can offer a solution to a pain point, you become memorable and valuable.

You share something in common.
Common ground builds connection faster than status or titles.

You are present in spaces that require your voice, skill, or input.
Influence often grows where there is active contribution.

You’ve done something remarkable — or unfortunately, something foolish.
Human memory sometimes works in extremes. Just as people remember great acts, they also remember mistakes.

The Bible reminds us that true recognition and influence come not from proximity to the “famous” but from walking in purpose and serving faithfully. Proverbs 22:29 says:

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”

It’s not who you know that ultimately defines your impact — it’s what you carry and how you serve.

So here’s my question to you:
What are the reasons people know you? And when you think about the people you know — what made them significant in your life?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.