What Are You Famous For?

Recently while I have been exploring my opportunities, that is interviewing, to my surprise I've learned that on the list of "most frequently asked" questions is, "So tell me, what are you famous for?" Taken back, the only quick-witted answer I could provide is "that depends on how you define fame." It let me off the hook, but now I realize that I need to come up with an answer to what I could possibly be famous for, or, rather, have a good reason as to why I have not gone out in the world of strategic planning and made a name for myself.
In today's business world, self-promoting seems to be the magic ingredient to any successful and sustainable career. I wonder if they are now teaching this in business school?
No longer is it about the work you do, but it's also about how you tell others or let them know about the work you do, a.k.a, self-promotion. Write a book and it tells the world that you are an expert. You have enough knowledge and confidence to say your opinion, state your beliefs and devise a winning strategy for others to follow. Have your picture taken in several photo opps and it tells people that you are indeed popular and that everyone should know you or at least want to get to know you because you're invited or attend all the right events. Get published in your career's trade magazine and you become an intellect, a person who has a point of view and is not afraid to use it.
Whatever it is that you choose to do - don't worry - you just need to choose something and make sure you're not sitting on your laurels working as a team member being another cog in the wheel; you need to become the wheel... of your fame and your fortune.