Racking up rep

[Terminal Devastation]

Rep is reputation, so you don't NEED to have any particular skills.
Really you gain it by being a pleasant person.
That's all there is to it.

If you're getting help, be humble and accepting rather than confrontational, and if you're helping, don't be a jerk about it.

The only way you could possibly speed up the process is be more active, but it ultimately depends on HOW you be more active.

Again, just be a pleasant person. If you are or become a positive member of the community your reputation with go up in time.