This answer probably does not apply if you are an "established professor." One good way that this is accomplished is by discussing your work in progress with the experts in the field who will hopefully be kept up to date on what other people are working on (since they are also keeping someone in the small group of experts up to date). In particular, if you are a Ph.D. student this is one of the big reasons you have an advisor! (See Allen Knutson's webpage.)