Conquering Self-Promotion

The idea of marketing and promoting yourself might feel icky or uncomfortable. I get it. But being able to share your value with others, and influence conversations is important to growing your career and attracting ideal opportunities.

Self-promotion is a common roadblock for many -- we don't want to come across as a social media nuisance or a pest in meetings. We've all seen that person who needs to be "large and in charge" and dominate every situation.

To get more comfortable with the idea of standing out and drawing attention to yourself, first think about what you have to offer and who can benefit from your value:

• Are you an insightful manager who builds high-performing teams?
• Are you great at helping people realize their potential?
• Are you a clever cartoonist who shares political commentary through illustration?
• As a problem solver, are you able to identify options before others do, leading your teams to perform better?

"There's nothing unique about me."         

Nonsense -- each of us has something that makes us interesting and valuable. It could be what you know how to do, the way you do that thing, where you come from, or who you know.

Your uniqueness may come from your past experiences, your vision and dreams, your triumphs over hardship, or your talents and abilities that most people don't have. Everyone has something that makes them special.

If you don't know what makes you interesting, valuable, and memorable, neither will someone else.         

What do you want to be known for? How would you like people to see and value you? Think about the reputation you ideally want for yourself. Consider how your various experiences, talents, and character traits tell the story of who you are and why you're here.

Identify your people. Who are the people, communities, groups, and companies who'd appreciate someone like you for the traits that make you unique? This is your "target audience" and they have specific needs: practical and emotional ones. When you promote yourself to them, speak to both.

Highlight your skills and qualifications as well as your passion, vision, and commitment so they see you and understand you as a whole person.

Confidently and comfortably share what makes you unique with people who are looking for someone like you. Know that when you share your content, ideas, images, videos, information, and insights -- especially on social media -- you're helping the right people benefit from what you know and care about.

At networking events and meetings, online in forums, and on social media, and through the content you share, as you become more visible and findable, you're guiding companies, communities, people, and groups who need what you have to offer towards you.

Reframing self-promotion as a way to share what you have, know, and can do with others makes it less uncomfortable and awkward for you to let others see you and know how you can help them (and how they can help you).

**in part, previously published on Military(dot)com

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Starting February 27th, I'll be LIVE on LinkedIn each month, offering insights and tips to build influence, grow your personal brand, assert yourself with confidence, and amplify your voice.

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