Why You Should Be Your Favorite Person This Year—And Own Your Expertise!

Let’s start with an uncomfortable truth: self-promotion gets a bad rap.

Some people hear “promote yourself” and immediately think of someone obnoxiously shouting, “Look at me! I’m amazing!” on every social media platform. But here’s the reality: if you don’t showcase your expertise, who will?

Promoting yourself isn’t about ego—it’s about confidence. It’s about owning your experience, your impact, and your value. And if you’re good at what you do (which I’m sure you are), the world deserves to know about it.

I’ve spent decades building businesses, leading teams, solving problems, and making things happen. And through it all, I’ve learned one thing: success comes to those who aren’t afraid to step up and say, “Here’s what I bring to the table.”

So, let me go first.

A Career That’s Anything But Boring

For someone who has worked in industries from promotional products to podcasting, LinkedIn strategy to corporate etiquette, nonprofit leadership to marketing consulting, you could say my career path has been… let’s call it "eclectic." But that’s what makes me unique—I don’t just have experience; I have perspective, adaptability, and an ability to connect dots that others don’t even see.

• 35+ Years in the Promotional Products Industry: I basically grew up in the industry. From my early days at Barker Specialty Company, I learned how to build relationships, negotiate contracts, manage teams, and grow businesses. My Master of Advertising Specialty (MAS) designation (held by just 2% of industry professionals) proves I’m no amateur.
• 12 Years with the Muscular Dystrophy Association: This was more than just a job—it was a life-changing experience. Leading fundraising campaigns, managing teams, and working closely with families and children impacted by muscular dystrophy gave me perspective, grit, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. And yes, I spent plenty of time wrangling celebrity guests for telethons (turns out, even big stars get nervous before live TV!).
• LinkedIn Lead Generation & Strategy: Ever tried to sell without selling? That’s my sweet spot. As a Top 13 LinkedIn Expert (2023) and someone who has built highly successful LinkedIn lead generation campaigns, I help businesses turn connections into clients—without sounding like a pushy salesperson.
• Podcast Producer & PR Strategist: I’ve produced and booked for over 10 podcasts and have the inside track on what makes a great guest (spoiler: it’s not just “being interesting”). I help experts, authors, and executives get booked on the right shows and amplify their brand.
• Founder of Professional Global Etiquette: I’ll be honest, when I first decided to get certified in corporate etiquette and international protocol, I mostly wanted to make sure I wasn’t unknowingly offending people in meetings. What I discovered? Etiquette is the secret weapon of successful professionals. Knowing how to navigate business, cultural, and social interactions with confidence is a game-changer.
• Fractional CMO & Business Consultant: Whether it’s sales, branding, social media, content strategy, or scaling a business, I’ve spent my career solving business challenges—because I love seeing companies (and people) thrive.

Why Am I Sharing This?

Because YOU should be sharing your expertise, too.

We’re all out here working hard, building careers, making an impact… and yet, so many people hesitate to own their value.

Let’s stop waiting for others to recognize our worth. Let’s start a movement of confident, successful professionals who aren’t afraid to say: “I’m great at what I do—and here’s why.”

Your Turn: Own Your Unique Value

Here’s my challenge for you:

? What makes you stand out? ? Why should someone work with you? ? What’s your Unique Value Proposition?

This isn’t about ego—it’s about mindset, opportunity, and growth. When you truly see your own worth, others will too.

So, let’s start a trend. Share what makes YOU remarkable. Tell the world why YOU should be your favorite person this year.

I’ve gone first. Now, who’s next?

?? Let’s make 2025 the year of embracing our expertise, amplifying our value, and stepping into the success we deserve.