Somewhere someone’s Mom is saying, “I thought I taught you that it just isn’t right to boast and brag about how great and wonderful you are. You won’t have any friends.” Some of us remember our “talking to” after we were heard saying, “I can do that better than you!”
Well, Mom was only half right. These days it is not only “right” to let others know about what you have accomplished, it is essential.
The rules have changed. Anyone who has something to contribute, (that should be all of us), should tell others. Who best to talk about you… but you?
In its Key Facts about Women-Owned Businesses, the Center for Women’s Research states that 10.1 million firms are owned by women. These firms employed more than 13 million people, and generated $1.9 trillion in sales (as of 2008). Self-promotion is not only for business owners, it’s for people seeking careers, opportunity, experiences and most importantly, a chance to give of themselves.
“Well, I’m not comfortable bragging about myself.” If this is you, stop! Today, with social media and small businesses skyrocketing, the new mantra is self-promote, which is different from bragging. Here’s the difference, according to Nathan Hangan in his blog The Art of Shameless Self-Promotion:
“…self-promotion is the art of spreading ideas, concepts, and a greater vision. Self-adulation is just the promotion of accomplishments, deeds that have already been done.”
To begin, ask:
What do I want to accomplish? Do you want career advancement? Do you have a product or service? Do you need more clients, patients, students? Think first about the results you want.
What do I have to offer? What are your experiences, accomplishments? What can you do well?
How do I want to get my message across? There are numerous ways to let others know about you. The most compelling and fastest growing is social media. Why? Because people do business with people and blogs, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter are all about connecting with people. However, be careful. Though you may “friend” many, how may friends do you really have? Really. Just be careful what you say. It may come back to haunt you.
Now that’s done. Next, we have to:
Share. We learned this in pre-school. Share your knowledge. Help others. Take “I’m better than you,” and now tell them how you can make them better.
Be authentic. People want to know that you are reliable and trustworthy. No fakers or phonies please.
Be consistent. When using social media, you have to stay visible. This means you are writing often and often writing. Post comments, send messages and respond to others. People will begin to notice you.
Reciprocate. When someone comments or sends a message, do not ignore them. Acknowledge their time and efforts. It’s common courtesy.
Lastly, Stick with it. As social media grows, self-promotion becomes more necessary. Begin where you are and don’t forget to tell Mom about all your new “friends.”