Self promotion is a funny thing. You’re considered conceited if you self promote too much. On the other end of the spectrum, no one knows you who you are if you don’t do enough of it. The best thing to do is find a happy medium between promoting yourself and not coming off as self absorbed. If you’re scared to promote yourself because you feel like a fraud or you’re worried about what people will think, here are a few tips to get you feeling a little more comfortable. After all, self promotion is a necessary evil.
Get Clear on What You’re About
One of the biggest barriers that can keep you from self promotion is confusion about what you do. It’s hard to give an elevator pitch when you’re unclear of what you stand for and what services you provide. Take some time to iron out your pitch. Think about what problem you’re passionate about and the type of products or services you offer to solve the problem.
This year as a personal finance writer and coach my mission is to help at least 100 people move past the paycheck to paycheck cycle. I plan to do this by creating money management products, coaching, hosting financial workshops, and blogging. I haven’t been as clear in years past about what I do which made it much harder to promote my own products or pitch for partnerships.
Get clear about what you do and memorize the points you want to hit. When you’re confident it’s easier to promote yourself.
Don’t Be Shy, Speak on Your Accomplishments
Imposter syndrome is a thing we all experience. Imposter syndrome is when you believe you’re not worthy of praise no matter how much success you’ve achieved. No accomplishment is ever enough to make you feel that you’re an expert or authority and you fear that people will find out you’re a fraud.
Imposter syndrome is something you can get over with affirmations, positive thinking, and taking the time to pat yourself on the back for a job well done without any guilt.
Take the time to write down your credentials and your successes. Do you have a degree? Do you have a certification? Have you gotten praise from a client? Have you coached someone who’s done great things?
Don’t be shy! Say your accomplishments aloud in front of a mirror so you can get comfortable. Weave these accomplishments into your pitch to boost your credibility.
Be Helpful, Not Boastful
If you’re worried that you’ll come off as a sleazy or self absorbed salesperson, try to focus on solutions when self promoting. People like solutions. A sleazy salesperson or someone who’s self absorbed is in the game for themselves. They’re not interested in a mutually beneficial transaction where each party benefits. They’re trying to trick someone into a sale or to show off their accomplishments to others for an ego boost. That’s not what you’re doing here. You’re not being sleazy or boastful if you’re promoting yourself and explaining your services to people who may need them. View it this way and you shouldn’t have to fear self promotion.
