Self-promotion is a skill that not many people have mastered. Sometimes, it is not easy to know when to promote yourself and your work. It can be helpful for those just starting to practice self-promotion at every opportunity, but this doesn’t mean being needy or annoying. There are subtle ways to promote yourself without coming off as a braggart! Here are the top tips for mastering the art of promoting yourself:
1) Know Yourself
Know what makes you unique. What defines you? Are you the funny one in the group? The brains behind any operation? Have trouble identifying your best traits? Ask your family, friends, and acquaintances what they think of you. What do they feel you excel at? Are there specific traits that come to mind when they hear your name? If you don’t know who you are yet, take some time to reflect on this.
2) Don’t Sell Yourself Short
There is always a fine line between bragging about your accomplishments and selling yourself short. Not many people like overbearing braggarts, but no one likes an under-confident, self-deprecating pushover either.
Faking confidence can seem annoying or inauthentic. It is much better to sound believable when promoting yourself rather than contrived.
3) Keep Promoting Yourself
Many people only promote themselves when they have a specific product or event to push out. While it is great to have a big announcement, don’t let the spotlight turn off once the fireworks are over. Make sure that you are still promoting yourself and your work daily. Social media is perfect for this.
Remember, even something simple like re-tweeting an article relevant to your industry will help maintain and increase your online presence.
4) Build A Network
Networking with other professionals in your field may be difficult. Many people get uncomfortable networking with strangers, who could potentially make or break their careers. If meeting new people makes you feel awkward, start by joining online groups and forums related to your industry.
From there, you can slowly begin to participate in conversations and make connections with other professionals. Once you have built a rapport, it will be much easier to ask these people for favors.
5) Don’t Be A One Trick Pony
While it is great to specialize in one area, don’t be afraid to branch out and try new things from time to time. Diversify your skill set. Not only does this make you a more well-rounded individual, but it also shows your versatility. If you can show that you are good at multiple things, you will be able to make more out of whatever you do in your field.
Also, employee achievement is often tied to taking on new challenges and expanding job duties, so it is good practice for your career.
6) Don’t Be Afraid Of Failure
Many people get scared of failure, and the fear of public embarrassment often makes them put products of themselves on hold indefinitely. The reality is that no one likes a quitter. Instead, use your failures as lessons. There is nothing wrong with having ambition and failing from time to time.
7) Know Your Audience
If you know who you are trying to market yourself towards, it will be easier for you to tailor your promotional efforts accordingly. If you have trouble identifying your ideal clients, start by asking yourself why you get out of bed every morning. Why are you passionate about what you do? What inspired you to venture into your industry? Understanding your motivations can help direct the course of your career.
8) Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Asking for help is hard. Many people feel like they should do everything themselves. Keep in mind that even if someone doesn’t end up helping you directly, connecting with them can open new doors down the line. If there is something that you need to be done, but you are not sure how to go about it on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for advice.
In conclusion, it is time to be proactive in promoting yourself and your work. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back from a potential opportunity that could be a big step towards success. No one will take care of your career for you. It is up to you to maintain your uniqueness and keep moving forward.
