Unabashed self-promotion can feel wrong. We’re taught (especially women!) not to toot our own horn. We don’t want to be a braggart. We don’t want to feel like we’re selling snake oil, or worse, selling out.
Yet we don’t want to remain invisible.
A few tips:
- Always, always, remain ethical
- Don’t lie
- Don’t mislead
- Don’t exaggerate
- Remember C-A-R when talking about our accomplishments
- C — What was the Challenge?
- A — What Action did I take?
- R — What was the Result?
- Try free-associating and then free writing
- MOM –Close your eyes. Imagine your mother is talking about you and your accomplishments. What does she say?
- BEST FRIEND –Close your eyes. Your best friend is completely impressed with you and loves you unconditionally. What does she say about you?
- IMAGINARY FRIEND –Close your eyes. You have an imaginary friend who is completely impressed with you and loves you unconditionally. What does he say about you?
- Focus on service
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What community service or volunteer work have you done?
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How has it helped establish a foundation on which to develop and demonstrate skills?
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What skills were involved?
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What was the C-A-R?
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- Talk about your passions and your career
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What got you interested in our career?
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How has it evolved
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Where are you headed now?
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A believable anecdote can be endearing
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- Get others to promote for you
- Ask for testimonials
- Ask for recommendations
- Give others recognition
- Tell stories about those you admire
- Promote your colleagues
- Give recommendations and testimonials
- Provide favorable critiques and reviews (but only if they are well-deserved)
- Describe your life experience
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Have you had an experience that was life changing?
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Do you have a personal quirk or annoying habit that has become an asset?
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- A few other ideas
- Build key contacts through social media
- Fake it till you make it
- Be vocal about your mission
- Share your ups and downs
- Know your story and tell it with gusto
Resources
- Toot Your Own Horn with Tact — Slideshow with suggestions, such as, “Look for opportunities to tell your story.”
- Self Promotion for Introverts – The quiet guide to getting ahead, with Nancy Ancowitz. Just state the facts, maam.
- Ethics of Self Promoting for Branding — Above all, don’t lie. Don’t mislead. Observe community standards.