Simple Self Promotion (Part 2)

Why people don't promote themselves

To help you effectively develop this skill, it is important to take a look at why so many women avoid it altogether.

As an Executive Coach, I have coached hundreds of professionals to achieve their goals. I have worked with people in all regions of the country and from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. I have observed that one of the most common roadblocks to success for people is self-promotion. Most people are reluctant to engage in self-promotion and their careers suffer for it.

Why do people shy away from talking about their achievements? Here is what people say about why they avoid self-promotion:

- "It's not polite to brag."
- "Promoting myself is distasteful."
- "People won't like me if I talk about myself all the time."

I believe we are way too hard on ourselves when we downplay our achievements. Allow yourself the luxury of being proud of all you've accomplished. Share your accomplishments with others in a tactful way, when the timing is right. Modesty of course is good. However, modesty to an extreme is detrimental.

The real reasons people avoid self-promotion stem from fear. Theses fears include:

- Fear of not being liked
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of failure
- Fear of not being perceived as the "good"

Keep your fears in check and commit to promoting yourself on a regular basis. Your long-term career success and fulfillment depend on it!

~Maret~

Simple Self Promotion

Simple Self Promotion

Does the concept of self-promotion turn you off? If so, you are like a lot of professional women. And your career may be suffering for it.

Many people are uncomfortable with the thought of singing their own praises in the workplace. As a result, people often miss out on valuable professional opportunities and advancement.

This month is devoted to helping you build the essential career success skill of effective self-promotion. Because, the truth of the matter is, if you don't promote yourself, who will?

Tooting your own horn doesn't have to be uncomfortable or guilt-producing. You can find a style that is natural for you and gets the point across that you are fantastic and achieving fabulous results!

My definition of self-promotion for professional people is:

Discussing your gifts and talents in a tactful way, when the time is right.

Your first step in building this skill is to use everyday opportunities to mention recent on-the-job successes. You can casually bring them up in situations such as:

• Informal conversations with co-workers in the hallway
• Your weekly staff meeting
• One-on-one meetings with your manager

Your managers and co-workers may or may not be aware of your recent wins and successes. There is nothing wrong with a subtle reminder delivered in a tactful way. Find language and timing that is comfortable for you and give your boss and colleagues the opportunity to "catch you doing something right."

Don't assume that your co-workers are aware of the great work you are doing. Claim your right to be recognized and rewarded for your accomplishments - because you are worth it!

~Maret~

Know Your Strengths - Part Four

Know Your Strengths - Part Four

A solid understanding of your top strengths and talents is essential to creating your own career success. Knowing what you're good at allows you to steer your career in the most satisfying and fulfilling direction.

When I embark on a coaching program with a new client, I like to start out by getting a sense of her greatest strengths and talents. When I ask clients to share their top skills, I'm usually met with stunned silence. Most people cannot say what they're good at! For many people, this is due to a combination of not wanting to brag and simply not knowing (or not owning) their gifts and talents.

Everyone has areas in which they excel. Too often, people overlook or devalue their greatest strengths. Since certain skills come to them so naturally, they assume everyone possesses these same gifts. Even though a certain assignment may feel effortless to you, others may struggle to complete the same task with ease.

To continue with the process of identifying your top professional strengths, ask yourself the following powerful question:

Throughout my career, which of my projects have elicited the highest praise from my managers and clients?

Identifying when and where you receive the highest praise for your efforts will give you a lot of important clues about your top career strengths.

Until next week, here's to your continued success!

~Maret~