Many of us feel awkward promoting ourselves. Regardless of our profession we must become comfortable with this reality. If I’m not promoting myself who will?

We can finds ways to convey our abilities that will feel more comfortable and put us on a path to great success. According to Kim Garst, chief executive of Boom! a social and personal branding and social media consulting firm; “the mistake we make is not projecting a belief in our abilities. If we don’t believe it, its hard to get others to buy into our value. If we don’t value our time and knowledge, neither will others.”

According to Ms. Garst the key is enthusiasm. “If you emphasize your passion when describing a personal achievement, people will think you’re just excited about it. An excited person appears earnest and it’s hard to be critical of someone who is earnest.”

A good primer for anyone reluctant to “toot their own horn” is Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. One suggestion is to ask people about themselves and learning to listen carefully. It is easier to share information about yourself when you’re responding to what they have shared with you and revealing your thoughts and successes feels conversational.

Using social media is a great way to promote ourself without being over bearing.  Here are some of Ms. Garst’ suggestions:

-Be helpful.  People can tell when you actually care about them.  Help others without the expectation of reward. Sharing a part of what you can offer so they experience the value in it.

-Make it about them. How are you useful to your target market? What problem do you help them with? Make a list of how your services can make a difference and bring these into conversation.

-Build relationships. We must be willing to devote time to build a relationship with our intended clients or customers. This means taking time to engage, respond to questions on social media, and being present to allow people to communicate with us. Always give appreciation to those who are promoting you.

-Be brave, positive and pleasant. Actions are what people pay attention to. How we handle a positive or negative situation can define us in so many ways.

This philosophy fits beautifully into the resonance repatterning process. We know that our beliefs, even if they’re unconscious, are what we project into the world. We must do our own work. When we clear our resonance with outdated beliefs we will begin promoting who we truly are and that will create a magnetic field of attraction!

Tooting my horn!

Ardis