It's Not Self-Promotion, It's Demonstrating Value

A lot of the most talented consultants and businesspeople I know are the most humble. They cringe at the term "self-promotion", preferring their actions and results to speak for themselves. Marci Alboher, a columnist for New York Times Small Business, felt "her tummy...rumble" when a friend called her a "master of self-promotion." Her friend meant it as a compliment, noting Aloboher's skillful publicizing of her book, "One Person/Multiple Careers" through frequent email newsletters announcing her coming events and media coverage.

But Alboher goes on to say that great things happened through sending out that newsletter - strengthening relationships, collaborations, new writing and speaking gigs - she even thinks she was asked to do her New York Times column because of her newsletter. She has realized that if she did not convey pride and passion about her work, "how could anyone else?" It's really about demonstrating your value, increasing your visibility, and "building raving fans."

Alboher goes on to suggest more ways to create buzz around your ideas, including writing articles for trade publications in your industries, op-ed pieces for newspapers and how-to articles.

Tags: marci alboher

Comments

[Raj]

We are a cog in a large factory. Every cog is important yet redundant. If the redundant cog is not there then the primary is more likely to fail.

[Shara]

Good point, Raj.

[Deborah]

Business people owe it to others - the people they work with, their customers, their trainees, their audience - to be clear on the value of what they offer. You know people can benefit from your product or service, right? Is it not unfair to deprive them of it through your own timidity? Consider a glass...keep filling it with enthusiasm, and it will begin to overflow on those around you.

[Shara]

Thanks for your comment, Deborah.