By Michele Scism
The Results Lady
Well I have a feeling that this might be a sticky subject but here we go. The fine art of self-promotion or Is self-promotion a sin?
Whether you think it is art or a sin you have to admit that there are right ways and wrong ways of self-promotion. There are also hugely differing views.
When you think of self-promotion do you think of those people who are always telling you how great they are, posting nothing in their social media accounts but product and service promotions or commenting on your blog and of course including a link to their newest product?
The Fine Art of Self-Promotion
Before we get started why don't you take a moment to watch this video from Adam Urbanski, The Marketing Mentor…..
So was that self-promotion? After all self-promotion is defined as promotion of oneself effected by oneself.
I didn't record the video. But don't think for a moment that I won't be sharing it everywhere that I can think of. Wouldn't you?
How about this? I recently worked with Lora Crestan of Solstice Group Coaching and today I received the following message from Lora:
“Hi Michele, I really appreciated our time together earlier this week! I am almost through my to-do list that I created from our discussion. I am seeing some traction already. It is all about getting the process set up and daily follow up…just like everything else. Our session was really a brainstorming session that provided me with validation that while I was on the right track with some things, I needed to tweak a few others. Like Jim Collins says, steady and consistent pressure applied creates great results – that seems to be your message: focus and discipline. I love your energy and enthusiasm and of course, your sense of humor. Lora Crestan – Solstice Group Coaching”
Is this blog post purely self-promotion? No and I hope you don't think so. Is it driven by a desire to self-promote? Absolutely! Think about this, in one day you receive a video and separate email telling you how awesome you are – you want to share that with the world – what is a girl to do?
Why not write a blog post to explain how to self-promote the right way. TaDa! That's what you call an Ah-ha moment.
Self-Promotion Done Right
Here are my keys to self promotion:
- Get over the feeling that self-promotion is bad. Yes I know you have probably had that force fed to you from early childhood but as an entrepreneur if you don't do it who will?
- It's not alright for me to take over any ones social media feed with my own self-promotion. That really ticks people off and it probably leads to a type of self-promotion that you might not want.
- Testimonials and endorsements are one of the most powerful self-promotion tools you can use. OK, I know I am great but you might not believe that coming from me, but if someone else tells you that I am great you are more likely to believe.
- Stick to the 80/20 rule. 80% of your connections with your contacts should be “helping connections” and only 20% should be self-promoting. Helping connections are when you share information with them that adds value to their life and/or business.
So how are you going to promote yourself today?
