Guidelines for Effective Self-Promotion
- Take time to list all your accomplishments and qualifications.
- Examine how you feel when you are talking about your assets.
- Do you feel awkward and tense?
- Embarrassed?
- What messages are you telling yourself?
- Do you wonder if people will think you’re boasting?
- Are you concerned about your perceived lack of accomplishment?
- Identify your irrational beliefs. E.g.:
- People should automatically see my accomplishments.
- I couldn’t stand it if people thought I was bragging.
- I am not good enough for this job.
- Any other irrational beliefs you hear yourself saying.
- Challenge these shoulds, musts and demands for comfort and approval.
- Why is it awful to remind people of my value?
- Why can’t I stand people thinking I am boastful if it will help my career?
- Replace your irrational beliefs with more rational ideas.
- It is useful to find ways to show my worth to the organization even if others don’t approve.
- If I don’t believe in myself, who will?
- Develop a careful plan to make significant people aware of your accomplishments.
- “Memo” or verbally inform people when you complete a significant project.
- Report your successes in the company newsletter.
- Don’t be discouraged or put off if others laugh at your efforts.
- Stay focused – your goal is to be recognized as a valuable employee.
- Relax and be patient – success is a long-term project, not an immediate need.