Welcome to the Stop Sabotaging Your Success Podcast, episode sixty-seven. I’m your host, Cindy Esliger. This is the podcast focusing on what we can do today to take control of our careers and overcome the inevitable barriers to success that we encounter along the way. 

So, let’s talk about self-promotion. You know, that thing some people love to do, but we can’t seem to get over the discomfort of it. Well, newsflash, promoting yourself is essential if you want to get ahead in your career. Sure, it feels awkward and uncomfortable, but if you want recognition for your great work, you have to put yourself out there. 

In this episode, we’re going to dive into the art of shameless self-promotion. I’ll give you some practical tips and strategies to navigate the murky waters of promoting yourself in the workplace, because let’s face it, no one is going to magically discover how awesome you are without a little nudge from you. 

It’s wishful thinking to believe that your great work will speak for itself. No, you have to toot your own horn. When you effectively promote yourself, people start noticing your accomplishments and contributions. And guess what? That attention can lead to promotions, higher salaries, and more opportunities for career advancement. 

So, it’s time to embrace the uncomfortable and start building your credibility and reputation. Now, I’m not going to lie, self-promotion can be challenging. We’ve all had those moments when we’re afraid of sounding like an ego maniac or being rejected. But fear not, there are ways to navigate this without coming across as a total jerk.

One approach is to shift the focus from yourself to how your achievements benefit others. Highlight the ways in which your work has positively impacted your team or the organization as a whole. This way, you’re not bragging about yourself, you’re showing how you bring value to the table. It’s a win-win. 

Another strategy is to actively seek out opportunities to showcase your skills and expertise. Volunteer for high profile projects, offer to lead presentations or training sessions. Basically, anything that puts you in the spotlight. It may feel a bit nerve-wracking at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. Plus, it’s a chance to show off what you’ve got and let others see what you’re capable of. 

Now, here’s the deal. You do need to find the right balance. You don’t want to come across as an arrogant know-it-all, because that won’t do you any favors. Remember to demonstrate humility and gratitude along the way. Yes, you’re promoting yourself, but you can still be gracious about it. Nobody likes a pompous show-off. 

Self-promotion is a necessary evil if you want to succeed in your career. It’s not always easy, but conquering your fears, developing genuine strategies, and avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance, you can establish yourself as a force to be reckoned with. So go out there and let the world know how awesome you are. You’ve got this. 

In today’s workplace, you can’t just keep your head down and busy yourself in your work and hope that your greatness will magically shine through. Unfortunately, that’s wishful thinking. If you want to get ahead, you have to put yourself out there and shamelessly promote yourself. Yeah, I know it sounds exhausting, but trust me, if you don’t do it, someone else who’s more savvy than you, definitely will. 

Now, why is self-promotion so important? Well, for starters, the whole out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing is not a joke. If you’re not actively tooting your own horn and showcasing your achievements, chances are people won’t have a clue about your talents or potential. So, take control of your career and make some noise about your work. Otherwise, you might as well be invisible. 

Confidence is key. Nobody wants to work with someone who’s afraid to speak up. By promoting your accomplishments, you show the world that you’re proud of what you’ve achieved. And let me tell you, that kind of self-assuredness can earn you some serious recognition from your colleagues, managers, and maybe even prospective employers. 

Promoting yourself can open doors to exciting new opportunities. When you’re out there flaunting your worth, you’re more likely to be considered for high profile projects, killer assignments, and yes, those elusive promotions we all desire. Plus, by putting yourself out there, you might attract the attention of some influential people who can become your mentors or sponsors, guiding you on your path to glory. 

And let’s not forget about networking. When you’re actively self-promoting, you’re increasing your visibility and making it easier for others to refer you to potential employers or connect you with amazing job prospects. It’s like building your own personal brand that sets you apart from the pack. So go ahead, be shameless and watch those connections and opportunities roll in. 

Now, let’s talk tactics. How do you actually promote yourself in the workplace without looking like a total narcissist? Here are some tips to get you started. 

First things first, keep track of your achievements. Create a brag book, maintain a spreadsheet, or even build a flashy personal website. Make sure you’ve got all your awesomeness documented and ready to share with the world. 

When you accomplish something great, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with your colleagues. Send out updates or give presentations. Let people know what you’re capable of and leave them in awe of your greatness. 

Networking can be a game changer. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people online. The more connections you make, the more opportunities will come knocking at your door. 

When you receive praise or recognition, don’t be shy. Take credit for your hard work and acknowledge those who have supported you along the way. Own it. And most importantly, have some confidence in yourself. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and show it. 

Stop downplaying your achievements or diminishing your capability. This doesn’t mean you have to be obnoxious or full of yourself, but you better start believing in your abilities and demonstrating your value to your organization. 

It’s time to take control of your career. Put on your self-promotion hat and start shouting from the rooftops about your accomplishments. Well, maybe that’s a bit of overkill for those of us who are more introverted, but let’s face it, no one else is going to do it for you. So, get out there, make some noise, and show the world what you’re made of. 

Remember, it’s your responsibility to take charge and actively promote yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to recognize your brilliance, because chances are they’re too busy promoting themselves. 

Look, I get it. Self-promotion can be uncomfortable. It goes against the whole humble and modest image we’ve been taught to value. But let me tell you a little secret, the world isn’t going to hand you that promotion just because you’re the hardest worker in the room. No, that’ll just get you more work piled on your plate, while someone else swoops in and snags that promotion you’ve been working so hard for. 

So, get over yourself and step into the spotlight. It’s time to show everyone what you’re capable of. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves, but don’t just hope they’ll magically be noticed. Promote them shamelessly and make sure they’re heard, loud and clear, by those making the key decisions. 

I know it can be daunting to put yourself out there, especially if you’re afraid of being seen as boastful or arrogant. But here’s the thing, there’s a fine line between self-promotion and being obnoxious. You can be confident without being a jerk. Be proud of your achievements, but also give credit where it’s due and stay humble. 

Now, I’m not saying you should become completely self-obsessed. No one likes that person who can’t stop talking about themselves, but there’s a difference between self-promotion and self-obsession. It’s about striking the right balance and showcasing your skills and accomplishments in a way that benefits both yourself and the organization. If you’re unsure, just spend a little time observing others in your organization to see how they are doing it. Those getting the recognition and rewards are not the ones who are making themselves invisible. 

So, start owning your successes. Keep track of them, celebrate them, and don’t be afraid to share them with others. When you’ve achieved something noteworthy, make sure people know about it. Share your wins with your team, your boss, and even outside your organization, if it’s appropriate. 

Get your name out there and make sure it’s associated with excellence. But don’t stop there. Take it a step further by actively seeking opportunities to demonstrate your expertise. If you’re not actively promoting yourself and your achievements, it’s likely that others may not be aware of your accomplishments or your potential for advancement.

Volunteer for challenging projects. Offer to lead presentations or workshops, and don’t shy away from taking on new responsibilities that showcase your skills. Show those at the top what you’re capable of, and let your ability shine. 

And remember, networking is key. Build relationships with others in your industry, attend events, and engage in meaningful conversations. By expanding your network, you increase your chances of being noticed and creating new opportunities for yourself, and you just never know where that might lead. 

So, it’s time to embrace the fact that self-promotion is an essential part of success in the workplace. It’s not enough to keep your head down and hope for the best. You’ve got to put yourself out there, promote your achievements, and show them what you’re made of. 

So, go ahead, channel your inner performer and let your talents take center stage. Develop an alter ego, if that’s what it takes. You’ll be glad you did. 

Sure, self-promotion can be uncomfortable. As women, we’ve been taught to be modest about our achievements. But let me tell you something, if you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? You can’t expect others to do the work for you. So, let’s push aside those fears and embrace the fact that self-promotion is a necessary evil.

One of the biggest fears people have is being perceived as arrogant. Look, we’re not saying you should go around bragging about how amazing you are. That’s not a good look, but there’s a difference between confidence and arrogance. You can be proud of your achievements without being obnoxious about it. Just find that sweet spot where you can showcase your skills and accomplishments without coming across as a pompous know-it-all. 

Another fear that holds us back is the fear of rejection. Yeah, it stings when someone doesn’t appreciate your hard work or criticizes your ideas. But here’s the truth, not everyone is going to love everything you do. That’s just how life works. Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you from putting yourself out there. Seek feedback, learn from it, and keep pushing forward. 

And then there’s imposter syndrome, the fear of being seen as a fraud. If we’re being honest, we’ve all felt like imposters at some point. But here’s the reality check, you wouldn’t be where you are if you weren’t qualified and talented. So, own your expertise and don’t let those self-doubts hold you back. 

Now, let’s talk about some practical strategies for self-promotion. Start small and gradually build your confidence. Practice talking about your accomplishments with a trusted colleague or friend. Get comfortable sharing your wins and achievements and gradually expand your audience. This doesn’t come easily to us, so have some compassion. But with practice, your self promotion skills will improve. 

But there are some pitfalls to avoid. Don’t fall into the trap of over-emphasizing your accomplishments while ignoring the contributions of others. You’re part of a team, so give credit where credit is due. Don’t forget to listen and learn from others. Collaboration and humility go hand-in-hand. So, be as genuine as you can in your self-promotion. It will feel more natural the more you do it. 

Focus on teamwork and the bigger picture. Highlight how your accomplishments have benefited the organization. And, most importantly, strike that delicate balance between promoting yourself and staying humble. 

Self-promotion is a skill that can take you places. It’s not about overshadowing others, but it’s also not allowing others to overshadow what it is you do well. It’s about showcasing your talents, demonstrating your value, and grabbing those opportunities that come your way. 

So, step out of the shadows and let your greatness shine. Because in the workplace, it’s not just about doing great work, it’s about making sure people know about it, too. Remember that self-promotion doesn’t have to be viewed as a negative thing. 

Many people, including me, feel uncomfortable promoting themselves or their accomplishments, but the truth is that self-promotion is an important and necessary skill to have in order to advance in your career. By being able to effectively communicate your skills, accomplishments, and value to your employer, you increase your chances of being recognized and rewarded for your contributions. This can include sharing your successes with your boss, speaking up in meetings, and advocating for yourself when it comes to career opportunities that you know would help you keep moving forward. 

Many people feel uncomfortable promoting themselves because they worry it will come across as bragging. However, there’s a difference between bragging and effectively communicating your skills and accomplishments. By being confident and articulate in discussing your achievements, you are showing your value to the organization, and that’s a good thing. It’s part of being politically savvy. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you want to continue to be challenged and take on new responsibilities, make that known. This can include asking for a promotion, seeking out new opportunities to stretch your skills, and even negotiating your salary. By being proactive and advocating for yourself, you increase your chances of getting what you want and deserve in your career. 

And remember, no one else is as invested in your career as you are. 

And that’s it for this episode of Stop Sabotaging Your Success. Remember to download your Guide to Convincing Yourself of Your Value at cindyesliger.com/podcast, episode sixty-seven.

Thank you to our producer, Alex Hochhausen and everyone at Astronomic Audio. Get in touch, I’m on Instagram @cindyesliger and my email address is info@cindyesliger.com.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you have to come check out The Confidence Collective. It’s my monthly coaching program where we dig a little deeper into what’s holding you back in your career, and we find the workarounds. We help you overcome the barriers and create the career you want. Join me over at cindyesliger.com/join. I’d love to have you join me in The Confidence Collective. 

Until next week, I’m Cindy Esliger. Thanks for listening.