How to Master the Art of Self Promotion

July 29, 2008 11:21 pm RSS Feed Icon Business Networking

You simply have to have the will to do it--the will to self promote!

Over the years coaching with small business entrepreneurs, I find they often come to me with innate skills and ability, a vision of what they want, and a fairly clear picture of whom they will serve.

Some succeed, but for many their dream business seems to lose steam and die on the vine.

Why?

Failure to launch!

Follow these three tips to help you kick your self- promotion into high gear. If you're already a great self-promoter, take these as reminders of the basics to follow:

1. Before any meeting, networking event, or before you prepare any new Marketing collateral answer these questions:

  • Why me? In other words, why should someone choose you over the many other options in your category?

  • Why now? Are you providing a compelling reason to have your audience take action today? If not, what is a good reason for them to engage with you now.

    • 2. Call everyone you know:

    Share with them what you're doing and your value proposition (your unique selling point). Don't be shy. Leveraging the relationships you already have is an effective way to get your promotional ball rolling.

    Self-promotion is not obnoxious or rude - it is all in your delivery. It is however a NECESSITY in business.

    If you are on the shy side and don't want to pick up the phone, zip off a quick letter describing your unique selling point. In that letter you'll want to:

    • Ask if they have any need for your product or service.

  • Get referrals! Ask who they know that has a need for your product or service.

  • Ask them to make an introduction on your behalf before you get in touch with their referrals to you.

    • 3. Network with a clear purpose:

    There are many ways to look at networking. My hope for you is that you choose to view networking as a simple, cost-effective way to promote your unique brand!

    While we generally think of networking as it relates to our business, it is also a great way to make personal connections and grow your sphere of influence in general.

    You can network at targeted associations and lead groups, or network with or through contacts and raving fans. Just get out there and network and remember:

    • Dress to impress - what you put on your back is your personal packaging so give it some thought.

  • Have a compelling elevator speech - if you can't articulate what you do then who can?

  • Ask LOTS of questions and LISTEN for the answers - this is the starting point for establishing relationships.

  • Follow proper networking etiquette - handing out your business card or promotional items without being asked makes you appear self-serving. Savvy networkers know that it's not about you...it's all about them.

  • Include a personal touch by hand writing thank-you cards to everyone you meet within five days of meeting them - while you are still fresh in their minds.

  • Be FEARLESS!

    • If you're wondering if the ability to self-promote is something you're born with the answer is NO!

    The skills towards becoming a master self-promoter is learned, the "will" to achieve wild success however, is quite another thing.

    Not everyone has the "will," the ability to "focus," and the "desire" to do what it takes to create opportunities where business can boom. It's just that simple. But by following some simple steps, you can take a great number of steps down the path to successful self- promotion.

    2007, Liz Pabon. All rights reserved.

    About the author: Liz Pabon, The Branding Maven, is inspiring, motivating and empowering - but most importantly, shes effective. A speaker and author on the topic of personal branding, Liz delivers insights and principles that are proven to achieve WILD SUCCESS. Liz publishes the weekly Keys 2 Wild Success! ezine. If you're ready to ATTRACT amazing clients, set yourself APART from the pack, make a lot more MONEY, and have a lot more FUN in your small business, get Lizs FREE WEEKLY TIPS by going NOW to http://www.thebrandingmaven.com!

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