Self Promotion – Go For it!
Self Promotion – Go For it!
As I work and speak to more independent business owners / solopreneurs it is still apparent that one of the biggest problems faced, especially when starting out is fear of self promotion across social media or networking events – mainly:
- Worry about what others think
- Worry about getting it right
- Worry about what may or may not happen
I can tell you now in relation to Social Media it’s likely there are a couple of things that can happen i.e someone will see your post and think that’s interesting and think I’d like to find out more (it could be that they look into it then or when they see another post from you, it’s an on-going process) or shock horror they just scroll on past…that is ALL!
In relation to doing your “pitch” at a networking event to help with nerves make sure you are well prepared before you attend so you can feel confident about how you will present yourself, you can read more about this in my blog – 6 Ways to leave a positive impression when business networking, Let’s face it you may forget a few words from you pitch but nothing bad will happen, I promise you.
Of course there are other eventualities but focus on one thing and that’s what you want to achieve – helping those clients / customers that are in need of your services or products.
My advice to you is STOP thinking about the millions of reasons why you shouldn’t and starting thinking about the one reason why you should!
I put a post on my Facebook page about this very subject and here’s what a few others had to say about how they personally felt about self promotion:
“I believe I have possibly been the queen of over-thinking in the past!! It’s so easy to get caught up in what you think might happen that you back yourself into such a fearful place and just don’t bother at all. You’re so right Dee, you just have to think about the positive outcome or imagine you’re talking to just one person rather than the thousands out there on social media.
I’m getting there”
– Nicola Laurie – MsTidyOwl
“I started off hating having to promote myself in any way – feeling like I was ‘showing off’ or pushing myself in front of people who weren’t interested. It’s taken a long time but I’ve come to realise that I’m really proud of what I do, I’m good at what I do and I am offering something that people want. So I now promote myself with pride! It’s challenging, trying to post something that will catch people’s eye – but I don’t worry about the people who just scroll past…there will be lots of others who don’t!”
– Rosalind Brookman – Rosalind Brookman Freelance Writer
So, have you felt like this? What did you do to over come it? Comment below (it might be useful to someone reading this) and if you are struggling or holding back with self promotion remember the words I said above – please STOP thinking about the millions of reasons why you shouldn’t and starting thinking about the one reason why you should!
Love, Dee
xx
