Why is Self-Promotion So Difficult? Self-Promotion Part One
It is a well known fact that many of us, especially women, have reservations about promoting ourselves. We find it extremely awkward to talk about ourselves in a positive manner. When we do make the push to “sell” ourselves, we are so self conscious and apologetic that the message doesn’t quite have the impact we desired.
The implications for professional women to NOT promote themselves have many far reaching consequences. Perhaps, you were passed over for a promotion you rightly deserved. Maybe, you didn’t receive the venture capital you requested for your new business venture. Or is it possible that your business is not growing at the pace you anticipated because you are not comfortable selling yourself?
Networking: It’s About Giving
What is the real purpose of networking for business? Traditionally, it has always been about meeting people in order to acquaint them with your business, and hopefully, to solicit their support to build your business, or better yet, to get an immediate referral! The traditional goal has always been more about quantity than quality. How many people can I meet at one event? How many business cards can I pass out? It’s all about ME and MY BUSINESS.
It’s All About Trust
“Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what is next or how. The moment you know how, you begin to die a little. The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark”. Agnes De Mille
How likely are you to take a “leap in the dark” in your life and your business? I like this quote because it creates a wonderful image for me of a graceful dancer leaping freely through space with no constraints and it reminds me how very difficult it can be for all of us to have this type of forward momentum in our own lives. Do we trust and believe in ourselves enough to make the changes we want in our lives or perhaps our career?
