Do You Hate Marketing Yourself? Here’s How to Make It Work for You
Ever catch yourself thinking, “I hate having to market myself. It just feels slimy – like I am a used car salesman”? Trust me, you’re not alone. Marketing yourself can often feel like you’re stepping into the shoes of a pushy salesperson, and no apologies to the used car salesmen out there – the label is well earned. However, in the realm of personal development and professional growth, marketing yourself is essential. In the Company of One model, where you consider yourself as a business, promoting YOU is crucial for success.
What Does Marketing Yourself Look Like?
First, take a deep breath. Marketing yourself doesn’t have to be synonymous with being pushy or annoying. Think of it as professional, not pushy, and most importantly, very effective. Here’s the secret: marketing is not about selling; it’s about informing and adding value.
Operations vs. Marketing
Let’s break it down. Operations are about delivering the service – the bread and butter of what you do. Marketing, on the other hand, is about making potential customers (ie. your bosses and stakeholders) aware of your services and reminding current customers of how you’ve served them. It’s about shining a light on your capabilities and achievements without sounding like a braggart.
Effective Marketing: A Way of Serving
The key to effective marketing is to view it as a service. It’s about letting others know how you can add value to their lives and reminding them of the value you’ve already provided. This perspective transforms marketing from a dreaded task into a method of educating your audience. When done right, marketing is helpful and appreciated.
We All Want to Be Informed of Our Options (ie. Marketed To)
Surprisingly, we all appreciate good marketing. Think about the emails you receive that you actually enjoy – the ones that inform you about a product or service that genuinely interests you or updates you on something beneficial.
For instance, a fitness trainer sending you a summary of your progress and tips on how to enhance your workouts, or a graphic designer showcasing the before-and-after transformations of your project, or a software engineer conducting a training session to teach others how to more easily use a program – these are all forms of appreciated marketing.
Professional Services Marketing
In professional services, you’re often selling yourself rather than a product. This means focusing on the value you add and/or what you can do (or have done) for your clients or company (bosses / shareholders). Building respect and likability is key, which means avoiding pushiness at all costs.
Discover How to Market Yourself Inside Your Company
To start, look around at the people you respect. How do they communicate their value? How do they make others aware of their achievements? Here are some practical methods:
1. Weekly or Monthly Reminder Emails: Send a short, concise email to your internal customer (boss) outlining what you’ve accomplished. Use bullet points and keep it under one page.
2. Use Data and Metrics: Numbers can be powerful. If you have metrics, use them to highlight your progress and achievements.
3. Copy Relevant People on Emails: When announcing an activity or achievement, copy your boss and any relevant stakeholders. This keeps everyone informed without being intrusive.
4. Prepare Agendas for Meetings: Whether it’s a staff meeting or a one-on-one with your boss, have an agenda. This ensures you cover important points and demonstrate your value.
5. Maintain a Professional Appearance: Dress appropriately for your role and company culture. Your appearance can significantly impact how you are perceived.
6. Communicate Regularly with Your Boss: Discuss what they value and how you can add value to the company. Regular alignment helps both of you stay on course.
7. Attend Strategic Meetings: Get involved in larger conversations within your company. Networking and understanding broader strategies can enhance your personal brand.
Marketing Yourself Beyond Your Company
1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Keep your profile current and engage with your network. Share your achievements and professional interests.
2. Work Your Contacts: Stay connected with people in your industry. Regularly touch base and keep them informed about your professional journey.
3. Grow Your Network Strategically: Join industry associations, attend conferences, and volunteer. This helps you connect with leaders and stay visible in your field.
4. Create Content: Blog posts, podcasts, and social media updates are excellent ways to share your expertise and insights with a broader audience.
Marketing: An Educative Tool
Ultimately, marketing yourself is about educating others on how you can add value to their lives. It’s not about being pushy or boastful but about being informative and helpful. When done correctly, marketing is not just appreciated but sought after.
Why You Should Embrace Marketing Yourself
Still sceptical? Consider these facts:
Career Growth: According to a study by LinkedIn, professionals who actively market themselves on the platform are 27% more likely to be approached by recruiters and receive job offers.
Networking: The Harvard Business Review highlights that 65% of new business opportunities arise from networking, making marketing yourself a critical skill for career advancement.
Personal Branding: A strong personal brand can lead to a 25% increase in earning potential, as reported by Forbes.
The Bottom Line
Marketing yourself doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. By shifting your perspective to see it as a way of serving and educating, you can effectively promote your value without feeling slimy or pushy. Embrace marketing as a tool for professional growth and personal development, and watch how it transforms your career. Remember, marketing done right is always appreciated. So go ahead, let the world know how you can add value to their lives – in the most professional, non-pushy way possible.
