 In
a conversation with a senior management client recently it was interesting
to observe that even with a list of impressive and significant
accomplishments they were very reluctant to talk about them, even admit them
and certainly not willing to put them down on paper.
They are currently working for a large Fortune 500 company where a strong
internal profile and personal brand is key to getting the next opportunity
or promotion, but no-one has even shown them how to do it - authentically.
This was their dilemma. How to brag without appearing brash, arrogant or
just plain big headed?
Here are 10 ways that you can market your talents without feeling unclean
or sleazy!
1. Know exactly what it is you do to or for others. You need to be
able to express this in a very short, memorable sentence, so that when
people have a particular issue that you can solve they immediately think of
you. Most 'branders' will tell you it has to be 12 or less words, some say
7, some say even 2 or 3. Whatever it ends up being make it impact. |
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2. Make it impossible someone to say no to you after they have met
you. If you have managed to do all the hard work and gained someone's
attention, make sure that you provide them with enough that they feel they
cannot leave the interaction without wanting more. Might be another meeting,
a request to follow up or to see a portfolio.
3. Do not shy away from what you do and love what it does for others
If you are not passionate about what it is you do, if you are embarrassed
when people ask then its draining and negatively impacting on all that you
do. Find something that connects with your values and delivers a difference.
This is perfectly possible in a corporate environment.
4. Do not be like the cobbler and his children Quite often I hear the
phrase "Typical, its like the cobbler who's children had no shoes....." |
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I will admit it, even I am guilty of this sometimes. Does it not make sense
that if you are in marketing you have great examples of your campaign
success? Or you can present facts and figures in an understandable format if
you are finance? Or you sit in a meeting with a PDA or tablet PC if you are
in IT.
5. Do more of what you are good at, leverage your talents. What are
you particularly known for, your unique ability? How can this be weaved more
consistently in to your everyday actions? Become known for something that
proves to be invaluable, because then you are.
6. Not everyone knows what they want, help them. Everyone is
overwhelmed today - too much e-mail, too many choices, too many requests on
their time, not enough resources. Be sure of what it is you can do for
people then ensure that you tell them and then demonstrate how that is going
to be useful to them. If they can see the relevance the decision is made.
7. Attach the emotions, let people feel the connection. Make someone
sit up and take notice about your talents by making it real - make an
emotional connection for them. Be more emotive in describing certain
examples of the situation before you got involved, the challenges faced, the
feelings associated with those problems. And then the feelings after you
were able to help with your talents. Then people can feel connected to you,
what you can do for others and be mindful of that when they hear of others
in a similar bind.
8. Do not leave anything out. It seems to be human nature to ignore
or take for granted what we are uniquely good at as a strength. After all,
it just comes so naturally that it is not a strain, isn't that the same for
everyone? Well no it's not. So make sure that those who do utilise your
talents are fully aware of all that you bring.
9. Have an answer for the doubting Thomas' On occasion people will
suddenly find a reason to be negative, sarcastic or doubtful of what it is
you claim. A well thought out reply that stops this quickly is well worth
preparing.
10. Build your brand - everywhere. Ensure that all you are doing,
saying and communicating is a reflection of how you want to be known, and
that information is what you want others to know. By the time they actually
reach you then you have got them at Hello! |
