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 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.
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....."
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!
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