Should You Toot Your Own Horn?

by Debbie LaChusa

One of the ways you can establish yourself as an expert in your field is by letting your prospects know what you've accomplished. This is not bragging, it is merely earning the right to serve them with your business.

It is letting them know you are qualified to be doing whatever it is you are doing.

I've had people write to me saying they aren't comfortable "tooting their own horn." 

I can certainly understand that because I used to feel the same way . And then I realized if I didn't "toot it" NO ONE WOULD! 

The 2 x 4 That Hit Me Over The Head

Many years ago I was in a job and I accidentally saw the salaries of some of my co-workers. I should not have seen this information, but when I did I realized several people with less experience AND who had been in their jobs less time than I had been with the company, were being paid more than I was.

Until then, I had always assumed if I worked hard people would notice and I would be rewarded. Isn't that what we were all taught as kids?  Work hard and you will be successful.  Boy, were my eyes opened that day!

The Promise I Made Myself

I approached my manager, told her how I had accidentally come across the information, that I was definitely worth more based on what they were paying others, shared the specifics of what I had accomplished for the company and my clients as the reasons why, and asked for a BIG raise.

You know what happened?  I got the raise!  And I vowed from that point on to always make sure my bosses and my clients knew exactly what I was doing for them.

You Have To Market Yourself

I made a point to track my successes and to use them. Because I learned it isn't necessarily just working hard that gets us ahead, it's making sure those who can help or hinder our success (bosses, co-workers, clients, customers, prospects) are aware of that hard work.  Don't assume they will know if you don't tell them!

So, if you're uncomfortable tooting your own horn, start slowly. You don't have to use ALL of your stats. In fact, I wouldn't use them all.

Toot Your Own Horn To The Degree You're Comfortable

Pick a couple of your strongest stats and use them in your bio. Use them in your introductions. Weave them into copy to accentuate your experience or to emphasize results. Do whatever is comfortable for you.

(C) Copyright 2005 Debbie LaChusa

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free Marketing E-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com

NOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article as long as you make no changes and you include the "About the Author" information at the end.  Please let me know if and where you use this article by emailing me.

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