5-STEP-PLAN to start your Self-Promotion
We all want our work and our potential to be seen. We want what we do to be seen and that the ideas we have on how to move forward in the future are noticed.
Well, then, if you want to be seen you have to do something. All the bosses are super busy, they can’t see everything taking place in the home offices, and most importantly: Your current bosses can't read minds. And neither can the decision-makers in other companies. The only solution is that you have to tell what you do, you have to present what you can do. But sometimes it is difficult to find the right balance between overselling and underselling. In addition, most people find it difficult to sell themselves, but that is content for another blog. Today we focus on the 5 steps to self-marketing according to the motto: Get noticed to get promoted.
1. This is me
The first step in presenting a brand is to determine what you want to talk about. Since this is about you, the question is: Who am I? What makes me me? What are my values? What do I stand for? This first step requires time and focus. It can be of great benefit to get the help of a good friend or colleague for some of the questions. Our self-image is what we think we are - mixed with an idea of who we want to be. So, feedback from the outside is super helpful to generate a more rounded picture. You are preparing your branding!
2. This is what I want
In the first step we worked out your Unique Selling Point, which is what you do now, what added value you bring to your work and to your team. Plus: Where do you want to go? What do you want to achieve next? It can vary greatly, from getting recognition, to getting a raise, to getting a promotion, to applying for a new job internally, to opening up a new field of activity, to planning a change of company..... To underline the importance of this step here is a quote: If you don't know where you are going any road can take you there. So, before you start any activity, answer yourself the questions: Why do I want this? What is my aim? What do I want to achieve?
3. This is my audience
Who is supposed to know who you are and what your potential is? In the first step, we worked out your Unique Selling Point. You know what makes you special. In the second step you answered the question Why do I want to present myself? Once this is clear, the next logical step is to answer the questions: Whom do I tell about me? Who should know my ideas for the future? Who is my target group? Even when this is already clear - it will take a while to sort it all out - if you want to do it right. Start thinking: What is my target group interested in? What is important for them?
4. This is my network
You now know whom to tell what. Now the networking begins. You need to build strong and effective relationships to market yourself well. And then it's time to draw attention to yourself without feeling like you are either selling yourself short or exaggerating! Time to start to
5. SHOW UP!
Networking without a plan is like baking without a recipe, and from my own experience I can say that the cakes don't taste good then. In the first step you have dealt with who you are and in the second step what you want. Congratulations! And by planning the network, you also know how to message your ask. Now it's a matter of putting the plan into action. This can either be the new CV or the updated LinkedIn profile. A perfect interview preparation. Or perhaps your own blog? In any case, you need your elevator pitch prepared.
Only you decide on your long-term and short-term goals and on what actions you take now and in the future.
Doing all by yourself can take a long time. But there is an easier and quicker way: If you are interested in this journey, take part in my SHOW UP! course, where we go through this process together in a group.
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