If you are good at what you do, then it is essential that others know about it. This will help increase your business – and contrary to what your mother might have taught you, it is not necessary to feel guilty or shy about promoting yourself.
Here’s how to do it in a subtle, yet effective way.
- Attain a high level of expertise.
Before you start promoting yourself, it is important that you take pains to obtain extra skills and that you possess a high level of expertise.
You need to stand out in your field if you are to get and keep business. Seek out new training courses and mentors. Find a way to get your name out there without looking like you’re trying too hard.
- Speak in front of an audience.
When you get a chance to speak in front of an audience in a conference, meeting or even just a get-together, use the opportunity to promote your skills and knowledge – and your business.
Speak on any subject relevant to your line of business where you have knowledge. This will not only increase your confidence in public speaking, but will also advance your popularity and help you begin to develop a good reputation.
- Find a way to publish.
You can start by writing articles related to your line of business in newsletters or periodicals. You can also write a column where readers can post their questions and problems and you can provide solutions to those problems.
Eventually, you could also write a book on the subject. Once that book is a success, your reputation will be solid.
- Use the Internet.
Put up your own website to explain your area of expertise. Keeping it interactive will make it possible for you to communicate with your readers and answer their inquiries online.
You can post articles there to promote yourself and your business in tactful and attractive ways.
- Project yourself as much as possible.
For others to respect you, you need to have confidence and be in their line of vision and thoughts. So project yourself as much as you can – but not in an annoying way.
Be pleasant and stay in touch with your business associates and clients, even if it means discussing topics other than your business. Circulate at all events that you attend, so you can meet new people and widen your circle of influence.
- Conduct interviews.
Once your level of expertise and knowledge is recognized in your industry, then there might be various trade or commercial magazines who might be interested in conducting an interview with you.
Once your interview is published, your visibility will increase – and your circle of influence will widen. If your interview is shown on TV, then it will promote you and your small business even further.
Use these tips to promote yourself, remembering not to be too aggressive or appear irritating. The tips above can help you increase your respect in the eyes of your associates in your industry and also in your existing and prospective clients.
