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7 ways to get noticed at work
Do you suck at self promotion? Here are some tips on the subtle art of promoting yourself that invites others to take notice.
I suck at self-promotion. I think most of us do. Most people have a negative point of view about self-promotion. In fact, self-promotion has almost become a dirty word.
Here's are three reasons why:
- Most people equate self-promotion to being selfish.
- A lot of people think self-promotion is bragging.
- And finally, people generally don't feel good when they receive the promotion
We teeter between talking too little about ourselves or coming across as a flaming narcissist.
Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot -- the subtle art of promoting yourself that invites others to take notice.
Here are some tips on how to get to that sweet spot.
Illustration by Dominic Xavier
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1. The results will speak for you
People care about what you've done, not what you're going to do. Who hasn't heard this a bazillion times?
There is nothing quite like good old-fashioned results to get people's attention.
What problem have you solved? How much have you contributed to a project?
How do you handle a crises? How often do you meet a deadline?
Accomplishing something of value is how you earn the right to promote yourself.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
2. Promote people
Yes. You read it right!
Talk about other people and their achievements, the more confident and connected they feel, and the more they will endorse you.
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
People will promote you if you promote them.
3. Talk about what you believe in
Whatever you believe -- about your business, about your goals and your dreams -- share those beliefs.
Share your 'whys' because others who believe the same, will flock to you.
They'll feel inspired to share their own ideas.
Talking about what you believe gives a nod to your accomplishments without explicitly saying what they are.
If people are really interested, they will ask.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh
4. Accept failure
Admitting failure is a sign of vulnerability, which is one of the greatest leadership skills.
Failure humanises the path to success. And when we feel connected to another person on a human level, we are much more likely to advance.
Authenticity and a little humility can take you far.
Having learned from previous failures, you can probably even develop tools to alleviate the problems.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
5. Determine your super power
Hone the skills that differentiate you from the pack, then let others praise you.
If you are too much of a bohemian, people will be confused about who you are and how to promote you.
Instead, they'll just say nothing.
You need to figure out your super power -- what sets you apart -- and do it better than anyone else.
Then you will have people knocking on your door.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
6. Stay humble
Have you met someone who needed a slice of humble pie?
Staying humble is really being in a state of gratitude for what you have right now and never taking your audience for granted.
That means you're aware that their time and money is precious, which they will surely value.
By being humble you can befriend most of your colleagues who would in turn say all good things about you to others.
7. Make your presence felt
Then there are times when you just have to brag about yourself a little bit.
If you do something really great, you better talk about it.
Just talk about it to the right people and make sure it is, in fact, remarkable.
The right people will be energised by your success, not turned off by your obvious self-promotion.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh