Toot, or Not to Toot Your Horn

Self-promotion is not a choice

It makes sense that you bristle at the thought of self-promotion. You grew up learning that it was not good manners to “toot your own horn.” No one wants to be perceived as a show-off or a braggart. Yet, you are missing grand opportunities to establish your expertise and build your reputation by informing the media, your clients, business associates and potential clients of your talents and accomplishments.
Below are some examples of occasions for you to “toot your own horn.”
· Winning an award or competition
· Earning a degree or certificate
· Being elected or appointed to office in a professional or civic organization
· Being promoted within your organization
· Opening a new business
· Relocating your office
· Expanding to serve a new market
· Providing a new product or service
· Launching a new or redesigned web site
· Publishing the first issue of a newsletter, e-zine or blog
· Being selected to speak at a major conference
· Getting an article, white paper, or book published
· Being mentioned in the news
· Being interviewed on radio or TV

One of the most powerful ways to “toot your own horn” is to ask satisfied clients or customers for testimonials, and request permission to use them in your marketing materials and post them on your website. Another important place to submit accomplishments is the business announcements in your local Sunday newspaper. If you are a member of an organization or association, send submissions in for their newsletters. And, don’t forget to include your announcements in communications to your subscriber lists or clients.

Self-promotion still makes me uncomfortable. Concentrating on the importance of what my business offers to make a positive impact in others lives, and working to establish my expertise motivates me to set aside my reluctance and “toot my own horn.” A short while back, my daughter asked me, “Who keeps submitting your name in the Getting Ahead section?” I was impressed that she had noticed. Before I could answer, she gasped, “Don’t tell me! It’s YOU?”

Article Signature:
Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois, works with individuals and organizations who want to learn how to use the power of humor and the magic of laughter to handle the demands and pressures of work and home, adjust to constant change, deal with difficult people, cope with the unpredictable swift pace of life, product positive outcomes and have more fun.

Learning to laugh and “hangin’ on with humor” rescued Lois from the distress and despair surrounding her daily life, and initiated her recovery from a brain injury. Lois’ keynotes and trainings entertain, inspire and stimulate audiences to examine their own response to challenge and adversity. Hilarious personal stories, “Lessons from Lois” impart life-changing insights and equip participants with humor strategies and practical solutions to overcome the seriousness of their life challenges and feel happy.

Her universal message renews hope and motivates others to consistently do small things so they can achieve amazing results one day at a time.

©2012 Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois – Permission to reprint or repost this article is granted by including the above byline and Lois’ contact information. http://www.lessonsfromlois.com