Toot Your Own Horn May 10, 2012
Posted by in : Uncategorized , trackbackAs an athlete, I was taught not to talk a lot of trash and brag about my skills. Rather, I was trained to let my ‘game’ – or my performance – do the talking.
However, once my athletic career ended and I transitioned into business, this principle got me into trouble. During interviews and sales pitches, I was unable to “sell myself”. I had not developed the ability to articulate my strengths, my skills and the value I could offer. I had many of the intangible skills that employers look for, but I had no idea how to communicate them.
There is never a need to brag or boast about what you’re capable of. But there is reason to improve your ability to articulate the value of what you bring to the table.
If you can’t get people excited about what you do, they’ll never buy.
Comments»
Lee preaches this to me all the time! There is no fluff in what Lee’s saying. It is important to express what you bring to the table.
I agree 100%. I would add that people are a little disappointed when you don’t take a proactive approach to selling yourself. Also, I had to retrain myself not to be turned off by others who did it as well.
1 thing to consider though, the athletic culture Lee and I were raised in was unique in surpressing individualality and self promotion. Not sure everyone has experienced what we have.
Well said Lee. A common sense approach we can all benefit from!
I agree completely. However I would add that nothing speaks louder than results (I.e sales, completed projects, delivered products, etc). Talk is cheap unless you can back it up. That principle applies in both business and athletics.
I need to find the right person or company to market myself to.