How To Promote Yourself (When You Don’t Want To.)
Is self promotion a necessary evil? If you are looking for a new job, networking or even just trying to publicise your blog you are going to need some promotion. As someone who shy’s away from the spotlight the idea of putting myself in that very spotlight is quite terrifying. So what do you do when you know you need to promote yourself (or your blog) but would much rather not?
Remember you don’t need to be obnoxious.
The first thing to know is that self-promotion does not mean you have to be obnoxious. For a long time I had the belief that self-promotion was just people boasting and this did not appeal to me at all. But after some reading and watching how other people promote themselves I have come to realise this isn’t the only way. You can promote yourself in a manner that informs others that you exist and have something to offer without the hard sell. You can let them check it out and see if it’s something they are interested in.
Start from where you feel comfortable.
You don’t need to go out and rent a billboard. Start where you feel comfortable and build on that. I do very little promotion with this blog, but what I feel comfortable with is visiting others blogs and leaving a comment. I enjoy being part of the blogging community and commenting on blogs when I have something to add. This is my starting point and this is what I plan to build on when promoting this blog.
Make a plan.
Start from where you are comfortable and think of other ideas that extend from this. Make a list of ideas, then slowly work your way through the list until you achieve your objective. Sometimes such as with a blog – the promotion is never done. In this case set small goals to keep you motivated (for example a certain number of readers or comments etc.) When continual self-promotion is needed keep a list of ideas that you can add too.
Stick to your plan.
There is no point making a plan and then not implementing it. If you are serious about reaching your goals some self –promotion is necessary. Keep your end goal in mind and take action on a regular basis. This has the benefits of forming the habit for yourself while you are promoting yourself!
It can actually be fun!
Yes this is true. You will be amazed at the opportunities that are out there when you go out and look (and ask).
So if self promotion is something you find hard then work out what you feel comfortable with and start there. Make a plan and then stick to it.
Big thanks to Sarah who organised this writing project at bluejar.com. Writing projects are a great way to promote your blog while having fun. (With the bonus that you’re sure to find other great blogs)
September 6th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Thanks for joining in my group writing project. I think this sounds right on and I try not to be too pushy!
September 10th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
That’s a great point, that you don’t have to be obnoxious…I’ve also always thought that to promote yourself you really had to “get out there” and sell, sell, sell. If you have something interesting or helpful to say though, you really don’t have to be obnoxious to promote it, whether you’re promoting yourself, your blog, or a product.
September 19th, 2007 at 12:24 am
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September 19th, 2007 at 1:27 am
But sticking to the plan is what’s most difficult to do!
We may have the best plan but failing to execute it defeats the finest plan 
September 19th, 2007 at 3:10 am
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September 19th, 2007 at 3:59 am
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September 19th, 2007 at 4:28 am
@GnomeyNewt - Thanks for hosting the writing project.
@ JoLynn - Very true.
@ Pelf - That is why it is important to have a plan you know you can execute. Manageable steps are key.
September 19th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
So true about having a plan and sticking with it. I always seem to have great ideas but never get around to doing just a couple of things. I always try and do everything instead. I think I will just pick a 2 or 3 things and go at them 100% . Thanks for the nice blog post.
September 20th, 2007 at 5:32 am
[...] over at bluejar hosted a ‘how to’ writing project. My entry was ‘How to self promote when you don’t want to’. After looking through all the other entries I have my top [...]
September 20th, 2007 at 6:25 am
I think the most difficult step is the first step. As you say, once you start and realize it can be fun and profitable, then the momentum will build and it becomes easier. Heres to first steps.
September 20th, 2007 at 7:22 am
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September 20th, 2007 at 8:28 am
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September 21st, 2007 at 4:03 pm
@MDB I totally agree, momentum can be very powerful.
@Barry. Thanks
September 21st, 2007 at 10:00 pm
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September 22nd, 2007 at 12:19 pm
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September 23rd, 2007 at 8:02 am
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September 24th, 2007 at 6:47 am
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September 24th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
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September 25th, 2007 at 1:12 am
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September 25th, 2007 at 7:11 am
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September 25th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Top 3 Picks for the blueJAR.com Group Writing Project
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September 26th, 2007 at 1:18 am
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September 28th, 2007 at 8:45 am
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September 29th, 2007 at 8:49 am
These are excellent guidelines for self promotion. I completely agree with them. I am not a big self promoter, but I am like you when it comes to commenting. Just something I love to do and let its author know that whatever he or she wrote has value.
Cheers!
September 29th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
This is exactly what I expected to find out after reading the title Promote Yourself (When You Don’t Want To) | don’t be shy. Thanks for informative article
September 29th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
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October 1st, 2007 at 9:59 am
Yep, Have something which can be manageable! Thanks for sharing.
October 1st, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Thanks Chessnoid, comments are a great way to let the blog author know you liked their post, I know I appreciate them.
Eric -Thanks.
Webdeisgn and Seo - The steps being manageable certainly is an important key to success.