If You Don't Promote "You", Who Will?

If You Don't Promote "You", Who Will?

I used to be very shy, and in many ways I still am. But when you are self-employed, shy goes out the window. Well at least if you want to put food on the table.

One of my mentors growing up in the business taught me, "If you don't promote yourself, who will?" And it always stuck with me. Now I'm not talking about the self promoting professional that basically just states over and over, "Look at me, I'm so great!" or "Use me, I'm the best!" I'm just talking about general promotion.

Like me, you may be shy. Maybe you are looking for a way out of this corner. The greatest turning point for me was when I studied hardcore about the rules and guidelines associated with my business. Before then, I suppose I had a reason to be shy; I didn't know anything! Studying gave me the confidence I needed to step out.

One man once said, "Knowledge isn't power. Action is power". I agree with that statement, since a head full of knowledge does nobody any good without action. Having said that, you need a basis to act on, and therefore knowledge can be the foundation.

So when we look at promoting oneself, it isn't your broker's job, the company owner's job, or even your assistant's job (per se). It is your job as a professional. Even the highest level of professionals have to promote themselves. It is just part of the job. Get used to it. But please, don't tell me how awesome you are ... just share something useful and let the people come to you.

Be a magnet, not a noose.

Do you want to Suck More in 2010?

Thanks Carla for this comment - it made me laugh and created this blog post ;)

Steve Kappre is a mortgage loan officer in New Jersey with Treasury Mortgage, a subsidiary of Aurora Financial Group. For more info check out:

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