If you’re the kind of entrepreneur/creative that loathes self-promotion… is it because:

1 …it makes you feel like you’re pushing something on someone?

New thought: Passion is a force—an essential force for your version of success. If you’re not passionate about your service or your product, maybe you shouldn’t be selling it in the first place. Worth considering.

But let’s assume you’re offering the world something that you WHOLEHEARTEDLY believe in—you’re anchored in purpose and meaning. Then let’s proceed…

Don’t burn energy trying to assume how people will perceive you.

What some people will read as enthusiasm and stamina, others may interpret as pushiness. It’s your job to show up as you, passion and all, and let the right customers make up their mind about you.

2 …you’re shy?

You have three choices here:

a) Pray that your good intentions + originality of your offering will attract prosperity. This tactic—on its own—never really works.
b) You could decide to just get over it—very possible. Nothing like the motivation to make rent, or achieve your dreams to help you overcome shyness. It happens all the time.
c) Let someone else do the selling for you—a writer, a rep, an agent, a virtual assistant.

3 …it’s not a “strength” of yours?

See #2.

4. Or… you’re afraid that people will think less of you? That you’ll be less of an artist, or a social change agent if you’re hustling your wares?

Well… thing is… so much of what you do translates into promotion. You are always radiating. From that personalized note that you tuck into your product shipment, to what you say at a party when someone asks what you do, to how you pitch the client to get the big account.

Here’s a formula to consider for your hustle:

RADIATE your passion + STATE THE FACTS of what that passion generates (the results it brings for you and your customers) = HAPPIER SELF PROMOTION

Cheering on your shine and your results,

 

PS: Creatives & Career lovers! I’ve got an e-list called Hey!FireStarterPeople! I mail 1x a month to fan your entrepreneurial flames. Simple. Hopefully useful. Try it out HERE.