Why is Self-Promotion So Difficult? Self-Promotion Part One

It is a well known fact that many of us, especially women, have reservations about promoting ourselves. We find it extremely awkward to talk about ourselves in a positive manner. When we do make the push to “sell” ourselves,  we are so self conscious and apologetic that the message doesn’t quite have the impact we desired.

The implications for professional women to NOT promote themselves have many far reaching consequences. Perhaps, you were passed over for a promotion you rightly deserved. Maybe, you didn’t receive the venture capital you requested for your new business venture. Or is it possible that your business is not growing at the pace you anticipated because you are not comfortable selling yourself?

The good news is that you CAN learn to promote yourself effectively and comfortably with practice. However, the first step is to figure out what is holding you back.

This is the first of a three part series on self-promotion. This article focuses on the CULTURAL reasons that contribute to our reservations and fears about selling ourselves.

Take a good look at the following statements. Are they part of your belief system?

• “Nice Girls” don’t promote themselves
• People will think I am pushy and aggressive if I promote myself
• Bragging is “unbecoming” for a woman
• Women should be modest and humble
• People won’t like me if I brag about myself
• Talking about myself is uncomfortable

How do you relate to these statements?

Are holding on to these beliefs doing you any good?

Ask yourself: How would my business and/or career look if I were confident promoting myself, anything was possible, and I could NOT fail?

In order to move forward and learn good self-promotion, you need to let go of these limiting beliefs that are holding you back. Think of them as major roadblocks to your success and banish them from your belief system. Focus your attention to, what if the opposite were true? What would be possible?

The second part of this series will focus on the PERSONAL reasons that hold us back from self-promotion.