The Scary Truth About Marketing Yourself

The Scary Truth About Marketing Yourself Before I got laid off in 2006 I was kind of a heads-down guy with my work. I didnt network, didnt know many people locally, was totally unknown I went to work, did my job, and came home and did my family.   It was a peaceful existence. I had all the stress I needed with my work situation (we had a gargantuan task of turning a company around). Then, I got laid off. I soon learned what a grand disservice I had done to myself, my career, and my family by being heads-down. When you are laid off, relatively new to where you live, no one knows you, and you know no one, you are in a bad situation. Whats worse, I was not prepared for this layoff and I didnt really know what I was doing. So I did the wrong things. Fast forward twelve years and things are different. I network. I work on my brand. And, I market myself. CRINGE. Most people I come across do not like the idea of personal marketing. Its too much like bragging and self-aggrandizing. People can be comfortable talking about their company, and their projects, and their products, but generally we find it weird to talk about ourselves (in a good and appropriate way). That should change. We should figure this out. I love recommending the book BRAG! (Peggy Klaus) as a way to help us rethink how we talk about ourselves. But the reality is, we have to do it. Even if its uncomfortable. Even if were not perfect at it. When you connect with my on LinkedIn my admin will accept the invitation and respond back with a two paragraph intro to me. Its really more of a call to action than an intro it has suggestions of things to do (like watch my Pluralsight videos and get on JibberJobber). It is definitely marketing my stuff. It is talking about my stuff. Some people hate it some people are fine with it, and some people think its cool. But I cant let the haters tell me how to run my career. Its like people saying you shouldnt go to a networking event its like cheating on your boss. Oh really?   I tell you what, you pay for the rest of my life, needs and wants, and then you can tell me how to manage my career. Otherwise, I have to do what I have to do. Even if it is hard or uncomfortable. And thats the scary truth: you we have to do this. We simply have to. Dont put yourself in a position where you are unknown and know no one. Instead, consistently work hard at helping people know who you are and what you have to offer. It will be scary. Youll make mistakes. Youll second-guess yourself and your messaging. But youll get better over time. And it will pay off during the multiple career changes you experience throughout your career. The Scary Truth About Marketing Yourself Before I got laid off in 2006 I was kind of a heads-down guy with my work. I didnt network, didnt know many people locally, was totally unknown I went to work, did my job, and came home and did my family.   It was a peaceful existence. I had all the stress I needed with my work situation (we had a gargantuan task of turning a company around). Then, I got laid off. I soon learned what a grand disservice I had done to myself, my career, and my family by being heads-down. When you are laid off, relatively new to where you live, no one knows you, and you know no one, you are in a bad situation. Whats worse, I was not prepared for this layoff and I didnt really know what I was doing. So I did the wrong things. Fast forward twelve years and things are different. I network. I work on my brand. And, I market myself. CRINGE. Most people I come across do not like the idea of personal marketing. Its too much like bragging and self-aggrandizing. People can be comfortable talking about their company, and their projects, and their products, but generally we find it weird to talk about ourselves (in a good and appropriate way). That should change. We should figure this out. I love recommending the book BRAG! (Peggy Klaus) as a way to help us rethink how we talk about ourselves. But the reality is, we have to do it. Even if its uncomfortable. Even if were not perfect at it. When you connect with my on LinkedIn my admin will accept the invitation and respond back with a two paragraph intro to me. Its really more of a call to action than an intro it has suggestions of things to do (like watch my Pluralsight videos and get on JibberJobber). It is definitely marketing my stuff. It is talking about my stuff. Some people hate it some people are fine with it, and some people think its cool. But I cant let the haters tell me how to run my career. Its like people saying you shouldnt go to a networking event its like cheating on your boss. Oh really?   I tell you what, you pay for the rest of my life, needs and wants, and then you can tell me how to manage my career. Otherwise, I have to do what I have to do. Even if it is hard or uncomfortable. And thats the scary truth: you we have to do this. We simply have to. Dont put yourself in a position where you are unknown and know no one. Instead, consistently work hard at helping people know who you are and what you have to offer. It will be scary. Youll make mistakes. Youll second-guess yourself and your messaging. But youll get better over time. And it will pay off during the multiple career changes you experience throughout your career.