Success Lessons From 2014 - Part 10 - Promote Your Work

Dear Loving people,

Today, we live in an era that seems to call for the constant announcement of one's own existence. Imagine that you've spent countless hours even years producing the excellent content that could keep you ahead of many competitors. Pat yourself on the back, and then get back to work, because people need to know your stuff exists! you might have been talking to close friends or pulling some strings within our community. But there's another important constituency: The whole wide world. To some people sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start. That's why Living Lectures is there for you.

The days are over when an author for example, could relish the quiet days of writing a book, then pass it off to his publisher who would do the dirty work of promoting it. If you have a publisher, they will work hard for you and will help connect your book to their networks. Today, the work of promoting the book requires just as much work as writing the book, if not more so.

Whether you're just starting out in a new career or are a seasoned professional, it is important to promote your career. The times have changed from when it was simply enough to shake some hands and distribute a few business cards. In order to promote your business today, you must highlight past accomplishments, continue your education, network in new ways and share your expertise. Sailing through in all that you do today means that you should:

1.    Emphasize past accomplishments and successes. Use your career accomplishments to build your reputation when talking with other professionals.

2.   Enhance your education and expertise. With jobs adapting to emerging technology and methods, it's important to stay at the forefront of your career.

3.   Create a stellar resume. Include key words, honors and accolades, and specific ways that you fulfilled your role in your office or company.

4.   Network with other professionals. Join professional organizations and get to know others in the group. Use social media networking sites to share what you are working on and to demonstrate your abilities and aspirations.

5.   Share your expertise. If your current job doesn't allow you to demonstrate all of your abilities, creativity and potential consider sharing your expertise other ways.

6.   Advertise your services if you are self-employed. Create a marketing plan that will get information about your business to potential customers and clients.

7.   Strive to be the best. Exceed performance goals, create new methods of accomplishing tasks and work as efficiently as possible. Excelling in your career is one of the best possible ways to promote yourself.

“Every tournament I play gives me a great opportunity to market whatever I am working on or wearing,” says Serena Williams.

A central part of promoting your work is equally taking the time to own up to and learn from your mistakes.

Dan Schawbel, Founder of Millennial Branding & Author of Promote Yourself says “It’s what you do that makes you who you are and how you project that to others that makes you memorable.”