As a collector of quotes, one of my favorite comes from George W. Dudley, the co-author of “The Psychology of Sales Call Reluctance “Earning What You are Worth in Sales”. Dudley states, “The spoils do not go to the most talented, best prepared or hardest working. The riches go to those who are most willing to self promote!”
Is this fair? Well, that’s your call. Is it true? Haven’t you seen it played out over and over again? I know I have, and especially with successful sales people and executives. Many of us get so imbedded in the “getting stuff done” and forget that keeping people aware of “why work with me, or why promote me”, is part of the job.
Many people actually admonish self promotion (“let my work speak for itself”) while at the same time our culture rewards it handsomely. Some people play it beautifully – have you seen Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks in action? Think what you will, he turned a half dead franchise into a standing room only entertainment experience that people want to be a part of. He is spectacular at painting his vision and then getting people excited about being a part of that vision, and doing whatever it takes to help him accomplish it. Check out his blog if you want to see self promotion at its best at www.blogmaverick.com in Mark’s world, everyone benefits from his success.
I’m sure you can create a long list of people who self promote that you have vowed never to be like, but rather than throw the baby out with the bathwater, why not find a way to promote yourself, your work or your organization that isn’t offensive to you? If you read the paragraph above, don’t dismiss the fact that many people have benefited tremendously from Mark Cuban’s success –and promotion has been a significant part of his formula!!
Who besides yourself would benefit from you being wildly successful? So why not find a way to promote yourself in a way that works for you and helps you accomplish your professional goals?
