What is it about the combination of the words "self promotion"
that makes most women cringe? And why is it that, in particular,
women struggle the most in this arena?

Research has shown that there are a number of barriers women must
overcome with the concept of self-promotion. Unfortunately, we
are socialized as children not to talk about ourselves. And like
most children, some of us took this message to heart. The result
is that many women not only loathe talking about themselves but
they also loathe talking about their accomplishments. Why?
Because most women feel that this is - dare I say it? - bragging.

In our adult lives, many women often feel that their work should
speak for itself. While that sounds good on paper, this strategy
simply doesn't work very well for most women. The result is that
many women are often passed over for plum assignments, or worse,
for that coveted pay raise or promotion.

It is critical for women to develop a comfort level with talking
about themselves and their accomplishments. Self-promotion can
help do the following: make you visible, help you realize your
goals and dreams, establish you as an expert in your field, and
perhaps most importantly, lay the groundwork for future
opportunities.

Effective self promotion requires preparation. Here are a few
simple steps to get you started:

1. Take Inventory. You need to have a sense of what is worth
promoting about you and why it is important.

2. Identify Your Key Accomplishments. These should be
quantifiable and showcase your contributions.

3. Describe Your Accomplishment. A simple technique is the "CAR"
method: Describe the challenge, the actions, and the results.
Think in terms of telling a story.

4. Craft a Vision for Your Self Promotion. Start by answering
these questions: What is the outcome you want to achieve? By
When? How will you measure success? What is your timeframe for
getting started?

5. Identify Individuals to Help You. Include individuals both
inside and outside your organization. Don't be afraid to ask for
help!

6. Implement Your Strategy!

It's critical that you feel comfortable with whatever steps you
choose to take in your quest for self-promotion. One piece of
advice: start small and practice with a trusted colleague or a
business coach. Keep telling yourself that there is nothing wrong
with self-promotion. And remember, success doesn't usually come
to those who wait for it. It comes to those that have their "face
in the place" both literally and figuratively. 

Regina Barr is a management consultant and speaker with a 
special passion for helping women achieve leadership success. 
Regina helps companies develop strategies to attract, develop 
and retain women leaders. Her consulting firm, Red Ladder, Inc., 
also helps organizations and their leaders develop their full 
potential through strategic project management and coaching. 
For more information visit http://www.RedLadder.com  or 
http://www.RedLadder.blogs.com

Copyright 2005, Red Ladder, Inc. All Rights Reserved.