Recently while cruising the status feed on Facebook, I stumbled upon a post from a friend and colleague. She mentioned having to promote her most recent publication and her embarrassment and discomfort with doing so.
I immediately thought of how frustrated I get at times with marketing and promotions. The task of “branding” is often annoying to me. I was never a good marketing and promo person, ever! I even sucked at selling Girl Scout cookies! To this day when it comes to school fundraisers for my young ones whether it is candy and candles or raffle tickets, it simply is not my thing.
However…
When I decided to commit myself to my life’s work of inspiring and motivating others through my writing and other talents, I had to confront the daunting task of promoting myself. I wasn’t comfortable with that at all.
I was never a part of the “popular club” even as a youth. My mother skillfully cultivated modesty in her daughters. Selling ourselves and our talents was not “becoming” and “lady like” at that time.
Although a touch of modesty works well in the recipe for compassion and humanity, too much modesty can turn enthusiasm into the wallflower stuck in the corner who never hits the dance floor. Too much modesty keeps an innovative concept glued to the shelf to gather dust. An overdose of modesty can turn into excuses and fear withering dreams and ambition.
So how did I conquer my conflict with self-promotion and marketing?
I realized it was much being than me. That’s right! “It ain’t about you!” Or me either for that matter! We are all a part of something much grander than that!
Instead of focusing so much on me and comparing my “brand” to that of others, I shifted my focus to what I have to offer.
Whether it is our talent, our knowledge, our ideas and inventions, or simply our example of love and life, we come to this planet to offer our unique gifts to each other and the world around us.
When I put my ideas, my heart, my books, my image out there, I am hopefully putting my best forward and making my offering believing that somebody somewhere will be blessed by it.
And in those moments when I feel like I have put myself out there way too much or that everyone is sick of seeing my face and hearing from me, I get a confirmation email or call or response: Thanks so much for posting this! I read this in tears! I read your story and it inspired me to…
Yeah, so I push past my self-consciousness and get up the next morning and do it all over again… How about you?
Are you selling yourself short or are you living each day honoring the value of the gifts you have to offer? It is not about how big or expensive, famous or celebrated; it is about how uniquely you your gifts are and how committed you are to cultivating and sharing them.
We are only here for a quick minute to to give and share with the world around us and those we love. Why not put it out there, give it up? Someone is waiting just for you!
So who are you and what are the gifts you have to offer? I’d love to hear from you. Bless the blog below!
As always,
Be Joyful,
Be Creative,
Be Inspired,
Tamara