Self Promotion

[HoneyBadgerDC]

Self promotion is one of those things that if done right is the mark of a true gentleman but if done wrong can spur all kinds of nasty, bitter feelings or just make one look like a boring braggart. Looking back at my own career I failed miserably here, I didn’t know how to do it right so I just played the loyal soldier role.

Retired now and on to new things I have taken up writing. Self promotion seems to be a necessary thing here, even to the point where I need to exaggerate my qualifiers a bit. I am finding this extremely awkward. Is there any special approach to this that might be helpful?

[QuickSilver]

Perhaps your own version of “John Miller” or “Jim” would help with publicity.

[HoneyBadgerDC]

@QuickSilver

Perhaps your own version of “John Miller” or “Jim” would help with publicity.

I am a little more at ease with that approach. Might be the way I end up going.

[TriPolar]

It sounds like you want to brag about yourself, which if you have to sell your own product is just part of the game. It can be difficult if it’s not built into your personality but one approach is to get a ‘wing-man’ to lead the way for you. Once someone speaks glowingly of you then you can step in, act a little modest, but you’ll have an audience eager to hear of your deeds and exploits. I’m not sure how you apply that to your writing directly but you can make yourself sound like a Hemingway just by relating the interesting experiences in your life. Of course it helps to have those experiences, or accomplishments, but you can just relate what it’s like to have been around while exciting things were happening.

I’m not recommending this but some people have been their own wing-man, pretending to be someone else extolling your virtues and pretending to be part of a potential market for whatever you are selling. Donald Trump did this as well as Evel Knievel. I have not done that myself but I have sent friends and colleagues out in advance to pave the road for me.

And remember that part of starting with a little modesty, it makes you seem more credible and gives you a chance to read someone’s reaction and see if they want to hear more.

[HoneyBadgerDC]

@TriPolar

It sounds like you want to brag about yourself, which if you have to sell your own product is just part of the game. It can be difficult if it’s not built into your personality but one approach is to get a ‘wing-man’ to lead the way for you. Once someone speaks glowingly of you then you can step in, act a little modest, but you’ll have an audience eager to hear of your deeds and exploits. I’m not sure how you apply that to your writing directly but you can make yourself sound like a Hemingway just by relating the interesting experiences in your life. Of course it helps to have those experiences, or accomplishments, but you can just relate what it’s like to have been around while exciting things were happening.

I’m not recommending this but some people have been their own wing-man, pretending to be someone else extolling your virtues and pretending to be part of a potential market for whatever you are selling. Donald Trump did this as well as Evel Knievel. I have not done that myself but I have sent friends and colleagues out in advance to pave the road for me.

And remember that part of starting with a little modesty, it makes you seem more credible and gives you a chance to read someone’s reaction and see if they want to hear more.

  Basically I have just formed some strong opinions and theories about things based on a personality quirk I have about studying behavior. I also have close to 40 years in various forms of management positions. No formal qualifications I can point to but I feel my background gives me a unique perspective. I just see no reason why anyone would simply take my word on that.