Shameless self-promotion
People talk about ‘shameless self-promotion’, which gives the idea that we should be ashamed to promote ourselves and what we do.
If you’re a freelance language teacher, trainer or coach, you’re a big part of what people are buying. They want to know who you are, what you do and how you could help them. And if you’re reluctant to talk about your work, how are they supposed to find out?
Showing off?
Promoting your business isn’t the same thing as bragging, boasting or showing off.
Showing off is very much style over substance. It’s all about appearing good in some way, and very often the reality is different. We can instinctively feel the falsity behind it, and this is a big reason why it feels ‘icky’ or cringy.
There is nothing wrong with being aware of our achievements and willing to celebrate them. In fact, it’s a key part of healthy self-esteem.
Staying hidden
Equally, letting people know about your genuine successes, as part of marketing your business, is a completely different thing to boasting.
You have something to offer that can make people’s lives easier or better, so how is it of benefit to them if you remain hidden, and no one knows how you can help?
You never know if and when someone needs to hear about what you do, so give them that chance.
That might mean sharing a client success story (with their permission), explaining how you approach a particular problem, or talking about what makes your work different. All of these help potential clients understand what you offer and decide whether you’re the right person to help them.
Fear of judgement
The other root cause of feeling uncomfortable about promoting ourselves is fear of what other people will think, of being judged.
My experience is that the vast majority of people are happy for you and/or inspired by success. But inevitably some people WILL judge you negatively.
That’s human nature, and their prerogative. It may be that what you are doing triggers their insecurities, or that they’ve been brought up to believe that what you’re doing is immodest or ignoble. Fair enough, that’s up to them. We can’t control what other people think.
But are you going to let a small number of other people’s issues hold you back in developing your business or getting what you do out into the world? Does that really make sense?
Finally, it doesn’t all have to be ‘shameless’ self-promotion. Make a point of celebrating what other people do as well, and when you spot your own judgements arising, question them.
Remember what Marianne Williamson said:
‘As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.’
Want to attract clients without feeling as though you’re constantly promoting yourself?
Getting comfortable talking about your work is a great start. But there’s more to attracting the right clients than simply getting yourself out there.
In my free four-part video series, Booked Out Without Burning Out, I explore how to attract more right-fit clients, communicate the value of what you offer and build a freelance language teaching business that’s profitable and sustainable.
It’s practical, it’s free, and you can watch it at your own pace.