BRAGGING ABOUT YOURSELF IS AN ART BUT IT ALSO CAN BE PROFITABLE

Bragging , as in about yourself, is not a four letter word.  In fact in today’s business world it is a necessity. Avoiding it leads to under-appreciation and even allowing others to take credit for accomplishments that are really yours. Most of us experience “brag fright”, which is the anxiety that grabs reluctant self-promoters when they are confronted with unfamiliar social occasions and making first impressions. In this case we desperately fear being judged. And yet that’s exactly what will happen no matter what you do. So why not find a way to speak up and show who and what you are. Maybe you bow our head and your voice loses all lift or rises to a squeaky pitch. You are now transmitting non-verbal communication cues that can sink you in seconds.

So what’s the alternative? Maybe the advice your mom may have given you about keeping your head up and many other cues that are so easy they bear documenting: Smile—Set a quick positive tone with a warm and sincere smile that spreads all over your face. Look directly at the other person—not over their shoulder or at their ear. You do not have to do it for many minutes, the first 5 to 8 seconds will do. The rest of the magic will happen as the other person will immediately recognize your confidence. Next is your good posture—This too reflects your confidence and energy. It's true even if you are sitting or walking down the hall or just holding out your hand to shake the hand of the other person. Your voice—It is the primary vehicle for conveying enthusiasm and interest.

Incidentally all of these apply to females as well as males. When you are in that social situation make sure your Dress shows your confidence as well. Be yourself at all times and especially with what you wear.  In line with this your Grooming is definitely a key to gaining notice. It makes a huge difference in how you are perceived. Having created these first impressions you now have set a platform to begin to talk about who you are and what you have accomplished.

It is suggested that you look over your resume frequently and sort of digest it in your mind so that you have a 10 to 20 second profile of who you are. That is, just the best parts and nothing else. If the other person wants you to follow up, they will ask you. Now how difficult was that to brag about yourself? You’ll find much more in a great little book by Peggy Klaus called “BRAG! THE ART OF TOOTING YOUR OWN HORN WITHOUT BLOWING IT”.