#2 Practise Self-Promotion

Finding employment, a job, or a career in today's economy is for many proving to be a very uphill battle. Jobs simply are not as prevalent as they were two years ago. Many are struggling in maintaining an effective job search.

Over the last couple of days I have been participating in a discussion initiated by a party who wanted to launch their career as a public speaker. The question was asked by this party, "How do I start getting speaking engagements?" Many professional speakers began to weigh in on the subject matter offering a variety of advice.

Are you ready for the truth?

Can you handle the truth?

It doesn't matter if your goal is to become a public speaker, dress-maker, employee of the year, or simply an employee--everyone must do something to get the word out that they are seeking an opportunity in a particular direction. What we call this task is...SELF-PROMOTION!

You are your greatest asset--your greatest product. From the moment we wake up we walk through every minute of our day selling something. We choose matching shoes to look presentable (a sales pitch). We shower and put on purfume or aftershave to be more enticing (a sales pitch). We try to drive the nicest vehicle possible (a sales pitch). We mix and mingle with people putting on our friendliest face (a sales pitch). From the moment we wake up, everything we do in a day is done to convince someone to believe some particular truth about ourself--to buy a sales pitch that we are a good person, worthy of their attention.

How do you effectively promote yourself? You promote yourself by first knowing your product and all the information pertaining to that product.

Think about this question for a brief moment--how do we sell? We sell by first listening to the other person, and while listening identify what this person wants or expects. By knowing our product well, (a process of preparation) we can then focus our communications on how we as an individual are best suited to meet the wants and expectations of this prospective employer or purchaser.

In a court room battle, a lawyer starts by making an opening arguement or statement, then lays out the evidence to support that statement, closing with a summation of the facts. This is all done to convince a person or parties to agree with the position of the Lawyer. This is a form of sales for in sales we are merely attempting to convince another party to buy or accept your product, concept, or arguement.

When looking for a job, it's imperative that you take time to do a very detailed and indepth personality analysis. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know your work history and the associated dates. Know your goals and aspirations. Know your personality style and the attributes that can bring to an empoyer. KNOW YOUR PRODUCT AND BE ABLE TO ARGUE YOUR CASE WITHOUT THE USE OF NOTES. Be able to provide a convincing arguement as to why you can best meet the wants and expectations of a prospective employer.


In our next segment we'll look at a third way you can improve your ability to find work. Join us for #3 Communicate Effectively .


James C. Tanner of www.jamesctanner.com and Breaking Jobs News is a highly published writer, entrepreneur, and public speaker.