Women Don’t Like To Self-Promote – But Here’s Why They Should

Team Sassy gets a lesson on the importance of self-promotion from Nikki Davies, the woman behind CoNEXTion and a Platinum-tier #IAmRemarkable facilitator.

Why is self-promotion so important in today’s competitive world? Lack of self-promotion can contribute to wider inequity through disparities in promotions, opportunities and pay. While men tend to accurately evaluate or even overrate their performance, women typically underestimate their achievements. If tooting your own horn is something you avoid because you feel too shy or are afraid it would come off as bragging, read on for tips from expert Nikki Davies on how to confidently self-promote in the workplace and beyond.

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Self-Promotion Is Not Bragging

Did you know that only one in two people feel that their managers ensure they receive credit for their work? Yet, for many of us, the idea of self-promotion feels like bragging, causing us to shy away from sharing our accomplishments.

People really do not know how to self-promote effectively.

“People really do not know how to self-promote effectively. They struggle with the concept, the stigma and the techniques. I have had a room full of business leaders, including CEOs, and they have never truly understood or appreciated their own achievements,” says Nikki.

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Self-Promotion In The Workplace

Self-promotion involves actively showcasing one’s skills, achievements, and unique qualities to gain recognition and create opportunities. It is a vital aspect of personal and professional growth. For individuals, self-promotion can boost confidence, help you stand out from the crowd and attract potential employers or clients. For businesses or brands, self-promotion helps build credibility, expand the customer base and establish a strong market presence.

According to Nikki, “Self-promotion can become a powerful part of your life and improve your self-image and self-esteem.”

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How To Start Your Self-Promotion Journey

Let’s dive into some tips that we learned during our #IamRemarkable session with Nikki Davies, which might just help you get started on your own self-promotion journey:

• Embrace your accomplishments: Acknowledge your achievements and the value you bring to the table. Don’t be shy about sharing your successes and the impact you’ve made in your personal and professional life. Remember, you deserve recognition!
• Overcome the fear of bragging: Many of us hesitate to self-promote because we worry about coming across as show offs. But here’s the thing; effectively showcasing your talents and accomplishments is not bragging – it’s owning your worth. Embrace the confidence to share your story. It’s not bragging if it’s based on facts.
• Learn the art of storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for self-promotion. Craft compelling narratives that highlight your skills, experiences, and the positive outcomes you’ve achieved. Share your journey in a way that captivates and inspires others.
• Collaborate with friends and colleagues: Get a group of friends or colleagues together each week to track and share your achievements out loud. By celebrating each other’s successes, you can gain support and encouragement in your self-promotion efforts.
• Be genuine and authentic: While self-promotion is about showcasing your strengths, it’s important to stay true to yourself. People appreciate honesty and authenticity, and it will help you build trust and credibility.

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More about #IamRemarkable

#IAmRemarkable is a global movement that empowers everyone to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. Starting in 2016, it was originally only offered to Google employees, but soon Google was getting requests from customers, agencies, universities, and all sorts of other places. Today, #IAmRemarkable is a 90-minute workshop open to everyone, with phenomenal feedback and is offered through a non-profit.

As of December 2023 the initiative reached 550,000 participants from 180 countries with over 3,000+ active facilitators delivering the workshop worldwide. Nikki Davies is one of those passionate Gold-Tier Facilitators. Nikki offers free #IAmRemarkable online and in person sessions, where individuals or organisations can sign up and join a 90-minute workshop. The workshop is part of a broader programme that Nikki runs on Resilience Building and coaching. Head here for more information.

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