Well done Jabulile, you have hit the nail right on the head. It's all about personal branding - getting that right, will make the rest follow!
26 March 2008 at 06h00
Ever had the feeling that you've been pipped at the post by someone just because they sold themselves so well? You know they were no better than you, but the way they projected themselves won the day for them. Do you present yourself in the best possible way or do you sometimes sell yourself short to other people?
Ever had the feeling that you've been pipped at the post by someone just because they sold themselves so well? You know they were no better than you, but the way they projected themselves won the day for them. Do you present yourself in the best possible way or do you sometimes sell yourself short to other people?
The way you present yourself goes a long way towards shaping the impression others form of you. To create a good impression on potential employers, friends or even lovers isn't about being fake or worrying too much what they think. It merely means knowing how to emphasise and project your strong points and favourable characteristics in the best way and having the self-confidence to do so.
Selling yourself well doesn't mean talking just about yourself or arrogantly telling others how great you are. In fact people who just "big themselves" up all the time actually come across as less sure of themselves, simply because they obviously have to try too hard. But on some level you do need to present yourself well.
A common mistake people make is to sell themselves short. They actively put themselves down, talk about their failures, weaknesses and mistakes. They'll tell you what they can't do or attempt and why they are unable to do this or that. This self-effacement can really leak out and pretty soon other people start to agree with you. If you are too self-deprecatory, too publicly self-critical and describe yourself in too limiting terms, then it gives permission to others to join in and think less about you, even to talk about you in limiting ways.
You don't have to go around saying: "I did a wonderful job", but you can say things like: "I'm really pleased with the way that turned out." This sends the clear message that you have qualities/skills, etc. What you need to do is sell yourself in the best way. So how do you sell yourself best? Well how you sell yourself is down to your communication and to the way you feel inside.
Your communication happens through the way you dress, are groomed, move, speak and the subtle expressions of your face. Strong eye contact and a firm positive voice all show confidence. Smiling and being interested in what others have to say indicates attentiveness and friendliness. The demonstration of clear ideas and thoughtfulness displays logic, etc. Sell yourself so that your subconscious mind can absorb this. It's easy for the little negative voice in your head to sneer at you before you meet others, always reminding you of what you feel you're not good at. But we want you to sell yourself in the best possible way, so you need to be able to relax, to feel confident and to really be on your own side.
Sell yourself now and stop letting yourself down. Network confidently and always emphasise your strengths, look and feel good, don't use vulgar language, join associations and contribute your skills to sell you and boost your brand.
Jabulile Mofokeng is a marketing guru. She can be contacted at jabu@marketing101.co.za.
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