Why Do We Resist “Marketing”?
I’ve traditionally hated the word “marketing.” My brain would automatically put it in the same category as “used car salesman.” But something about that association changed last February when I took Marie Forleo’s B School. Marie teaches entrepreneurs what she calls “heart-centered marketing.” You don’t do anything slimy or shady, but simply share with the world what you have to offer. If no one knows you exist, how will anyone ever understand who you are, what you do, or how you help?
Plug and play that concept to you and your work. If the boss doesn’t understand what an instrumental role you played on closing that deal, converting that client, or keeping the constituent happy, how will you be treated during the next annual review? Who will they give the raise to? How about the promotion?
Here’s the truth:
We have to market ourselves because what we do matters. But if we don’t convey the value we add to decision makers, they’ll never know. Not because they don’t want to see or acknowledge us, but because they’re busy, and they forget. It’s not personal.
But it’s damn important.
So important, that I’ve called in the big guns to talk about this topic: Emily Binder, Principal at Beetle Moment Marketing. Emily is on the cutting edge of marketing and social media, and very outspoken about equity and the contribution of women in the workplace. She shares eight “Power Tips” on how to market yourself, and it’s not the contrived stuff you’ve heard before. She speaks about some of the counterintuitive truths that make you stand out, and therefore get ahead. She talks about combating negative stereotypes to uplift your sisters. And she breaks down the “fake it ’til you make it myth” with a waaaayyyy better idea for how to put your ass where your heart is…even if you’re scared to death.
