Most entrepreneurs find self-aggrandizing awkward and uncomfortable.
In one way or another, consciously or unconsciously, we’ve all been conditioned to hold back. To avoid appearing cocky or arrogant. To save face. To sidestep drawing attention to ourselves.
But if you don’t act as though you’re important, who’s going to do it on your behalf?
More certificates, diplomas, degrees, and doctorates won’t make you any more important. No awards or commendations will make you more important. Even being “discovered” won’t make you any more important than you already are, and it probably won’t happen, especially if you act as though you are unimportant.
You can’t wait for permission because no one is going to give it to you. There is simply too much going on in the world. Everyone is building towards their dreams. If you can’t find a way to integrate your goals with the goals of others, you should not expect to receive much help or recognition. If you don’t know what’s important to the people you’re working with, do not expect them to stick around. At some point, they will leave, and they won’t come back.
Hiding behind a corporate logo is a sure way to lose. People don’t connect with brands; they connect with the people behind the brands.
Place your photo everywhere, on your business cards, in your email signature, in the sidebar of your website. It doesn’t matter whether you like being photographed or how you appear in a photograph. Showing your face is a crucial and necessary step to self-aggrandizing.
Whether you’re an award-winning entrepreneur, a best-selling author, certified life coach, or anything else of note, hammer it repeatedly in your media. And if you haven’t accomplished anything of note, either set out to achieve something in the next year or study the process of manufacturing influence.
Have others talk you up. Get someone to introduce you on your webinars or at your live presentations. Have one of your top clients create a video sales letter for you and get them to share the amazing results they got and why others should hire you or buy your product immediately.
You’re important because you say you’re important. Self-aggrandizing is the first step to being perceived as important and influential by others.
