In a conversation with a senior management client recently
it was interesting to observe that even with a list of
impressive and significant accomplishments they were very
reluctant to talk about them, even admit them and certainly
not willing to put them down on paper.

They are currently working for a large Fortune 500 company
where a strong internal profile and personal brand is key
to getting the next opportunity or promotion, but no-one
has even shown them how to do it - authentically.

This was their dilemma. How to brag without appearing
brash, arrogant or just plain big headed?

Here are 10 ways that you can market your talents without
feeling unclean or sleazy!

1. Know exactly what it is you do to or for others. You
need to be able to express this in a very short, memorable
sentence, so that when people have a particular issue that
you can solve they immediately think of you. Most
'branders' will tell you it has to be 12 or less words,
some say 7, some say even 2 or 3. Whatever it ends up being
make it impactful.

2. Make it impossible someone to say no to you after they
have met you. If you have managed to do all the hard work
and gained someone's attention, make sure that you provide
them with enough that they feel they cannot leave the
interaction without wanting more. Might be another meeting,
a request to follow up or to see a portfolio.

3. Do not shy away from what you do and love what it does
for others If you are not passionate about what it is you
do, if you are embarrassed when people ask then its
draining and negatively impacting on all that you do. Find
something that connects with your values and delivers a
difference. This is perfectly possible in a corporate
environment.

4. Do not be like the cobbler and his children Quite often
I hear the phrase "Typical, its like the cobbler who's
children had no shoes....." I will admit it, even I am
guilty of this sometimes. But bottom line is that we should
always be walking our talk - if you are in finance be sure
your personal money is in order, if you are in IT don't
have an overflowing in box, if you are in marketing have a
portfolio that reflects that.

5. Do more of what you are good at, leverage your talents.
What are you particularly known for, your unique ability?
How can this be weaved more consistently in to your
everyday actions? Become known for something that proves to
be invaluable, because then you are.

6. Not everyone knows what they want, help them. Everyone
is overwhelmed today - too much e-mail, too many choices,
too many requests on their time, not enough resources. Be
sure of what it is you can do for people then ensure that
you tell them and then demonstrate how that is going to be
useful to them. If they can see the relevance the decision
is made.

7. Attach the emotions, let people feel the connection. If
you only can explain your talents in very rational terms
then the listener is much less likely to be engaged. Be
more emotive in describing certain examples of the
situation before you got involved, the challenges faced,
the feelings associated with those problems. And then the
feelings after you were able to help with your talents.
Then people can feel connected to you, what you can do for
others and be mindful of that when they hear of others in a
similar bind.

8. Do not leave anything out. All too often when we are
using our unique talents we take a lot of what we are able
to do for granted. After all, it just comes so naturally
that it is not a strain, isn't that the same for everyone?
Well no it's not. So make sure that those who do utilise
your talents are fully aware of all that you bring.

9. Have an answer for the doubting Thomas' On occasion
people will suddenly find a reason to be negative,
sarcastic or doubtful of what it is you claim. Be ready
with an effective response.

10. Build your brand - everywhere. Ensure that all you are
doing, saying and communicating is a reflection of how you
want to be known, and that information is what you want
others to know. By the time they actually reach you then
you have got them at Hello!

About the Author:

Paul Copcutt is Canada's leading personal brand consultant,
recognised by Forbes as one of the top certified personal
brand strategists he is often quoted in The Globe & Mail,
Canada's leading national newspaper and is the author of
'Google ME - How to build your online personal brand in 10
easy action steps'. His company website is
http://www.squarepegsolution.com/