Self-Promotion for Introverts® Holds Marketing Insight for Everyone

I few months ago, I reviewed “Self-Promotion for Introverts®: The Quiet Guide for Getting Ahead.”  And yesterday, I did a recorded interview with Nancy Ancowitz, the author, for my soon-to-be-launched book segment on DIYMarketers.com.

Even though I’m a flaming extrovert, the title of this book had me completely hooked.  You see, while I may prefer to process information by interacting with others, I’m actually really shy.  So the promise of having a “quiet guide to getting ahead” was appealing to me.

I picked up the book from Amazon and dug right in as soon as it came in the mail.  I’m not going to give too much away, I’ll just say that there is a bigger message here than just tooting your own horn.  Nancy has hit upon a market secret that every small business should get: Authentic marketing is cost effective, easy and might actually be fun.

Here’s what I learned about self-promotion that you can easily do for your business as well.

1. Take an inventory of your accomplishments.  If you’re an individual, make a list of your successes, skills and what you do well.  If you’re a business — do the same.  Did you solve a customer problem, do the impossible?  Write it down and create a list.  Challenge yourself to create as many as you can.
2. Do what you like that’s comfortable and easy.  Nancy calls it creating a marketing mix.  And her suggestions are right on the money.  Marketing doesn’t have to be this all out loud communication fest.  There are many more subtle and quiet marketing activities that you may already be doing — just not calling them that.  For example, writing blog posts, guest posting, speaking, meeting people one on one, connecting with people via phone and social media.  Have conversations you love to have and look for opportunities to help people.
3. Make a list of all the people you can talk to.  In our recorded interview, Nancy’s number one suggestion to folks was to sit down and make a list of all the people you know that you can ultimately talk to about your strengths.  Start with a top-of-mind list.  Then when you can’t think of any more, get into your contact list.  Either call them, send e-mail or get together face-to-face and just see how you can help.

Self-Promotion for Introverts also has wonderful forms in it to get your thoughts in order.  And if you can’t wait to get the book, check out Nancy’s fantastic blog!  It’s loaded with wonderful, wonderful communication tips.

So which are you, introvert or extrovert and what are your personal marketing tips?