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Whether you’re establishing a new business, or looking for a position in someone else’s, successfully marketing yourself is a crucial element of success.

It can feel uncomfortable, getting out there and tooting your own horn. No one likes a braggart, and no one likes to be in the position to be a braggart. But there’s no shame in letting people know your skills and abilities.

Marketing yourself should be an honest attempt to explain what you have to offer, why you are unique, and why you’d be an asset to someone’s life or business. Like in all things, it should involve reflection and consideration, and always come from a place of integrity.

There are lots of articles on the Internet about marketing yourself, so there’s no shortage of advice. I thought I’d jump into that pool, though, in the hopes that folks in my audience might benefit from some of what I’ve learned over the years. (As you’ll soon see, that’s an important step for marketing yourself!)

Step One: Identify your value

For Step One, ask yourself what skills and abilities and attributes make you different from everyone else. Really think outside the box here.

Don’t forget to consider both soft skills and hard skills.

Soft skills are abilities that aren’t dependent on a particular job or situation. Think things like organizational skills, communication abilities, speaking, and writing. These are useful abilities no matter what your end goal might be.

Hard skills are specific to a particular field. Maybe you know a certain piece of machinery or can program a computer. Maybe you’ve had unique training.

Spend some time getting a complete understanding of your worth. And believe me, you are valuable. What kind of attitude and mindset, on top of your abilities, make you an asset?

Step Two: Identify your audience

Once you’ve identified your value, or maybe while you’re doing that, think about what sort of audience would most benefit from what you have to offer.

Think about obvious professional situations, of course, but think outside the box, too.

Think about how your soft skills could translate into industries you’ve never considered before. What abilities do you have that can be applied in new ways?

Step Three: Establish a presence

If you don’t have a website, it’s time to get one.

Personal websites that serve as homepages for people to find you don’t have to be complicated, or expensive.

A simple search online will reveal dozens of website hosting suggestions, from the simple to the extravagant.

You can plan to spend just a little bit if you want to one a domain name that looks like your real name, or whatever you choose, without attaching anything else to the address. It’s worth the small investment because it looks professional.

While you’re at it, make sure you have a professional email address, too. Your name @ gmail.com works fine, but LionsFan_85 @ yahoo.com sends the wrong message.

Step Four: Understand your industry

Having identified potential audiences, and begun the process of establishing a presence, make sure you’re moving to understand the industries that might fit your skills.

Start by reading industry publications. You may be surprised to find that most are available through your local library system, and if they aren’t, the librarian may be able to get it for you.

One of the advantages of those publications is that they often have advertisements for other potential connections, making them an especially valuable investment of your time.

Also, consider joining professional organizations. In addition to having a chance to generate leads and make connections, you’ll stay informed, which may help you see other ways that your skills could be put to use.

Step Five: Be of service

Finally, make yourself available to be of service. Volunteer through those professional organizations. Find charitable groups that could use what you bring to the table.

What can you build? How can you help? Who will you meet along the way? These are all positive activities when it comes to marketing yourself.

You don’t need to give away all your time and ability, but being of service is an excellent way to start marketing yourself, and it feels good to help out.

Whether you’re just getting started in a new business, looking to add something to an existing one, or testing the waters of possibility, having a clear idea of how to market yourself will give you a leg up on the competition and help get the wheels turning.

Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

Jack