SELL YOURSELF, SELL YOUR SOUL, PART I

In the process of a slight career change, I have recently come to terms with the fact that I am simply not good at selling myself. I am more than happy talking up other people, but when it comes to myself, I squirm with discomfort. Okay, selling my soul is a bit of an exaggeration. I am referring to the part of myself that wishes to remain a genuine person and that blatantly selling myself seems to chip away at that characteristic.

Why is the task of selling myself so daunting? It is not that I am not proud of my accomplishments, of course I am. It is the idea of wearing them on my sleeve that makes me cringe. If you are smart, talented, educated, creative, and passionate, those traits will surface through natural conversation. If you believe in what you do, sell, or create it will be obvious by your hard work and dedication.



Sure, there is a fine line between a high level of confidence and cockiness, but I choose not to get too close to either. Self confidence is great but not when it crosses the border into bragadociousville. Bragging is not becoming on anyone no matter how fabulous he or she may be.

Much like how charitable deeds should be done out of the kindness of one's heart and not for publicity and recognition, hard work should be done for the sake of a good work ethic. Or am I completely missing the mark here?

I wonder if this feeling of selling myself as selling my soul is a female thing, a southern thing, or just a me thing. Enter Debra's Condren's amBITCHous: (def.) A Woman Who: 1. Makes more money 2. has more power 3. gets the recognition she deserves 4. has the determination to go after her dreams to the rescue. Imagine my delight to find that not only is the lovely author a native Arkansan, but also that I am not alone. Selling myself does seem to have an ambitchous ring to it and by delving into Condren's book I feel I am making some headway.


Do you feel at home selling yourself or do you feel like you are coming out of your skin when the occassion calls for you to do so?

Have you mastered the art of selling yourself without selling your soul (that part of you that wishes to remain genuine)?

If so, what are your tips, tricks, and resources?

Do you feel that women struggle with selling ourselves more than men?

Comment or send a message to smalltownista@gmail.com with your thoughts on this subject.

Tune into Thursdays post on Sell Youself, Sell Your Soul, Resume Revamping.

Toodles from a learning to sell myself without being a braggart smalltownista.