Stand Out and Succeed: How to Tell Stories to Have a Soaring Career!

Have you ever scratched your head, wondering why that promotion eluded you or why fantastic career chances seem to glide past? You're dedicated, you consistently deliver top-notch work, and your commitment to the organisation is clear. But the hiring managers and recruiters need to learn how brilliant you are.

The main concern is how we can effectively promote ourselves. Through years of studying this topic and talking with ambitious women, it's evident that many women find it challenging to showcase their achievements. On the other hand, men excel in this area, effortlessly highlighting their successes. As women, we need to express our potential and value more confidently.

You may be able to relate if you have ever:

1. Silently hoped your excellent performance will put you in the spotlight?

2. Waited patiently for that 'golden moment', the perfect manager, or event to display your prowess?

3. Thought that self-promotion is alien or even somewhat distasteful.

Let's face reality!

1. Doing good work is great, but it's not enough! (Listen to our Lead to Soar podcast episode about it.)

2. Waiting for the perfect moment is unlikely to happen.

3. While you hesitate, others are probably confidently pursuing their goals.

But don't worry because the tools for change are within your reach.

Mastering the Art of Self-Promotion

It is vital to change our way of thinking. We should consider self-promotion a crucial career skill rather than an arrogant act. Many women are taught to hide their ambitions, wait for their chance, and stay out of the spotlight. As my esteemed colleague Susan Colantuono aptly states, "Don't just be yourself, be your BEST self." Recognising our inherent strengths forms the cornerstone of high-impact, authentic self-promotion.

To start, make a list with two columns. In the first column, list your essential qualities and values, such as your sense of humour, open-mindedness, or creativity. Then, in the second column, focus on your professional strengths, like your skill in leading a team, your talent for negotiating, or your ability to spot talented individuals.

Then, craft sentences like: "I am celebrated for my <insert your unique attributes and skills>."

You Need to Sell Yourself

One of the most compelling methods for women to self-promote is through storytelling. As Renata Bernade, Career Coach and Job Hunting Expert, tells us, you must sell yourself, and "you don't have to be all grown up and boring!"

You sell yourself and your accomplishments through storytelling. You can do this by adopting a three-step process that I learned some years ago and now know is a component of "The Gaddie Pitch" by Antony Gaddie.

Step 1: What is the problem you solved?

Step 2: What is the solution that you created?

Step 3: What are the outcomes you delivered?

Or, use the dragon slaying method by Liz Ryan. This pitch is similar to the Gaddie Pitch but more applicable in interviews. The dragon-slaying story method goes as follows:

1. What went wrong

2. What you did to solve the problem, and

3. The happy result -- the proof that the action you took was the right one.

Regularly practice these stories over dinner, coffee breaks, or team meetings. These narratives will flow naturally with time, painting a vivid picture of your talents and value.

Practice the way you introduce yourself, too. Listen to our Lead to Soar podcast episode "How to Nail a Confident Introduction" for more tips.

Simply put, women need to be able to confidently promote themselves and their achievements in their careers. This means changing how we think about ourselves, recognising our strengths, and telling compelling stories about the problems we've solved, the solutions we've created, and the great results we've achieved. With enough practice, we can all get better at introducing ourselves and talking about our accomplishments - and that's a great way to show off our unique talents and all the great things we're capable of.

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After all, if we don't believe in ourselves and our abilities, who will?

If you're a go-getter woman looking to enhance your leadership skills and expand your network with other driven businesswomen, then being a part of the Lead to Soar Network is a must-have.

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