We’ve all been there. You’ve accomplished something great, something you’re genuinely proud of, and then the little voice in your head pipes up: “Don’t toot your own horn.” It’s a common sentiment, often rooted in humility or a fear of appearing arrogant. But what if I told you that sometimes, tooting your own horn isn’t just okay, it’s essential?
I recently had a conversation with someone who, after a stating where she had done a good job , demurred, “I don’t want to toot my own horn.” My immediate thought? “Why not?!”
Think about it. We work hard, we achieve goals, we overcome challenges. These aren’t minor feats; they’re the result of dedication, skill, and often, a lot of extra effort. So why do we hesitate to acknowledge our own successes?
The Power of Self-Advocacy
In a world where opportunities often go to those who are seen and heard, self-advocacy is a crucial skill. If you don’t highlight your accomplishments, who will? Your boss might be busy, your colleagues might not realize the full scope of your contribution, and potential clients certainly won’t know unless you tell them.
“Tooting your own horn” isn’t about arrogance; it’s about confidence. It’s about recognizing your value and effectively communicating it to others. It’s about owning your successes and using them as stepping stones for future growth.
It’s Not Bragging if It’s True (and Delivered Thoughtfully)
The key here is how you toot your horn. There’s a fine line between confident self-promotion and obnoxious bragging. The difference often lies in your intention and delivery.
- Focus on impact: Instead of just listing what you did, explain the positive outcome or benefit. “I successfully implemented X, which resulted in a 15% increase in Y.”
- Share credit when due: While you’re highlighting your contribution, acknowledge the team or individuals who helped you achieve the success. This shows you’re a team player, not just self-serving.
- Be authentic: Don’t exaggerate or make things up. Stick to the facts and let your achievements speak for themselves.
- Choose your moments: Not every moment is the right time for self-promotion. Be strategic about when and where you share your successes.
This concept is especially vital for those in sales. You’re constantly seeking to demonstrate value and differentiate yourself from the competition. Your past successes are your most powerful testimonials!
When you’re talking to a potential client, don’t shy away from sharing how you helped a similar business streamline their payment processing, save on fees, or improve customer experience. “I recently helped a client similar to you reduce their processing fees by 20% by optimizing their system, which freed up capital for them to invest elsewhere.” This isn’t just tooting your horn; it’s providing tangible proof of your expertise and the benefits you can deliver. Your confidence in your past wins will translate into confidence from your prospects.
So, the next time you achieve something noteworthy, take a moment to celebrate it. And if that little voice tells you not to toot your own horn, remind it that sometimes, a little fanfare is exactly what you need to move forward.
What’s one accomplishment you’re proud of that you’ve been hesitant to share?
Happy Selling,
David
Payment Lynx Daily 