In our busy lives, where client work and other responsibilities often take precedence over everything else, the important task of marketing ourselves often gets put on the back burner. However, the importance of consistent marketing cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of personal and professional growth, the foundation of future success, and a key element in building a lasting legacy.
People often ask me how I find time to promote myself. I don't have time, but I make time because it's an investment in myself.
You need to set aside time to market yourself and build your personal brand. You may not think you need marketing right now, but marketing is an investment in your future, your business, and your legacy. Here's how:
Make time to market yourself: a non-negotiable investment
I hear the phrase “I don't have time to market myself” at least a few times each week from business professionals at all levels, and I know it. We also understand that you need to prioritize and make time for yourself while balancing work and life in general. Like any investment, it takes time, effort, strategy, and resources to achieve your goals.
The importance of marketing in a competitive environment
In today's saturated market, where countless professionals offer similar services, standing out from everyone else is not just an advantage, it's a necessity. Marketing is about keeping the people who hire you and refer you to work top of mind, and the first person they think of when they have an opportunity in your wheelhouse is you. is the name of It's important to build a brand that resonates and create a unique value proposition that sets you apart from your competitors.
marketing recruitment
For many people, the concept of marketing is often uncomfortable. solution? Tailor your marketing efforts to activities you enjoy and are good at. Choose a platform that reflects your strengths and interests, such as writing, speaking, networking, or social media. By doing so, marketing will cease to be a chore and become a fulfilling extension of your professional life.
Efficiency and Strategy: A Smart Approach to Marketing
There are only so many hours in a day, so efficiency is key. Consider outsourcing tasks outside your area of expertise (like marketing) and reusing existing content across multiple platforms to maximize impact. Take advantage of your most productive times, such as early mornings and late nights, to free up time dedicated to your marketing efforts. I focus on my personal branding efforts early in the morning before the day begins. I carve out this time because it's important – just like I work out or see my family – other things that are important to me as well.
The power of investing in yourself
The benefits of investing in your own marketing efforts cannot be overstated. This investment in yourself will help you grow your business and brand, establish credibility, build stronger connections, and set yourself up for long-term success. It's a commitment to your future self, your business, and your legacy. The path to achieving our goals is paved by the actions we take today, not tomorrow.
Taking Control: A Proactive Path to Success
A passive approach of waiting for opportunities to present itself rarely yields results. I always tell myself, “I have to work hard to win.” This can be a powerful motivator and remind you that you are responsible for pursuing your goals. If I don't do it, no one else will. I have to defend myself.
Start marketing yourself now
So what steps do you take to market yourself? The best time to start is now. Embrace marketing as an important part of your career and legacy.
Marketing yourself is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and invest in ourselves with the same effort and passion we use to serve our customers. But the rewards like visibility, recognition, and success are worth the effort. So, keep this advice in mind and focus on your own marketing with more confidence and purpose.
Key points to effectively market yourself
- Self-marketing is essential: Marketing yourself consistently is critical to your personal and professional growth and will help you stand out in a crowded market.
- investing in your future: Allocating time to self-marketing is more than just a daily routine, it's an investment in your future success and legacy.
- find joy in marketing: Tailoring your marketing efforts to your favorite activities will make the process more enjoyable and less tedious.
- Be efficient and strategic: Leverage efficient strategies like outsourcing and content reuse to get the most out of your marketing efforts without overdoing it.
- unparalleled returns: Investing in marketing efforts is worth the time and effort as it increases your image, visibility, connections, and long-term career success.
- Action is the key: Take a proactive approach to your goals. Waiting for opportunities to present itself is less effective than actively pursuing them.
- now or never: Embrace the urgency of marketing yourself. Now is the time to take advantage of the present and build a bright future.
homework items
- Audit current marketing efforts: Take a hard look at how you're currently marketing yourself. Identify what is working well and where there is room for improvement. Set specific goals to strengthen your visibility and personal brand.
- Create a marketing plan: Based on your audit, we create a customized marketing plan that incorporates activities you enjoy. Set clear, achievable goals and schedules.
- Schedule marketing time: Each week, block out a regular time slot dedicated solely to your marketing efforts. Treat these as non-negotiable promises to yourself.
- Participate in fun marketing activities: Choose at least one marketing activity that you enjoy and commit to it for the next month. That might be writing articles, attending networking events, or being on social media.
- Outsourcing or automation: Identify at least one marketing task that can be outsourced or automated to save time. Research tools and services that can help streamline this process.
- Reuse existing content: Look through your existing content (articles, videos, podcasts) and identify parts that can be updated or reused across different platforms.
- action plan towards goal: Write down one work goal you've been putting off. Create a step-by-step action plan to get there, whether it's applying for a job, proposing a speaking opportunity, or reuniting with a former client.
- reflection and adjustment: After one month, review your marketing efforts and progress towards your goals. Reflect on what worked and adjust your plan for continued growth.
By completing these homework items, you can take proactive steps to strengthen your personal marketing strategy and ensure you invest wisely in your future success and legacy.
