NETWORKING - HOW TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITHOUT BRAGGING

As entrepreneurs there are many occasions in which we need to speak about or write about ourselves and our accomplishments. We may need an introduction to a speech, a bio for a newsletter, a description for a business proposal, or a summary for a press release. Many women entrepreneurs that I work with are uncomfortable writing about themselves because it feels like bragging. We have been raised to believe that bragging is impolite and rude.

So, how do you write about yourself in a way that is honest, exciting and engaging for others without feeling embarrassed?

First, list all of the facts that you can think about yourself: Education, experience, awards, clubs, titles, honors, accomplishments.

Second, review any testimonials you have received from clients. Look for common themes. What do others consistently say about you?

Third, ask your friends to describe you. What stands out in their mind? How do they describe you to others?
Fourth, add some personal information. What motivates you? What are your goals? What legacy do you want to see in the world?

Spread out all of these accomplishments and descriptions in front of you so you get a real feel for yourself and who you are in relationship to the world. Then, leverage the single most important key to writing about yourself - pretend you are writing about someone else. It's much easier to brag about someone else than it is about ourselves - so for the sake of this exercise it's important to imagine you are speaking about a good friend instead of yourself.

Write your bio in the third person, referring to yourself by your first name or by "she" and "her". Pretend that the person you are writing about is a friend, a client or someone you would like to meet. What would you say about your friend and how would you say it? Let yourself go. Sing your praises. Make yourself sound as interesting and exciting as possible. Remember, it isn't bragging because you are talking about someone else.

Finally, review it. Read it out loud. How does it sound? Imagine you were in the audience listening to this introduction being given for someone else. How would you feel? Interested? Excited? Wanting to know more? Remember, it's not bragging if it's true. Just as you want to know more exciting, engaging people, so does everyone else. Give them the opportunity to get to know the real you. And when you can do that without feeling embarrassed and tongue-tied, it will definitely be something to brag about!