“Read my blog!” “NEW ENTRY” “See what I think of the latest gadget here!”
Self promotion, anyone? It’s a hot topic right now, but that’s not why i’m writing about it. I’m writing about self promotion because it’s something I need to open up to. I just launched JustCatherine this week, but not many people know it. Not unless you happened to follow me and read my tweet Monday night that linked my first post.
I’ve been minimal on self-promotion this week. I’m a little uncomfortable with it. Why? I’m in PR. I’m OK with putting the spotlight on someone else. It’s also something that goes back a long way. I’ve never had a strong desire to be the center of attention. All eyes on me? Meh. Put all eyes on someone else.
But this is something I need to learn. I recently presented at Michigan State University’s PRSSA Regional Activity, and all eyes were definitely on me. For nearly 40 minutes. It was uncomfortable at first, but the more I spoke, the more I relaxed. I look back on that experience, and I loved it. I’d jump at the chance to present in a setting like that again. So why does the idea of promoting my blog with a tweet here and there linking to my work give me a pang of unease?
How can I self-promote without being obnoxious? I like to interact with my followers, on Twitter and Facebook. I don’t think any of them want to read a constant feed of CatherineEllen pushing ME ME ME with nothing in return. I don’t want to read that from other people.
Is there a way to self-promote without being “that guy”? Your thoughts are appreciated.
And in case you’re wondering, why the photo of the cat? Well, it has its nose in the air, all snobby-like, and self-centered. It might be a stretch, but I like it… plus it’s cute!
Photo: Thanks pippy & timmy
Hi there! I’m Catherine. I’m a 20-something public relations professional and grad student in Chicago, and just like my blog says, I’m into communication, sports, politics, and all of life’s little moments.
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Promotion is what friends are for : )
But seriously, I want to read what you’re thinking and so do others. I think humor is always a great way to promote somethin…
I look forward to your posts! Being an early 40’s PR person, I know where you are coming from on self-promotion. But you’ll be fantastic – well, from what I can see in your writing you already are!
Hi Catherine. I have the same issue. Self promotion just feels, well….awkward. But just like your presentation, after you get used to it, it will gradually become easier.
I stumbled across your site and read a couple of your posts. My impression is that you are trying to inform your readers and share personal experiences. I like your intentions in your writing (e.g. health shmealth) and even this post, but your chatterbox style of writing and overly declaring that you are a neutral person may leave your fingers tired from typing.
Hey you’re a cute girl, go with that. Everyone wants to know what the cute girl thinks. Don’t be afraid to be bold or take a stance on something. Let’s hear less about how neutral you are and more about what your gut tells you. Someone will always disagree with you anyway. It’s difficult to inform the masses without putting on a show for them. Besides, who is to say your point of view always has to stay the same. We’re human, we evolve. We are free to change our minds and think X one day and Y the next.
Anyway, good luck on the self promoting task. Also, ditch the bland post titles and the question marks, unless it’s a taboo type question or a technical one that has a finite factual answers.
Cheers. =)