Tooting Your Own Horn Isn’t Bragging…It’s Marketing
Sharing your work isn't bragging…it's how people find you.
“Tooting your own horn isn't bragging. It's marketing.”
Recently I had three different conversations with three different clients, but all had the same exact struggle.
One of them couldn’t bring herself to ask a client for a testimonial. Another one hesitated on posting about her success because she felt like it was bragging, and she said she felt awkward. The third one just froze when it came to talking about her own story and didn’t post anything at all.
Full transparency…I totally get it because I’m the same way.
I’ve never been a bragger. Even when I was a child, I was content knowing my worth and my wins and didn’t feel comfortable screaming my good news from the rooftops.
All through my career…same thing. Somewhere along the way I picked up the idea that talking about my wins and experiences makes other people annoyed and irritated and makes me out to be “that person." So I stayed quiet and let my work speak for itself. I felt that people would just notice it.
What I’ve learned is that people don’t get annoyed, and when you’re quiet, they don’t “just notice” your work. It makes you seem absent, MIA, and inexperienced, even though you may have so many good things happening in your world. It’s very important that you give social proof. Proof of what you do, how you do it, and why you do it, along with the praises too.
In today’s digital world, your “potential people” aren’t watching you behind-the-scenes. They don’t know if you’re doing a fantastic job and crushing all your goals if you don’t tell them. That’s the role digital marketing plays in your business. Taking what you’re doing well and telling others about it.
There is a difference between bragging and simply telling your story. Bragging looks like "This is what I did, and I’m fantastic." Telling your story is not bragging. Telling your story means here is what I did, how it felt, here’s who I helped, why it mattered, and what types of results did the people I serve receive. This is how you tell your story. Share your wins. Share your value.
If you’re a small business owner, start small. I tell everyone to start small and build from there. Ease into it and find your comfort zone.
This does not mean overhauling Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn or even posting daily just because you feel like you have to. Try one post every other week and “toot your horn." 📯
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning:
Write about it. 📝 You don’t have to send out a post about how wonderful you are. Maybe a client gave you positive feedback or thanked you for your support. Write a piece of content about the feedback or compliment, what you did for them, and how they felt after working with you.
Just ask. 🗣️ Ask for the testimonial. Let someone else give you the words to say. Create a Canva graphic or scrolling carousel post talking about your experience working with this person and end with the exact words from the testimonial. Then all you have to do is share it. A great way to make sure you get a testimonial is to build this step into your processes. As you’re wrapping up work, a transaction, or a project, simply say, "Would you mind sharing a few words about your experience working with me?"
Keep a running brag file. 📱 I have a notes app on my phone, and one very important note I continually update is called “Content Brain Dump." This app note or piece of paper is for your eyes only. Record any compliments, feedback, or moments you’re proud of. When it comes time to write your content, revisit your “brag list” and use those as inspiration.
Digital marketing isn’t about being the loudest and the boldest; it’s about letting people know who you are and how your skills, talents, and services can help them. Plus, it helps them to see what it’s like to work with you even before they talk to you on the phone.
Remember…tooting your own horn📯 isn’t bragging. It’s marketing 🧡