How To Sell Yourself Professionally

How to sell yourself as an entrepreneur

In small enterprises, the owner and the business are indivisible. Thus, when selling yourself as a business, you are basically promoting yourself. However, this can be a challenge for many people. In this article we will review some tips to enhance your ability to effectively sell both yourself and your business. This writing is informed by representing thousands of business owners; additionally, the best data comes from my first-hand conversations as a Los Angeles business law attorney with business owners and their leadership team on how to sell yourself.

The smaller your business, the more closely it is tied to you. Your business’ name might not be widely recognized; instead, people may only know you personally. This underscores the importance of knowing how to sell “you.” As your business expands, it will hopefully develop an identity distinct from you. But for now, you are the face of everything and thus must understand how to sell yourself.

You are no doubt familiar with the type — those individuals who excel in conversation. They are the ones at birthdays parties and barbecues with a tale for every occasion. They effortlessly move from one group to another, seemingly acquainted with everyone, and can casually mention a shared acquaintance. They exude charm, sometimes bordering on the corny and irksome, yet they appear to have an unending stream of business opportunities. As much as you may be hesitant, you might need to adopt some of their traits to sell yourself. Rest assured, you do not have to perform a complete transformation of your identity. Instead, here are some skills to acquire when selling yourself.

Cultivate self-assurance

Let’s be frank. Those social butterflies radiate self-assurance. They might grapple with nerves and insecurity just like anyone else, but they understand that confidence is the key to opening doors. They recognize that confidence carries professional appeal, so they embody it, even when they may not fully feel it. The motto “Fake it until you make it” plays a significant role in selling yourself as a business. Of course, it is critical to strike the right balance between being self-assured and coming across as arrogant.

Show tenacity

Let’s not shy away from the clichés. Ever heard of “The squeaky wheel gets the oil”? For every opportunity, unless it is akin to a dreaded root canal, there’s a swarm of individuals vying for it. Each prospective customer you’re pursuing is being courted by others just like you. Your task is to demonstrate persistence — even if it means being a tad clingy. Keep those emails coming, keep sending those texts, and inform them promptly about any valuable changes. Therefore, sell yourself by staying in regular contact with them. Even if they are not in the buying mindset now, chances are they will remember you down the line.

Avoid being mundane

Seriously, even if social interactions are not your forte, it is super important to find a way to be distinctive. Take pride in your introverted tendencies when selling youself. There is nothing wrong with that, but it does not excuse you from blending into the background. Those who fade into the background cannot effectively promote themselves because they go unnoticed. It is the person with the knack for engaging conversations who stands out at the gathering.

And, naturally, your product needs to stand out as well. Sure, it is commendable that you specialize in website design, but what sets you apart? If you are not distinct, you risk becoming unremarkable. So, steer clear of the mundane when selling yourself.

Provide a tangible solution

Your customers are astute enough to identify their problems. What they require is someone who delves into the specifics and presents a concrete solution. Not something that might work—something that is guaranteed to work.

When selling yourself, go above and beyond with your solution compared to your competitors. Produce a comprehensive report, demonstrate your thorough consideration of their issue, and offer some high-level advice at no cost. Position yourself as an integral part of their resolution before pitching your product. Talk is inexpensive. Your customer is keen to learn about you, but they’re even more interested in how you will resolve their problem.

Ditch the formal jargon

Honestly, no one wants to hear you label yourself as a “problem-solver,” a “go-getter,” or someone with “exceptional attention to detail.” Your customer craves specifics. Who have you assisted with similar issues, and how did you resolve them? Also, it is wise to steer clear of overemphasizing attention to detail when selling yourself; you might end up conversing with someone who is even more meticulous than you. Are your handouts precisely aligned? Are your clothes completely wrinkle-free? It is best to avoid using that kind of language.

Polish your non-verbal cues

In reality, verbal communication is just a fraction of what truly conveys our message. It is actually your non-verbal communication that speaks volumes about you when you’re selling yourself. Maintain good posture, establish eye contact, refrain from crossing your arms, move with purpose at a comfortable pace, limit excessive hand gestures, and offer a firm handshake. Your non-verbal cues may very well make a stronger impression than anything else.

Maintain a positive outlook

We all share the same world. It seems everyone has something to gripe about, don’t they? Social media often turns into a pit of complaints, and we all know a few individuals who can find fault in anything. However, we are all searching for positive influences in our lives. We seek that breath of fresh air that we sometimes struggle to be for ourselves. Find ways to accentuate the positive when selling yourself. Smile frequently, express gratitude for what you have, discuss things that bring you joy, and reassure your customer that everything will work out. Positivity exudes confidence. Avoid looking or sounding disheartened. Nobody needs more of that in their life. Positive individuals are more likely to seize opportunities.

In Conclusion

Indeed, having precise messaging is crucial, but understanding how to yourself entails more than just using the right words. It is all about carrying yourself with the right demeanor. Be self-assured, be a solver of problems, and radiate positivity. These are excellent starting points on how to sell yourself and building a professional relationship.