Brag!

1. Embrace the Art of Bragging: Overcome Myths and Master Self-Promotion

"Success meant selling myself in a way that was not only persuasive, but uniquely me."

Debunk bragging myths. Many people believe that a job well done speaks for itself, humility gets you noticed, or that bragging is egocentric and obnoxious. However, in today's competitive workplace, these myths can hold you back. Effective self-promotion is crucial for career advancement and recognition.

Master the middle ground. The key is to find a balance between remaining obscure and sounding obnoxious. Artful bragging involves communicating your achievements in a natural, comfortable way that doesn't alienate others. It's about connecting with your audience, exuding confidence, and speaking with sincerity from both head and heart.

Develop your unique style. Good self-promoters are exceptional storytellers who can think on their feet. They master the art of turning negatives into positives and often incorporate humor or self-deprecation. Most importantly, they express themselves best by being authentic. Conveying authenticity is at the heart of good self-promotion.

2. Craft Your Personal Narrative: Develop Brag Bites and Bragologues

"Your brag bag is filled with brag bites and bragologues in all shapes and sizes, in all tastes and flavors."

Create your brag bag. Start by completing the "Take 12" self-evaluation questionnaire to unearth your personal and professional history, identify strengths, accomplishments, and personality traits. Use this information to fill your brag bag with:

• Brag bites: Short, pithy snippets of impressive information about yourself
• Bragologues: Longer, storylike narratives ranging from 30-second elevator pitches to 3-minute monologues

Craft compelling stories. When developing your brag bites and bragologues:

• Focus on specific examples and colorful details
• Weave together your best accomplishments
• Tailor your narrative to different audiences and situations
• Practice delivering your stories with enthusiasm and authenticity

Keep it current. Regularly update your brag bag to ensure it reflects your most recent achievements and goals. This preparation will enable you to promote yourself effectively in any situation, planned or impromptu.

3. Seize Every Opportunity: Brag In and Out of the Office

"Your bragging campaign starts and is sustained by you."

Be always armed and ready. Prepare a short, pithy introduction that includes your name, title, responsibilities, and current accomplishments. Have this ready to deploy at a moment's notice, whether in an elevator, at the water cooler, or in a chance encounter with a superior.

Make the most of every interaction. Use various opportunities to showcase your achievements:

• Casual conversations with colleagues
• Team meetings and presentations
• Networking events and social gatherings
• Lunch breaks and informal office interactions

Take credit strategically. Don't let others steal your spotlight. Regularly update your boss and colleagues on your progress and successes. When working on team projects, find ways to highlight your specific contributions without diminishing the efforts of others.

4. Leverage Technology: Master Techno-Bragging for Remote Impact

"When contact is infrequent, people tend to think the worst about you, or even worse, think nothing about you at all."

Embrace virtual communication. In today's increasingly remote work environment, mastering technology-based bragging is crucial. Use email, voice mail, and video calls to keep your presence felt and your accomplishments known.

Craft impactful digital messages. When communicating via technology:

• Keep messages concise and engaging
• Highlight specific achievements and their impact
• Maintain a conversational tone
• Follow up consistently to stay on people's radar

Personalize your approach. Even in digital communication, find ways to connect personally with your audience. Share relevant anecdotes or ask about their interests to build rapport alongside your self-promotion.

5. Nail Job Interviews: Showcase Your Best Self and Address Concerns

"A good preparation technique is to have a friend conduct a mock interview with you and to tape it on video."

Prepare thoroughly. Review your "Take 12" answers and identify the five things that make you the perfect candidate for the position. Develop responses that address potential concerns about your career record or qualifications.

Craft compelling stories. Create bragologues that:

• Highlight your most relevant experiences and skills
• Demonstrate how you've overcome challenges
• Showcase your unique value proposition

Practice active listening. During the interview:

• Pay attention to the interviewer's questions and concerns
• Tailor your responses to address their specific needs
• Ask thoughtful questions about the role and company

Follow up effectively. After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note that reiterates your key strengths and enthusiasm for the position.

6. Ace Performance Reviews: Highlight Achievements and Accept Feedback

"Don't make the mistake of letting your manager do all the talking while you sit passively by and listen."

Prepare in advance. Keep your brag bag updated throughout the year with a record of your accomplishments and milestones. Before the review:

• Outline your progress since your last review
• Assemble hard data demonstrating your value to the company
• Prepare specific examples of your successes and challenges overcome

Take an active role. During the review:

• Present your accomplishments confidently
• Tie your achievements to company goals and objectives
• Ask for specific feedback on areas for improvement

Handle criticism gracefully. When receiving constructive feedback:

• Listen actively without becoming defensive
• Acknowledge areas for improvement
• Offer concrete plans for addressing weaknesses
• Highlight related strengths or progress you've already made

7. Maintain Your Bragging Game: When You're Between Jobs or Self-Employed

"Whether or not you know what the next move is, everyone needs an upbeat 'act as if everything is going great' story about the current stage of life."

Stay positive and proactive. When between jobs or in career transition:

• Develop an upbeat narrative about your current situation
• Highlight transferable skills and ongoing learning
• Discuss volunteer work, personal projects, or skill development

For entrepreneurs and freelancers:

• Become a walking billboard for your business
• Craft compelling personal stories that tie into your products or services
• Be ready to pitch your business in various situations, from elevator rides to networking events

Keep your network alive. Regularly reach out to professional contacts, attend industry events, and stay active on social media to maintain visibility and open doors to new opportunities.

8. Perfect Your Delivery: Nonverbal Cues and Authenticity Matter

"Within seven seconds, they're trying to determine whether they like and trust you, and whether you appear confident and qualified."

Master nonverbal communication. Pay attention to:

• Smile: Warm and sincere
• Eye contact: Maintain for 3-8 seconds per person
• Posture: Confident and upright
• Voice: Clear, enthusiastic, and appropriately modulated
• Dress: Professional and appropriate for the context

Bring your authentic self. Don't check your personality at the door. Incorporate your natural warmth, humor, and enthusiasm into your professional interactions. This authenticity helps create lasting connections and memorable impressions.

Practice and refine. Regularly video record yourself delivering your bragologues and analyze your performance. Work on improving both verbal and nonverbal aspects of your delivery to maximize your impact.

Last updated: September 8, 2024