Toot Your Horn—Without Sounding the Trumpet Too Loud

If you don’t tell people what you’re good at, how will they know? The truth is, being the best-kept secret in town isn’t just bad for business—it’s a fast track to irrelevance. But here’s the rub: how do you promote yourself without sounding like a walking, talking billboard?

Start by letting others do the talking for you. Client stories, glowing testimonials, and heartfelt recommendations are gold. They don’t just showcase your expertise; they frame it in the context of real human connection. Think of it like this: when a friend says, “You’ve gotta try this restaurant!” you’re way more likely to listen than if the chef himself walked up and said, “I’m the best in town.”

Be real. Share the “why” behind your work, not just the “what.” Did a particular client’s success resonate with you? Tell that story—but make it about them, not you. When people see that you care deeply about the problems you solve, the self-promotion doesn’t feel like promotion at all. It feels like helping.

And let’s not forget: humility and humor go a long way. Share your wins, but keep it relatable. The goal isn’t to brag; it’s to remind the world you’re here, you’re skilled, and, most importantly, you’re ready to help.

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Mitch Jackson | links