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Are your self-promotion tactics ethical or not?
Written by: Sue BarrettArticle Overview: Today it's not uncommon for some people to stretch the truth in order to get a job, get a sale, get ahead or just get noticed, but this behaviour raises some important issues about the good, the bad and the ugly of self-promotion... Proactive self promotion is essential in sales today because good work does not speak for itself anymore - You DO. So are your self-promotion tactics ethical or not?
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Are your self-promotion tactics ethical or not?
Today it's not uncommon for some people to stretch the truth in order to get a job, get a sale, get ahead or just get noticed, but this behaviour raises some important issues about the good, the bad and the ugly of self-promotion.
We have all had an experience with someone, a sales person, a manager, an acquaintence, who didn't seem to have our interests at heart. Something was telling you not to trust them but you couldn't put your finger on it. They seem to be after VICTIMS not a viable prospect or a genuine contact.
Proactive self promotion is essential in sales today because good work does not speak for itself anymore - You DO.
So are your self-promotion tactics ethical or not?
There has been significant research undertaken over the last 30 years in the area of Self Promotion and its impact on earning capacity, image and credibility of people and businesses. The basic aim of self-promotion is sound: you're communicating your abilities to people who can make use of them. A vital skill needed in today's busy, cluttered world.
In its simplest terms, self-promotion becomes unethical when you're promoting something you can't (or don't intend to) deliver. Some questions I have asked myself when examining my own (or someone else's) behaviour:
· Do other people stand to gain from my actions?
· Do my actions have a positive influence on my own well-being and self-esteem?
· Do my actions move me closer to my short- and long-term goals?
· Would most people approve of how I prospect for new business or self promote?
If I can honestly answer "yes" to these questions... fine. But then I test them out by asking those who know me well to give me feedback on my self promotion activities by answering the questions above. You might like to try these too - if you get agreement that your activities are ethical then continue to use them.
In short ... you work hard and perform your job well - you can and should, take pride in that. But if you want to be recognised and financially rewarded for your contributions, you must first make those contributions visible. The research also reveals that visibility precedes recognition, and it's much too important to be left to chance. Only when your contributions are recognised can you be rewarded. Not until
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Article Tags: acquaintence, aim, credibility, heart, job, new business, positive influence, promotion activities, promotion tactics, sales person, self esteem, self promotion, term goals, truth, vital skill
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About the Author: Sue Barrett RSS for Sue's articles - Visit Sue's website  Sue is one of the leading voices commenting on sales today. Sue has a unique way of getting to the heart of the matter - she combines extensive knowledge, research, insight, and practical experience with a deep sense of compassion to bring forth a more enlightened way of thinking and participating in the world. This makes her stand out from the usual crowd of existing business commentators. Her ability to distill complex ideas and relate them to life's everyday challenges and opportunities has audience members and readers leaving with a stronger understanding of "self" and how they can begin to achieve excellence through purposeful action. Presenting and writing on a wide range of topics about the world of 21st Century selling Sue's presentations and articles include sales philosophy and culture, sales leadership and coaching, sales training, selling skills, resilience, neuroscience in selling and more. Sue's articles are some of the most widely read in Australia and she is gaining a following overseas as well. Besides publishing on Barrett Sales Blog site, Sue has been the lead sales writer for www.smartcompany.com.au since 2007, and is also regularly published on other highly regarded publications such as Australian Anthill Magazine, Niche Magazine, Marketing Mag, Business Chicks, and Business Deals. Click here to visit Sue's website   Think you can get away with it Think again Persistence and the Honourable Retreat Making the most of Up Selling Cross Selling Why we should put the Trainer back into Sales Management Motivation or manipulation |
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- Greetings all!
Recently I have come to the understanding that I am severely lacking strategy. I have many, many tactics on how to make money with my business but without a strategy to implement those tactics I'm spinning my wheels.
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I think that is a great idea, not sure about the legal side of a name and shame effort but promoting the beautiful business would be a great boost for newbie’s or in fact anyone who is looking for an honest and ethical opportunity on the Internet, what harm could it do,
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