How to Sell Yourself

By Romario Lemon – 7 min read, March 8, 2024

I didn’t mean literally! Hear me out. Selling yourself is like giving others the lowdown on your superpowers and what makes you tick. It’s not just a casual chat; it’s about painting a vivid picture of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Now, you might think it sounds like a breeze, but trust me, it’s more than just a friendly chat. It’s about building trust and crafting an image that people can spot from a mile away. Think of it as becoming a brand that folks can rely on and instantly recognize. Because let’s be real, everyone loves a brand they can trust – it’s like finding that go-to snack that never disappoints.

So, the next time you’re telling someone about yourself, go beyond the basics. Dive deep into what makes you awesome and let them see the real you. After all, being a trusty brand isn’t just for products – it’s your personal brand that’s in the spotlight.

Now for the big question! How do I sell myself?

Be Confident
Be Persistent
Be A Problem Solver
Be Positive
Offer A Solution
Don’t Be Boring
Work on Your Non-Verbal Communication

Let’s talk more about these points.

Be Confident

Digging into the confidence game – it’s like having this super cool factor that sets you apart. Picture it this way: you’re entering a room, and you’re the star of your own show. Even if you’re a bit lost, strutting in with confidence is key. It’s crucial, especially when you’re marketing yourself as a graphic designer.

Now, here’s the nitty-gritty. Confident body language is like your personal cheerleader. Stand tall, own your space, and don’t slouch like a deflated balloon. A firm handshake? That’s your power move – it says, “Hey, I’m here, and I mean business!” And don’t forget the eye contact; it’s like the superhero mask that shows you’re focused and ready for action.

So, the next time you walk into a room, channel that inner coolness. Confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about rocking what you’ve got and saying, “Yep, I’ve got this!” Whether you’re navigating an office or just hunting down the coffee machine, let that confident vibe shine through.

Be Persistent

Let’s talk about building your personal brand – it’s like constructing a really cool LEGO castle. Now, just like Rome wasn’t put together overnight, your personal brand takes time and some serious effort.

If you’re curious about kicking off your own graphic design gig, check out my handy guide on launching a graphic design business.

Being persistent is the name of the game. Think of it like watering a plant – you don’t see it grow instantly, but with regular care, it becomes a lush green beauty. Same goes for your skills and values. Don’t hide them away; let them shine at every opportunity.

Imagine you’re in a team meeting. You’ve got this awesome idea bubbling up – don’t let it fizzle out! Speak up and share it with the team. Your contributions are like puzzle pieces that make the whole picture clearer. The more you persist in putting those pieces on the table, the more everyone will see your unique picture.

So, whether you’re at a networking event, in a meeting, or just having a chat over coffee, don’t be shy. Showcasing what makes you special is like decorating your LEGO castle with vibrant colours – it makes it stand out and captures everyone’s attention. Keep persisting, keep showcasing, and watch your personal brand grow like that awesome LEGO castle of yours.

Be Positive

Having a positive vibe is like having your own personal sunshine that brightens up any room. People are like magnets for those who radiate good energy, and that’s where your positive attitude becomes a game-changer.

So, here’s the deal: positivity isn’t just a mood, it’s a magnet. Think of it as having this magnetic field around you that attracts good vibes. Even when life throws a curveball your way, keeping that optimistic outlook is like having a secret weapon.

Imagine you’re facing a challenge – instead of getting bogged down, focus on the silver linings. It’s like turning lemons into the sweetest lemonade. Reflect on the lessons learned, and think about how you can flip challenges into opportunities. Your positive attitude becomes this magnetic force that draws people in like bees to honey.

Whether you’re at work, hanging out with friends, or tackling everyday hurdles, being the bearer of positive vibes leaves a lasting impression. People remember the one who turns setbacks into setups for success. So, embrace that positivity, spread those good vibes, and watch how it becomes your superpower in making lasting connections.

Be a Problem Solver

Be the go-to person – the one everyone turns to when things get a bit tricky. People absolutely love those who can roll up their sleeves and dive into problem-solving mode. It’s like having a superpower that makes you stand out.

So, here’s the scoop: being a problem solver isn’t just about fixing things; it’s about being the reliable and resourceful MVP. Picture this: you’re at work, in your community, or just chilling with friends. If an issue pops up, don’t back away – step right up!

Imagine your team is facing a challenge. Now, you don’t need a perfect solution, but having a well-thought-out one? That’s gold. It’s like being the wizard with the perfect spell to tackle the dragon. By showcasing your problem-solving skills, you leave a lasting impression that screams, “I’m here to make things better!“

So, whether it’s brainstorming at work, helping out in your community, or just being the fixer-upper in your friend circle, embrace that problem-solving prowess. It’s like having a tool belt full of solutions, and trust me, everyone loves having that resourceful friend who can turn a challenge into a walk in the park.

Offer a Solution

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of showcasing your skills – it’s like giving your resume a turbo boost. When you’re talking about what you bring to the table, it’s not just about listing off a bunch of skills; it’s about connecting the dots to real-life solutions.

Here’s the scoop: imagine your skills and values are puzzle pieces, and the big picture is the success of a team or project. You want to show how each piece fits perfectly into making things work. It’s like being the puzzle wizard who knows exactly where each piece goes.

Now, let’s talk job interviews. Instead of just throwing out a laundry list of skills, connect the dots. Pick a skill, any skill, and link it to a specific situation where you rocked it. It’s like telling a story that paints a vivid picture of your capabilities. If you’re great at problem-solving, share a time when your solution turned a tricky situation into a triumph.

So, whether you’re in a job interview, chatting with colleagues, or impressing folks at a networking event, be the storyteller of your skills. Show how each skill isn’t just a random piece – it’s a crucial part of the masterpiece that is you. That’s how you go from being just another candidate to the one they can’t forget.

Here’s a handy tip: there’s a difference between offering a solution and solving the problem. Let me break it down. Offering a solution is like guiding someone on where each puzzle piece fits, while solving the problem is putting the puzzle together. You’ve got to figure out which approach works best for each situation.

Don't Be Boring

Being dull is like hitting snooze on a good conversation. You’ve got to sprinkle in some personality to make things pop. Think of it like adding your favourite seasoning to a dish; it just makes everything way more interesting.

Your conversations shouldn’t be a snooze-fest. Instead of just going through the motions, throw in a dash of your awesome personality. It could be a funny story, a cool hobby, or even a unique way of looking at things. People remember those who bring a little excitement to the table.

Imagine you’re at a networking event. Instead of hitting folks with the usual “name, rank, and serial number,” drop a quirky fact about yourself or share a recent adventure. It’s like turning your introduction into a mini-story that sticks in people’s minds.

So, whether you’re at a party, in a meeting, or just shooting the breeze with friends, be the spice in the conversation. Your personality is the secret sauce that makes you stand out in the crowd. Trust me, being memorable is way cooler than being forgettable. So, let that personality shine, and let the good vibes flow!

Work on Your Non-Verbal Communication

The ABCs of communication – it’s not just the words you’re saying, but how you’re saying them that really matters. We’re talking about the secret language of non-verbal cues – your facial expressions, posture, and gestures. These unsung heroes play a huge role in the image you’re putting out there.

Your non-verbal game needs to be on point. It’s like fine-tuning an instrument to hit all the right notes. Imagine you’re building this brand of confidence, positivity, and dynamism – your non-verbal communication is the backstage crew making sure everything runs smoothly.

So, grab a mirror, my friend. Practice your posture and facial expressions like you’re rehearsing for a blockbuster movie. Make sure your body language is singing the same tune as the message you want to send out. A confident and approachable demeanour isn’t just a bonus – it’s the main act that steals the show.

Whether you’re in a meeting, at a job interview, or just chilling with friends, your non-verbal cues are the unsung heroes that speak volumes. So, be mindful of those expressions, stand tall, and let your body language be the megaphone for the awesome brand you’re building. It’s like having your own silent fan club cheering you on!

Conclusion

In a nutshell, selling yourself is about creating a memorable and trustworthy personal brand. Think of it as a blend of confidence, persistence, problem-solving, positivity, offering solutions, avoiding dullness, and nailing non-verbal cues.

Confidence is not about perfection; it’s embracing your uniqueness and walking into any room like you own it. Persistence is consistently showcasing your skills, creating a vivid picture of you. Positivity is your magnetic force, drawing people in with good vibes.

Problem-solving is your secret weapon, turning challenges into triumphs. Offering solutions means storytelling, connecting your skills to real-life scenarios. Don’t be boring; inject your personality into conversations. Finally, master non-verbal cues – your facial expressions, posture, and gestures speak volumes.

So, the next time you share your story, go beyond the basics, embrace your awesomeness, and let your personal brand shine. Selling yourself is about being genuine, memorable, and building a brand that people trust and enjoy. Now, go out there and rock it!

Kickstart your brand with a standout identity! Reach out and let’s make magic happen!