Public Relations, it's not just for your business!

For most of us, we think of PR as something we do for our business or the associations we belong to. We rarely, if ever, go out of our way to promote ourselves with colleagues, bosses, and potential clients. If we are going to be at the top of our industry then this has to change here and now!

Self-promotion sounds like the last thing we should be doing - to many women it sounds selfish and potentially like they are going to be walking around arrogantly claiming success in public. Before you agree too quickly, think of the last time you were looked over for a promotion, a high visibility project or simply a great opportunity because someone did not know you "might be interested" or "might be a great choice".

We have neglected to build a great reputation for ourselves. That reputation--as silly as it sounds--is in our hands and our hands alone. There are a few of us who are lucky enough to get pointed out to the rest of the world by Oprah and Regis or even the local news anchor or industry trade magazine. So the vast majority rely on what our friends, colleagues and superiors know and say about us when we are not around.

Letting people know about the great things you are up to, is a good thing! Most of your friends, family, colleagues and even your boss will be happy to hear it. While some may not gush over you about it, keep talking about where you are, what you are doing and where you would like to be - appropriate time and place of course!

If you find specific people acting odd because you are telling them positive things in your life, you may want to assess how much time you spend with them (and you may want to evaluate how you have talked about your life in past conversation). Seeds can be planted but will typically only grow if you water and care for them, while weeds figure out a way without you! So, make sure you are planting and caring for seeds and getting rid of those weeds!!!

Good luck, and feel free to comment on what great things you are up to!