No one likes a shameless self-promoter on social media. Labeling yourself a guru, expert, ninja, pro or passionate signals you are trying too hard.
Trying to hide ego-boosting with false modesty is worse – hence derisive hashtag #HumbleBrag.
So I present three strategies to grow a following without coming off as self-aggrandizing.
Reporting
During my days as a journalist, I pinned an index card with a single word behind my monitor: REPORT.
This was a reminder that if I got stuck, I needed a return to basics. Let facts do the talking. Show, don’t tell. That’s what my journalism professors taught me.
You can do the same with your bio. Report on yourself like a subject for others to learn. Take this LinkedIn bio excerpt from Alex Lahr, a senior at Marquette University:
“In my college career, I’ve been lucky to follow a unique path. I’ve hosted radio shows, participated in a year-long photography project, taken a class on Alfred Hitchcock and learned about advertising and branding in London and Barcelona.”
Alex tells a story with his background, formative experiences and interests. People can draw their conclusions. Show, don’t tell.
Reciprocity
Maybe you’re too modest to brag. Maybe you think everything you’ve done is awesome and you don’t know where to start. So ask someone what they think stands out most about you.
But first write a LinkedIn recommendation for him. People want to return favors. It’s the law of reciprocity.
Focus on the tangible actions, traits and skills that person displays. Ask him to do the same for you. What others say about you is more credible (and palatable) coming from someone else.
Don’t just recommend someone expecting a quid pro quo. I’ve written 65 LinkedIn recommendations and received 23. That’s OK.
You won’t always need an immediate return on your good deed. But you will start to see patterns of traits you admire – and what you want others to see in you.
Repetition
In social media, your bio can only take you so far. You’re lucky if someone skims it.
Your day-to-day actions are a lot more visible and carry more weight. Your posts are your resume.
That’s why I keep a reading list in Pocket and Readability apps, which save articles. After reading I can add commentary and share via Buffer, a tool that spaces out my posts across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus.
Still not sure how to promote yourself? Start by sharing this article. At least then I’ll think you’re an expert. #HumbleBrag.
— Tim Cigelske is director of social media at Marquette University.
