Ain't Too Proud to Brag...5 Tips to Promote Yourself Shamelessly

Many women have a hard time getting ahead in the workplace because they are reluctant to brag. You may feel conflicted when you would like to celebrate your victories, but you want to avoid coming across as arrogant.  I'm going to give you 5 tips to brag about yourself shamelessly and why you should.

We are constantly being bombarded recently with women talking about the pay gap. From women in Hollywood to sports legend Serena Williams, the idea of getting paid what we are worth is out there in a big way. My latest fave resource about the topic is the American Association of University Women's (AAUW) The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap report.  The report drops some eye-popping stats about our current status in the pay game, ladies. 

• According to AAUW, the pay gap won't close until 2119.  Read that again - 2119, not 2019.  How's a hundred years for you?  
• Women working full time in the U.S. are typically paid just 80% of what men were paid.
• There isn't just a gender pay gap, there's also a racial pay gap

I coach my clients not to get mad and march, but to get smart and strategize to get paid.  One of the ways to earn more money in your lifetime is to get bigger promotions and bigger salaries.  That means you have to be more visible.  

Being visible and bragging have gotten a bad rap over time.  But here's the thing.  You don't have to be arrogant to promote yourself shamelessly.  In fact, you can do it authentically and still be yourself.  Follow these five tips to start bragging your way to more coins!

1. Seek motivation. Realize the value of self-promotion. I really want you to understand this point.  By some estimates, the average woman still earns about a million dollars less than the average man over the course of her lifetime. Self-promotion can help narrow that gap. It's a business proposition, pure and simple. ​ 
2. Observe your male colleagues. Learn from the men you work with and how they have no problem taking credit, sharing their strengths and marketing their value. Adapt their bragging style to your own personality, but in an authentic way.  Speak up in meetings.  Always let it be known (nicely, if you please) when a great idea came from you.  Try cooperation with your female colleagues by supporting each other's efforts as opposed to competing.  Never be afraid to give someone a well-deserved shout-out. The guys do it all the time.  Ever watch a sports game?  When one team loses, the guys still congratulate each other. I think we can learn from that.
   
   
3. Build your confidence. Take on new challenges, and they don't have to be work-related.  Learn a foreign language or a new dance. Play the guitar. Sign up for accounting or computer courses online or at your local community college. When you master something small, it enables you to build the inner strength muscles you need to feel more confident.  The accomplishments also give you something to brag about that sets you apart from other people.  
4. Ask for feedback. Find out how your friends and colleagues feel about your qualifications. Think about what you get praised for the most. You may discover that you’re good at managing conference logistics or negotiating contracts with vendors. These traits are your superpowers in the workplace - learn how to wield them and feel good about talking about what you do well.
5. Document your achievements. This is a favorite tip of mine. Start a brag book. Mark down when you save your company money or create an outstanding customer experience. Save thank you emails and notes from satisfied customers. Begin to build your braggalicious (okay, I made up that word) swagger before your next performance review.  Quote numbers achieved, statistics accomplished AND pull out thank you notes from customers? #SlamDunk performance review - raise granted. 

My final tip is a bonus because I see women do this all the time.  

Limit self-deprecation. Watch what you say about yourself. Learn to accept compliments graciously.  How many of us get a compliment about what we're wearing and before the other person can even finish, we've discounted it?  "Girl, oh this old dress? I've had it for 10 years."  "What?  You like my shoes? Oh girl, I got these at the Discount Mart - $5."  "Working on that project?  I didn't do that much."  Stop. It. Now.  It doesn't help you and it tears away your confidence.  Just smile and say, "Thanks. I appreciate that."  Period.  

Now that wasn't so bad, was it?  Drop a comment below (come on, don't be shy) and tell me if you agree with the post or add a tip of your own.  I'd love to hear from you!

Enjoyed this post?  Like and Share it with women you love!  Want more career coaching tips?  Follow me on Instagram @envisioncareersuccess or schedule your Dream Career Breakthrough call today!  

Andrala Walker is the Chief Career Whisperer at Envision Career Success.  Walker is a certified professional coach and career development expert.  Learn more at envisioncareersuccess.com. 

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