You’re actually exceptionally good at self-promotion. But are you promoting past you or future you?

Yes, you, and, for that matter, so is everyone else. Every person you interact with today is promoting themselves to you and you to them.

Do this little thought exercise for a second…

Think about the last conversation you had with someone. Now answer the following questions:

• Did it reinforce what you already knew about them?
• Did it teach you something new about them?

Intentionally or not, we teach each other who we are and what we’re all about in every conversation. What you’re teaching people is your brand.

While I’m obsessed with how we should all have a better answer to the “What do you do?” question, it’s just the first conversation. After that, every interaction reinforces who you are and what you’re about or teaches the listener something new about you.

I’m curious, what are you teaching people about you? Do you know? And if you do, is what you’re teaching people serving the future you? Or is it, in fact, teaching people about the past you? Don’t get me wrong here; the “past you” is brilliant, accomplished, goal-oriented, and an all-around terrific person. Please don’t change.

But aren’t you ambitious for more? Do you have aspirations for your version of a bigger and better future? While you’re going to need all the fabulousness of “past you,” don’t you also want to evolve, change, and grow? And isn’t this future version of yourself going to need other people to come along for the ride?

Don’t you then need to teach people about the Future You? And yes, that is the definition of self-promotion with just a different label.

And now you get to choose. Because, as always, this is your life, and you get to decide how it’s going to play out.

Option 1

“I’m good with what I’m teaching others about me. In doing so, I’m creating opportunities that align with who I am and what I want.”

As always, this is 100% ok. I’m super happy for you. Keep crushing it.

Option 2

“I get what you’re saying, Joanna, but I’m a bit nervous about talking about the Future Me. Plus, self-promotion feels so gross. I’m not comfortable doing it. That said, I consider myself ambitious, and I want to grow and learn. What can I do?”

I get it. I’m not asking you to go out and start proclaiming that you’re the best thing since sliced bread. Here’s a challenge for you: The next time you’re talking to someone, share what you’re a “student of”. For example, I am a student of Fairy Godmothers and Potentialism and their impact on the future of work.

Did that sound like obnoxious self-promotion, or did it make you think, “Hey, I want to talk with Joanna some more.”?

Option 3

I have so many more questions. Can we chat? Yes, of course. The whole topic of self-promotion and teaching people about the Future You is what we’re going to be talking about on the LIVE! with Joanna show on November 20th. Join us for the discussion; we’re going to dive deeper into the topic. I’d love to see you there and learn about your unique situation.

I want people to get to know the Future You. Don’t you?