Promoting yourself is never easy. Writing about your achievements, sharing your story, or even just “blowing your own horn” can feel awkward and unnerving. Every post or blog invites that nagging little voice to creep in, whispering doubts: Am I good enough? Am I just pretending? Am I an impostor? It’s a struggle that many of us face, caught between wanting to share our values and fearing judgment or rejection.
But in today’s world, dominated by social media, self-promotion feels almost unavoidable. It’s become one of the most effective ways to share my journey and passions. How else would I spread the word about my first book, Hell in Paradise? Or let people know about my consulting business, www.hughvanes.com, where I help transform organizations into their best selves? Or share the excitement of building my startup, www.proquanet.com, which grows daily thanks to the support of my trusted friends?
Promoting myself might feel challenging, but it’s also an opportunity—to connect, inspire, and
invite others to join me in the work I love.
Over time, I’ve realized that these doubts are simply part of the process. They remind us that we care about the authenticity of what we present to the world. The key is to embrace that authenticity and lean into it. Write from a place of honesty—share the wins and the struggles, the lessons and the vulnerabilities. People connect with what’s real, not with perfection.
When you let your genuine self shine through, it becomes less about self-promotion and more about inviting others into your journey. It’s not about saying, “Look at me!” but rather, “This is my story. I hope it inspires, informs, or resonates with you.” That shift in perspective has made all the difference for me, and perhaps it will for you too.
The difficulty with self-promotion
Promoting yourself is never easy. Writing about your achievements, sharing your story, or even just “blowing your own horn” can feel awkward and unnerving. Every post or blog invites that nagging little voice to creep in, whispering doubts: Am I good enough? Am I just pretending? Am I an impostor? It’s a struggle that many of us face, caught between wanting to share our values and fearing judgment or rejection.
But in today’s world, dominated by social media, self-promotion feels almost unavoidable. It’s become one of the most effective ways to share my journey and passions. How else would I spread the word about my first book, Hell in Paradise? Or let people know about my consulting business, www.hughvanes.com, where I help transform organizations into their best selves? Or share the excitement of building my startup, www.proquanet.com, which grows daily thanks to the support of my trusted friends?
Promoting myself might feel challenging, but it’s also an opportunity—to connect, inspire, and
invite others to join me in the work I love.
Over time, I’ve realized that these doubts are simply part of the process. They remind us that we care about the authenticity of what we present to the world. The key is to embrace that authenticity and lean into it. Write from a place of honesty—share the wins and the struggles, the lessons and the vulnerabilities. People connect with what’s real, not with perfection.
When you let your genuine self shine through, it becomes less about self-promotion and more about inviting others into your journey. It’s not about saying, “Look at me!” but rather, “This is my story. I hope it inspires, informs, or resonates with you.” That shift in perspective has made all the difference for me, and perhaps it will for you too.