Blowing your own trumpet - Lessons in Social media and the art of self promotion

 
 
Sometime this year I was asked about social media and if I recommended up and coming designers (or any designer or self employed for that matter) to avail of the opportunities the internet offers.

My initial response would be absolutely yes!

But I'm afraid so many get it really really REALLY wrong.

The following points are applicable to Facebook, Twitter and any social media/ self promoting activity.

Stay grounded and modest. Self obsessed self centred and obsessive trumpet blowers will just achieve one goal...

Bore the hell out of everyone!

I've moaned about this before, but the amount of people who self obsess on the internet is unbelievable.

We are all trumpet blowers to some degree, and this is part of presenting oursleves to the world.

Small designers, especially, who try to work on an equal playground with others who may have PR budgets to back them, make this whole 'comminicating task' even more challenging. They have others, who are paid to blow their trumpets for them.

But it is up to others (paid or not) , and not you, to say how terrible or how great you are. Even quoting what they say about you is ridiculous.

If it's out there.. people will find out

Always say the truth. Don't make up stories. There is a saying in Spanish , which may make little sense in English, " It' easier to catch someone who lies than someone who hobbles."

Keep your stories real. Self inflated, with twisted or relative realities will always be uncovered. Remember the world is tiny and degrees of separation are reduced considerably with the internet. Someone you know, may know someone so be careful if you namedrop

There will always be time to showcase your work, but most of the time you should be sharing your inspiration, the process and also sharing work from others. This is part of the internet protocol and it is considered rude not too. 

The pay off for being generous and considerate is invaluable

 

Comments

[Madeleine Gallay]

Yes ...

[Sarahbeth]

Wow. You said what I believe in perfectly. Although often it feels like doing good business with ethics and manners is completely overlooked.

[Lisa Dora]

Really Really like this post;-)....all the rest just promotes narcissistic behaviour ie. referring to blowin the trumpet in excess!

[carol]

I love this and how it applies to 'face to face real world' behaviour as well as online ethics.

[Hope]

This is great to hear...self promotion is incredibly difficult for me. Deep down I feel that if your work is unique and has passion and quality it will eventually be found and valued... embarrassing and desperate media grabs should not be necessary!

[Beckydazzler]

Wonderful post!

[editor]

that is a great saying, and the essence translates perfectly.

i am always in the position of cheering on others - haven't a clue how to self-promote, but your list of etiquette rings true.

[Soooali]

Very well put. Makes you stop and think about how you should approach self promotion.

ali

[Max Jewelry Store]

Thank you very much for your article,i'm from italy and i love to find new sites and interesting articles about this niche. Thank you again ,to your success.