Business

Why Self-Promotion Isn’t Selfish

selfpromotion

Most days I pose a question to the ladies of the See Jane Write Facebook group designed to help us get to know one another better. Recently, I asked, “What are your superpowers?”

For mine I listed “teaching, writing, inspiring people, connecting people and cultivating community.” One superpower I failed to mention, though, is my knack for building buzz.

Earlier this year when Southern Living magazine included me in its list of Innovators Changing the South, I wrote a blog post about how I believe I’ve received recognition such as this and a number of other awards and opportunities because I’m good at self-promotion.

I know that for many people, especially women and especially writers, self-promotion feels dirty. Perhaps it even feels selfish. But you’ve got it all wrong.

If you have something truly valuable to offer others, you’re actually being selfish if you don’t promote it!

If your blog post could make someone’s day, if your book could change someone’s life, if your business could solve someone’s biggest problem, why would you keep that to yourself?

Self-promotion seems dirty because it’s usually done in a pushy, forceful, and slimy way. But despite how it sounds, “self-promotion” shouldn’t be simply about promoting yourself. It should be about letting someone know that you have something they need and that you want to help.

Perhaps you’ve gone so long shunning self-promotion that now you’re not even sure where to start. No worries. I got you, girl!

On Saturday, July 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. I’ll be hosting a FREE workshop at DISCO on how to build buzz.

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The 3 Cs of Blogging

3cs of blogging

On Tuesday, June 28 I’ll be the guest speaker at the Alabama Women in Business Luncheon to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive in Birmingham.

I’ll be speaking about how to use blogging and social media to boost your brand or business.

If you are a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, I’d love to see you there. Tickets are only $30 and can be purchased here. (If you are a member of ALWIB admission is free.)

During my talk, I’m going to cover what I call the three Cs of blogging: clarity, content, and community.

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How to Turn Your Blog Into a Business

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When I started See Jane Write in 2011 it was just a small women’s writing group and a simple Blogger blog. Now it is an award-winning business that has allowed me to make money and make a difference. In fact, just this year Southern Living magazine included me on its list of Innovators Changing the South because of my work with See Jane Write.

In my e-course Lady Blogger to Boss Lady, which is now open for enrollment, I share all my secrets as to how I’ve grown See Jane Write and used blogging to land paid freelance writing gigs and speaking engagements.

Here are the seven steps I took to turn blogging into a business:

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Build Your Brand with Speaking Engagements

See-Javacia-Speak

I have three speaking engagements over the next two weeks. (More info on those below.) Though I’m getting paid for two of these gigs, I didn’t really accept any of these offers to speak for the money.

Speaking at conferences, meetings and other events is a great way to get the word out about who you are and what you do. Speaking engagements are a great way to build buzz about your blog, book, or personal brand.

If you want to delve into public speaking, but you’re not quite sure how, here are a few tips to get you started:

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See Jane Write founder makes Southern Living list of Innovators Changing the South

innovators changing the south

Yesterday I got so many Facebook notifications my phone nearly died.

Yesterday Southern Living magazine released its list of Innovators Changing the South, a list that included people like Reese Witherspoon, Dolly Parton, and Brene Brown. A list that also included — ME!

Thanks to the work I do through See Jane Write, I made the list. I jumped up and down and skipped through my house until I was out of breath. And I think I typed the words “Thank you” 200 times as congratulatory messages from friends came pouring through on Facebook and through texts.

Now I know you might be wondering, “How did Javacia make it onto a list that includes famous people?” And I should be mad at you for being such a hater, but instead I’m going to let you in on a secret.

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