Call us

The DIY guide to fair dinkum self-promotion

Self-promotion might help you get ahead at work.

It is a subject that makes Australians in offices around the nation squirm in their swivel chairs, but as the world becomes an increasingly global place the need to change workplaces and diversify learning to blow your own horn may be a matter of survival.

Self-promotion typically describes the ability of individuals to stage their own public relations campaign.

It is also big business in countries like the US, United Kingdom and numerous European locales, where a competitive spirit and desire to get ahead turns workmates into rivals and businesses into a sporting arena.

But far from being arrogant or an act of shameless self-praise, the ability to speak well of your achievements in a public space is becoming increasingly important to ongoing career success.

In some cases people who appear to regularly put themselves down or apologise for the mistakes of others can even look weak or insecure in the eyes of an employer.

With this in mind it is no wonder that so many young Australians who travel abroad in search of career success find it difficult to assimilate into the corporate scene - and this is despite eco business cards with long job titles.

So how can a nation whose inhabitants have a serious case of tall-poppy syndrome go from being armchair critics to flag-waving fans without turning their back on tradition?

For those people who are wondering why they missed out on a promotion in the last round of reviews, it might be time to take a good, long hard look at yourself.

Whether you’re the office newbie or seasoned co-worker paying attention to the way you dress is important.

Another hot tip is to focus on your audience and the message that you would like to convey to this person.

Clothing, posture, tone of voice and hand gestures all combine to create brand-you, making it vital to manage this form of business communication in order to form a positive first impression.