How to promote yourself without feeling self-absorbed
Read time: 6 minutes
I’ll admit that a couple of years ago, I'd scroll through LinkedIn, see somebody sharing a recent win and do an internal eye roll. As an introvert who disliked social media, I guess I didn’t get it.
Over time I realised that they weren’t showing off — they were showing up.
And by showing up, they were the one people thought of when opportunities came up. Meanwhile, I was quietly working away, but missing those same opportunities.
“Self-promotion” sounds self-serving, but if you’re not visible, you’re essentially invisible — and therefore missing out on chances to grow your business or career.
Sharing more online — the tips, advice, lessons learned, mistakes made, things I believe in — whilst often uncomfortable, has also been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. It’s about showing people who you are and what you stand for.
So what does good self-promotion actually look like? Here are five things that helped me put myself out there:
1. Tell your story (and not just your successes)
People connect with people. Sharing your story (including the messy middle, false starts, and pivots) builds a stronger and more genuine connection.
When I talked openly about my shift from employment to startups (and all the false starts that came with it), the support I received really surprised me. People don’t just want to see your destination; they also want to see the journey that got you there.
2. Teach what you know in your own way
I often think the most effective form of self-promotion doesn’t even look like promotion — it looks like teaching. Sharing what you know (and we all know more than we think!) builds trust and positions you as someone worth listening to.
Whenever I post frameworks, practical insights, or step-by-step advice, they tend to resonate most. A good mantra is Value first, visibility second.
3. Bring people along for the ride
Humans are by nature quite voyeuristic; they want to see behind the curtain. When you share what you’re working on, including the progress, challenges, and lessons, you invite others into your journey.
A “building in public” mindset helps you form a community around your work. People become invested in what you’re creating, and later become collaborators or clients.
4. Share your perspective, even when it’s divisive
Having an opinion can be uncomfortable, but it’s also memorable. I always respect creators who aren’t afraid to take a stand, even on topics that divide opinion.
I’m not naturally outspoken in this way, but every time I’ve shared a perspective that goes against the grain, it’s sparked conversation. Disagreement (done thoughtfully) builds visibility and credibility more effectively than playing it safe.
5. Celebrate others as much as yourself
I think this is one of the best-kept secrets of self-promotion: shining a light on others.
Highlighting the wins of your peers or clients not only uplifts them but also reflects back on you by showing what kind of people you surround yourself with. It’s also a great form of social proof because when you share genuine success stories, people naturally, sometimes subconsciously, want to know how they can achieve similar outcomes.
In summary
Self-promotion isn’t about arrogance, it’s about awareness. Because people can’t buy from you or champion you if they don’t know you exist or what you do.
If you reframe it as sharing value rather than seeking validation, it becomes less daunting, and far more impactful.
If you haven’t started building your personal brand yet, especially on LinkedIn, now’s the time. The opportunity is still wide open (only 1% of users post regularly!) — and your story deserves a spotlight. If you'd like support, let's chat!
Speak soon,
Dupé
PS: Whenever you're ready, feel free to enquire about working together: Get guidance on how to be more visible and grow your brand. Whether you need 1:1 coaching or ready-to-post content, hit reply and let’s chat!
And if you' like to book me to speak make an inquiry here :)
