Self-promotion can be difficult for solopreneurs, regardless of how critical it is to our business. I know, I know: to run a successful company, one needs to have a strong online presence. I’ve attended webinars, workshops, and Clubhouse conversations with social media experts to learn more about the tips and tools I need to get my voiceover business noticed. I’ve watched YouTube videos on how to stand out in a crowded sea of online content.
And yet, this “tooting my own horn” thing just feels, well, weird.
Like, not natural.
I came face to face with this discomfort last month when I asked two clients if they would please write a few sentences for a testimonial. Having studied Donald Miller’s Storybrand, I know that third-party recommendations are invaluable when it comes to getting your business noticed. I rely on them all the time when seeking a new restaurant or travel destination, don’t you? So it makes sense that recommendations and testimonials could help others find my voiceover business as well.
The clients were happy to oblige and quickly emailed some ringing endorsements.
So why did I just leave them in my inbox?
I’d been feeling conflicted. I knew that to promote and help grow my VO business, I should share those testimonials and let potential clients read about how I’m “a top-notch voiceover pro” who is “passionate about her craft.” Yet I kept resisting because posting testimonials feels like a big ol’ brag. I’m confident in what I do and I’m proud of my reputation for taking direction well and being so easy to work with. Yet, I felt a bit icky the other day when I loaded the high praise into a graphic and then posted it on LinkedIn.
Is self-promotion just a necessary evil that we solopreneurs need to suck up and do? Or is there a better way to encourage potential clients to give us a try? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.