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My Best Kept Self-Promotion Secret
By Laura DeCarlo
A Competitive Edge Career Service

Have you ever noticed how some people always seem to get all the good breaks? Not only do they land new jobs easily and quickly, but opportunity seems to be just placed in their laps! Well, it's not luck!

Be prepared, because I am about to unleash my favorite secret to self-promotion success. It is relatively easy and only requires limited discipline. But, it will most surely put you on the road to success.

Don't forget where you came from. I mean, go way back to when you were a small child. You hadn't been burdened by bills, rejections or proper behavior yet. You only knew what you wanted and the secret to getting it. That secret becomes buried in us as adults as we conform to the appropriate ways of doing things. You see, the secret was, you didn't know what no meant yet. You just knew that if you whined, begged and nagged long enough, you would eventually get it!

Yes, that's really the secret, because it works the same way with potential employers. The secret is from now on "no" means "keep trying" and positive persistence is your creed.

If you sit back, either because you are afraid to be pushy or because you think it is the right thing to do, you could sit forever. Unfortunately for polite or timid job seekers, employers are busy and therefore likely to be forgetful people. You have to assert yourself.

But even persistence has rules:

1. Be prepared to be brushed off. Many employers and human resources personnel are so accustomed to being treated rudely by job seekers that they automatically react. Keep trying.

2. Be nice no matter how frustrated you get. Do not ever let your frustration show in your words or the tone of your voice, or that will be the end.

3. Utilize creativity. Do not be afraid to think outside the box and express your personality in your presentation.

4. Say thank you when someone does help you out. If someone gives you their time, recognize them. A simple and sincere notecard can open doors later.

5. Keep on keeping on, until you politely and positively wear them down to get what you want!

Email Laura