Toot Your Own Horn

I recently started following a guy named Samuel Hershberger on Facebook and I really enjoy the things he posts. I think he uses Facebook as a form of blogging and I think it's cool - people are already there and everything.

He posted something a couple days ago titled "Humility is Bullshit!" 

Being the firecracker that I am, I was immediately attracted to the title and I wanted to know more.

Samuel gives the definition of the words modest (a synonym for humility) and moderate and explains that by the sheer definition of these words, you're doing yourself a disservice by participating in humility...at least in the way it's been encouraged by society.

We've been taught that we shouldn't toot our own horn and to think of ourselves as great is equal to being full of yourself or puffed up. 

But, Samuel (and I) would like you to see things from a different angle.

Have you ever tried to work with someone like a coach or expert who was REALLY great at what they do? Normally, the prices for a one-on-one experience have a minimum of 3 zeros BEFORE the period.

Those people may not be quoting Muhammad Ali, "I'm the greatest!" But, they're communicating that very thing with their prices. 

In business, we've been taught to allow testimonials to speak for us. Let OTHER people tell a potential client how great you are so you won't seem full of it.

Well, I think that's backwards.

Rule #1 - if you don't believe in yourself, who will?

Rule #2 - if you don't talk about your skills, who will?

The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine and I told her that I had struggled with my USP (Unique Selling Proposition) for The Millionaire's Assistant. I couldn't readily articulate to you what makes my Personal Concierge service better or different from any other service, other than the fact that it's ME doing it.

She said, "That's it! Your unique selling proposition is YOU!"

It can't be that simple. Can it?

Of course it can!

But, this isn't about me. This about you!

It takes some work to come out of your shell and learn to toot your own horn and it takes a nice amount of finesse to be able to toot your own horn without sounding like a pompous asshole...but, life is all about balance.

I watched all the drama unfold in the days and weeks following the Richard Sherman thing (something else Samuel wrote about) and I came to realize that the people who were attacking Richard are probably people who are uncomfortable with their own greatness.

Take a moment to think about it. I mentioned Ali before. You know what he said, "I was saying I was the greatest before I knew I was." But, then, he went on to prove it with his fighting record.

Sherman's stats back up his boasts. 

The other person who comes to mind is Floyd Mayweather. Now, I'm not particularly a fan of his, especially with those domestic abuse allegations and all, but..the man is undefeated. He can talk all the crap he wants when it comes to fighting because he is/was 42-0. Do you know how much WORK it takes to be 42 and 0?

So, think about that and let it sit with you and DEFINITELY read Samuel's post. 

Then, find your balance and get rid of the voices of fear, shame and/or doubt that have been keeping you from tooting your own horn. 

Embrace your greatness and don't be afraid to talk about it, especially when it counts!

Most importantly, don't look down on those who DO toot their own horns, especially when they have the track record of success that supports their claims.