“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.” - Brene Brown
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When introducing yourself in business, what do you normally say about yourself? For me, I always talk about my career credentials, experience and the type of clients I work with. I’m betting you do something similar.
I have to confess I’ve been rethinking how I introduce myself after participating in a presentation by an inspirational speaker who talked about the changes she’s made to her professional introduction. I’m so impressed with her story that I want to share it with you.
Like me, the speaker has always introduced herself by laying out her career credentials. However, she recently began to introduce herself from more of a personal perspective. She now talks about being a wife, mother, volunteer and an advocate. She shares her passions, interests and proud moments.
By intentionally choosing to speak about her personal self vs. her professional self she has realized significant transformations, both internally and externally. She feels more confident in herself and her abilities, more focused, productive and happier overall. She’s also realized a steady stream of incredible business opportunities, professional connections and career advancements. Truly transformational!
What reverberated with me is that she has traded in her ”professional credential armor” (as I describe it) and replaced it with her authentic self. This is not an easy thing to do. I’m blown away by her courage to make this shift and inspired by the transformation and joy she has realized.
Then I asked myself “Why have I been wearing “professional credential armor” all these years?” and the truth I had to face was that I’ve been wearing this “armor” to protect myself from fear – the fear of being judged, of not being liked, of not being taken seriously and of course, of failing. This was a big AHA for me! And I know that while this “armor” has been protecting me, it has also been limiting me; limiting my true self, my happiness and my success.
Ok Megan, now what? Just how willing am I to take off the “armor” and show up more authentically? The idea of being vulnerable is scary, yet, I can’t stop thinking about the speaker’s amazing transformation. I want to experience that!
How do you feel about this? Want to give it a try?
If so, please join me on Wednesday, July 13th at 7pm CT for a one-hour Zoom call where we’ll discuss the elements of a “holistic” professional introduction. If you’re interested, email me and I’ll send you the Zoom link for this call.
I’m looking forward to our discussion and know that I will be taking notes right along with you!
Megan
P.S. Would you like help managing your career. If so, let's talk.