Whether you are building a business, a writing empire, or both, you need to be known. And to do that, you need to step out of your comfort zone and start advocating for yourself!
On a recent GoalChatLive, I discussed self-advocacy with Jackie Bailey, founder, The Speak Feed Lead Project; Jamie Martin, a life and leadership coach; and Bob Wheeler, host of the Money You Should Ask podcast. During our conversation, Jackie, Jamie, and Bob shared what self-advocacy is, the value of self-advocacy, how to get better at it, and more.
Self-advocacy is ...
Having the ability/courage/desire to speak up for yourself (Jackie), Coming from a place of alignment, so you can voice your values (Jamie), and becoming your own champion (Bob).
How to Self-Advocate
- Jackie: Stop worrying about how everyone will react to what you are doing. Ask yourself:
- What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this?
- What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
- What’s the best thing that can happen if I do this?
- What’s the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
- Bob: Get clarity. If you know your purpose, it helps you align with self-advocating, since it’s in service to others.
- What do I want?
- Why do I want it?
- Why don’t I have it?
- What am I willing to do to get it?
- Jamie: Practice.
- Take a video of yourself self-advocating!
Self-Advocacy Goals
- Jamie: Become aware of what stops you from sticking up for yourself. When that happens, write it down, so you can objectively look at what is happening.
- Jackie: Write long-hand where you are vulnerable and why, and why you hesitate about advocating for yourself. Then think about how you learned it and change the story to include “I can do this.”
- Bob: Make a list of top 5 things you are not self-advocating. Pick the one that is least scary. Set a deadline to get it done.
Watch our conversation.
Final Thoughts
- Bob: Gratitude. Being grateful goes a long way.
- Jamie: You have a voice and it needs to be heard, so others can learn from you.
- Jackie: Your voice is your superpower. Advocate for others, as well as yourself.
When you advocate for yourself - when you build a platform and shout from the "rooftops" - you not only help yourself. You help others who need to learn from you, understand your message, or be entertained by your work.
* * *
For more inspiration and motivation, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin!
* * *
How do you self-advocate? Please share in the comments.
* * *
5 comments:
Deb, interesting take on marketing oneself. I love the blurb on it: "Having the ability/courage/desire to speak up for yourself (Jackie), Coming from a place of alignment, so you can voice your values (Jamie), and becoming your own champion (Bob)." Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Karen! It was such a rich conversation, I just had to share it here!
Such a great term! I haven't been using it. But it beats "shameless" by a mile. "Shameless" implies there is something going on to be shameful about. We shouldn't be ashamed about our joy in writing or whatever else we decide to do. Thanks, Deb.
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson..
Thanks for your comment, Carolyn! I totally agree!
Hi Debra,
Great article.
It's often difficult for writers to advocate for themselves or market their books or writing services because they don't like selling. But, if they believe in their work, they should look at it as offering a great product or service that others can benefit from. They aren't merely trying to sell someone something for the sake of a sale.
Suzanne
Post a Comment