When it comes to advancing your career, most us have a good idea of the next opportunity we would like to get.

We know where we’re going, and we know what we're worth – but how do we make it known to others? Whether we’re in a sales role or not, one of the most important selling jobs we all have, is the job of selling ourselves… meaning to convince, persuade, or influence others of the value we offer.

Call it self-promotion if you like, but it’s really advertising your worth. It boils down to getting others to take notice of you and to create belief in what you have to offer in terms of your knowledge, expertise, talents, aptitude and abilities.

Many employees seem to forget their next job or promotion is more likely to come from inside their current organisation rather than out, so it is important to stay on the radar! Here are some of the things you could do to be effective at selling yourself…

• Get to know yourself inside out. Do some self-analysis and make a list of your communication strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledging your strengths, of which you have many, helps you to feel good about you. You won’t convince anyone of anything, if your opinion of you is a poor one. People buy you before they buy your message
• Listen to what’s happening around you. Awareness of opportunities comes through listening and being observant, and caring about making a difference in your work environment.
• If you are going to share it, prepare it! If you have something worthwhile to share with people, put some effort into the preparation. It speaks volumes about how much you care.
• Give credit where it’s due.  Acknowledging and recognising the good work of others has an amazing way of drawing positive attention to yourself. People are attracted to those who are able to give sincere and credible recognition.

So don’t lose out on well-deserved recognition and reward – get under the spotlight!