3 Keys to Mastering the Art of Bragging

Bragging. What a dirty word, right? It’s one of those words that oozes with arrogance and conjures up images of conceited, self-absorbed people. Maybe you’ve worked with someone who always talked about himself and his accomplishments at every meeting, or maybe you grew up with an older sibling who constantly pranced around heralding her latest academic accomplishment. As a result, you’ve done everything in your power to avoid such behavior, believing that humility and doing good work will produce the accolades, visibility, and pat on the back that you so rightly deserve.While this may have proven to be effective in the past, now you’re a business owner. There is no boss to give you a gold star for your efforts, no supervisor waiting to place a medal over your neck in recognition of your achievement, and surely no manager ready to applaud you for simply doing your best work day in and day out. You now fulfill all of these roles, and a passive approach is ineffective.In order for your business to be recognized in this very noisy world, it’s time to learn the fine art of bragging.Don’t cringe! It isn’t as awful as you may think. There is a way to brag that isn’t slimy and will never put your integrity into question. If anything, you will be highlighting the very core of who you are and attract your ideal clients and customers through unveiling your true self.One way to reframe the concept of bragging is to think of it as simply sharing quality information about who you are and what your business is all about.The right way to brag includes three important components: storytelling, vulnerability, and authenticity.

Mastering the Art of Bragging

Storytelling: Let the World Know Who You AreStorytelling is a powerful tool. Unfortunately, most people don’t use it enough in their businesses. Often we’re afraid to share too much about ourselves and what we’ve overcome to get to where we are today. We believe it may come off as unprofessional. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Stories are how we acquire knowledge and information. Stories give an emotional wallop that no amount of facts or strategies can ever provide. They are also one way to brag in a meaningful and powerful manner. Often, through stories, you can share your challenges, struggles, and successes and in doing so, also provide an opportunity for learning that goes beyond bragging alone. Take action: Choose a story that highlights a personal struggle or triumph, one that you are willing to share. This story will not only convey who you are, but it will also highlight the points you want to share. Vulnerability: Don’t Hold BackBrené Brown has written superbly on the topic of vulnerability and the importance of opening oneself up to others. This is no less true when it comes to the business of bragging. If you want to brag about your successes, especially in the context of storytelling, you need to be vulnerable. When you tell a story, people want to hear about more than just about the successes you’ve achieved. They want to hear what happened behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the parts that you may want to hide from the world. What were the low points of your struggle? Were there negative forces that you had to overcome? Telling the whole story and being vulnerable allows people to step inside your shoes—to feel what you’re feeling. It also enables them to cheer you on when you triumphantly emerge on the other side. Take action: When thinking of your story, what one aspect exposes a deep revelation and reveals the real you? What is something that, through sharing, illuminates the aspect that you want to share? Authenticity: Always be the True YouIt can be tough standing out from the incessant noise we encounter daily. By being your true authentic self you can draw attention to your work in ways that no one else can do. Once you strip away the trappings that your ego has put forth to protect you from being vulnerable, your core self will shine through. This authentic aspect is what draws people to you. They won’t view you as bragging as much as you’re sharing exactly who you are and what you stand for. Take action: When you’re formulating your story make sure you are being as authentic as possible. Look to see if there are ego-based aspects to your story that draw attention away from your unique self and carefully remove them.Bragging is truly an art form if you approach it as such. It is storytelling from an authentic and vulnerable place illuminating the best parts of who you are and what your business is all about. Don’t be hesitant to toot your own horn. Give it a try and see how people respond. You’ll be pleasantly surprised as your best clients come forth eager to work with you.

Will YOU master the art of bragging? How are you planning to apply this to your business? Tell us in the comments below!