The Power of 'Blowing Your Own Trumpet' in Business Today

The Power of 'Blowing Your Own Trumpet' in Business Today

It was one of those grey mornings where the chill seeps into your bones—the kind that makes you second-guess everything, even showing up. That’s exactly how I felt at my first networking event as a fresh-faced entrepreneur. 

My enthusiasm was palpable, sure, but it was tucked away under the weight of awkwardness and a stack of pristine business cards I barely handed out. The room buzzed with confident introductions and laughter that felt scripted, almost choreographed. Meanwhile, I sipped lukewarm coffee, trying to fade into the wallpaper. By the time I left, I felt like a ghost, unseen and unheard. But more than anything, I felt frustrated—at myself, mostly.

Self Promotion

That frustration lingered, nagging at the edges of my mind like a song you can’t shake. I couldn’t escape the realisation: it didn’t matter how good I was at what I did if no one knew about it. In a world where talent and hard work aren’t rare, how do you stand out? The answer, uncomfortably obvious yet profoundly intimidating, stared back at me: self-promotion.

Now, self-promotion—it’s a phrase that makes many of us squirm, isn’t it? It sounds so... self-centred. But here’s the twist: it’s not about inflating your ego; it’s about making your value visible. For entrepreneurs, it’s the tightrope walk between confidence and cockiness, between being seen and being ignored. Mastering this delicate art can be the defining factor between blending into the noise and becoming the signal everyone tunes into.

The first thing I learned? Self-promotion isn’t just talking yourself up; it’s about connecting. People don’t buy products or services—they buy stories, passion, and the energy behind them. I had to shift my mindset from selling what I did to sharing who I was. Reluctantly at first, I began writing LinkedIn posts—not ads, but honest reflections about my journey. I talked about mistakes I’d made, lessons I’d learned, and the moments that lit a fire under me. To my surprise, these posts resonated. They sparked conversations. People reached out—not to buy, but to engage. And those connections? They built the foundation of my brand.

It’s about listening

In this day and age, self-promotion has become a game of infinite possibilities. Blogs, podcasts, webinars, Instagram reels—you name it. But here’s the kicker: it’s not enough to show up once and expect miracles. The magic lies in consistency. I started sharing case studies and client stories regularly—not in a “Look how amazing I am!” way, but in a “Here’s how we solved this” way. Slowly but surely, I noticed a shift. My audience grew. My inbox filled up. And suddenly, I was part of conversations I hadn’t even initiated.

But let me tell you, it’s not just about talking. It’s about listening. Engaging with others’ successes, supporting their work, and celebrating their wins—it’s a kind of social karma. The more I did it, the more I saw doors opening. Reciprocity is powerful, and people are drawn to those who make them feel seen, not just sold to.

Of course, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the fear of coming across as obnoxious. I’ve been there. That voice in your head saying, “You’re bragging. Stop it.” But here’s the trick: frame your achievements as lessons, not trophies. Share the failures alongside the wins. Vulnerability isn’t just relatable; it’s magnetic. I remember writing about a project that tanked spectacularly and how I clawed my way back. That post? It went viral. Why? Because people saw themselves in it. They weren’t applauding my success—they were rooting for their own.

Public speaking

Oh, and public speaking? Let’s just say my first attempt was a trainwreck. Sweaty palms, shaky voice, the works. But over time, I realised those nerves weren’t a bad thing—they were energy waiting to be harnessed. Today, some of my most valuable connections have come from people who heard me speak and said, “That resonated.” It’s terrifying at first, but stepping into the spotlight is often the only way to light up your path.

And don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. Guest blogging, co-hosting webinars, or joining someone’s podcast—it’s not just about borrowing their audience. It’s about association, about showing that you belong in the same room as other trusted voices. Each partnership adds another layer to your credibility, another reason for people to pay attention.

A process of trial & error

Looking back, I see how self-promotion has been as much about personal growth as business growth. Every time I put myself out there, I’ve learned something—not just about the market, but about myself. That feedback loop, where external validation fuels internal confidence, is transformative. It’s like flexing a muscle: the more you do it, the stronger you get.

Mastering self-promotion isn’t a switch you flip—it’s a slow, often clumsy process of trial and error. You’ll overshare sometimes. You’ll underplay other times. But each stumble is a step forward. The key is to start, to push past the discomfort, and to remember that if you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And they might not get it right.

Stand tall - speak loud

So, here’s the truth: self-promotion isn’t just a skill; it’s survival. In a world full of noise, you can’t afford to whisper. Stand tall. Speak loud. Be your own biggest advocate... "Blow Your Own Trumpet"! 

Because if you don’t believe in your story, why should anyone else?

[Graham J McLusky]

Check out my website: https://webdesign-imagineers.co.uk