Megan Ladd | The Joy Coach

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Navigating the Awkwardness of Self-Promotion

If you’re anything like me, you probably started your journey because you're passionate about the work you do and have a burning desire to make a genuine impact during your lifetime.

You likely didn't sign up to be a marketing expert, constantly putting yourself in the limelight 24/7 😬

Over the years, I’ve talked to SO many business owners who find promoting themselves to be a bit awkward, to say the least.

Here's the number one perspective shift that's helped me, as well as many clients, feel more at ease with self-promotion:

First of all, you should know that you aren't really selling yourself, even if you are the face of your brand.

You are selling the service you provide, and you (the amazing human behind that service) are simply the vessel through which it is delivered.

Put simply: it really isn't about you — and I mean that in the most liberating way possible.

This perspective is freeing because it allows you to step off the emotional rollercoaster tied to feeling worthy when people want to work with you and feeling crushed when they don't.

People either want the service you’re offering in the way you’re offering it...or they don’t. Either way, it’s all good. Either way, it's not a reflection of your worthiness.

And speaking of worthiness, let's talk about your roles in marketing:

✅ It is your job to show up, to let the world know that you have something that can help them, and to communicate its value clearly and effectively.

Think of this like having an "open" sign outside of a restaurant, with the smell of fresh Italian food wafting through the doorway, along with a menu posted outside.

❌ It is not your job to convince people to work with you if what you’re offering doesn’t resonate with them.

If someone doesn't like or want Italian food, it's in everyone's best interest that they choose to dine elsewhere.

Beyond this, I want you to realize how normal it is to not love all parts of running a business.

Instead of making it wrong or trying to eliminate all resistance before you begin, do your best to embrace marketing and welcome it as part of the process. It will start to feel more natural over time as you practice, but judging yourself upfront will only make it harder to actually get that practice.

Last but not least, this is where it also helps to have a compelling "why". What's waiting for you on the other side of this that will make it worthwhile?

For me, that has always been getting to connect with the soulmate clients I know I'm meant to support. It's my favorite thing, it's when I feel most alive, and it's what I know I'm meant to spend my days doing.

I decided long ago that I'm willing to feel the feels and do things that scare me if it means I get to experience more of what I really want. And I never, ever regret doing those things.

When in doubt, borrow one of my personal go-to affirmations: "This feels weird, and it's okay, and I'm going to do it anyway. Because it's worth it."

And trust me, it really is worth it.

To your courage and brilliance,

Megan

P.S. Even writing these emails back in the day felt so vulnerable and nerve-wracking. But over time, with practice and reframing them to be more about connection and offering support, it's become a completely different experience.

I make offers to work with me, but again, it's not really about me. It's so much bigger than me. It's about your growth and transformation and getting to be a guide along your journey.

It's about being here as a resource and letting you know I exist and can help if/when it feels right.

That's what this is 🙂

So if you've been feeling weighed down by stress and overwhelm in your life and business, and you're ready to lift that burden and create the momentum you desire with more ease, presence, and joy, I'm here for you.

Click here to explore working together 1:1 💖