March 24th, 2008
Create Your Professional Success Stories – Part Four
Once you draft your stories, practice them out loud. That way, you’ll be ready to use them spontaneously in job interviews, while networking, etc.
First practice them out loud to yourself. Then start practicing with someone you feel safe with. You want the story to feel authentic and highlight your skills effectively. What most women find when they start practicing them out loud is they fall into the trap of diminishing their role. Again, don’t let this happen. As the old saying goes: “Say it loud and say it proud!”
As you practice, you’ll probably find you want to modify them somewhat so they come out smooth. Your final step is to hone your stories for optimal impact. Make any necessary modifications to your stories so they are succinct, interesting and effective.
If you need help with this, feel free to schedule a coaching session with me. I will help you brainstorm and finalize your stories and also develop a delivery that is both effective and feels comfortable for you.
Schedule time in your calendar to start writing your success stories in the next seven days. The next step is to practice, practice, practice! Then, hone each story as you learn what flows the best.
Once you’ve developed your success stories, I encourage you to own them! This is not about being a braggart. Rather, this is about sharing your talents with the world in a relaxed, self-confident manner. Trade in that “deficit model” for an “asset based” view of yourself.
Embrace your gifts and let them shine! And let them “work” for you.
Until next month…
Warmly,
Maret
