learn to market yourself

being good at something isn't enough

the world is full of talented people nobody has ever heard of. brilliant coders working dead-end jobs. gifted writers with empty blogs. skilled professionals getting passed over for promotions by people who are worse at the job but better at making themselves visible. talent is necessary, but it's not sufficient. you also need to know how to communicate your value.

this isn't about being fake

marketing yourself doesn't mean constructing a false persona or becoming a shameless self-promoter. it means being intentional about how you present your genuine strengths, values, and capabilities. it means making sure the right people know what you bring to the table. that's not ego — it's strategy.

the three pillars

first impressions matter. research shows people form lasting judgments within seconds. your body language, eye contact, handshake, and opening words set a tone that's incredibly difficult to change later. practice making strong, warm first impressions until it becomes natural.

congruence builds trust. your words, actions, and values need to align. people sense incongruence instinctively, even when they can't articulate it. if you claim to value creativity but your life is entirely rigid and routine, that disconnect undermines your credibility. live what you preach.

articulation creates opportunity. can you clearly explain what you do, what you're good at, and what you're looking for in 30 seconds? most people can't, and it costs them opportunities they never even know about.

the homework

identify your weakest pillar and find one book, course, or mentor to help you improve it. dale carnegie's "how to win friends and influence people" remains a masterclass in interpersonal communication. for personal branding specifically, look into how people in your field who are doing well present themselves online and in person. study what works, then make it your own.

if this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.