Marketing Is Everything

As you line up to check out your purchases at the supermarket you see many magazines and tabloids. On the magazine covers you might see a famous actress in perfectly-fitted clothing and makeup. Her hair falls in just the right place and she has a figure that most women would envy.

Then you look at the tabloid and see the same actress looking twenty years older. She is wearing no makeup and looks much larger. Nothing has changed. This is the magic of marketing.

Most of you are familiar with the negative side of marketing: an only "slightly used" care with all its attributes shouted to you in large neon letters, the defects hidden in the small print; a product which works flawlessly on television but falls apart each time you use it at home.

People market themselves as well. There is that nice girl in public who turns mean and manipulative behind the scenes; the Prince Charming who woos you into his bed then treats you like a stranger when he's had his fill.

If you have created a quality piece of work or product that will benefit people, marketing is the way to reach a large audience. You can also market yourself to others socially.

The secret is to speak of the best and downplay what you are less proud of. Do not market yourself to the point that you cannot live up to your own hype. Create with your heart, not just to make money. You deserve compensation for quality work. Always do the kind of work that you would desire and expect from others.

As for your personal marketing, make a list of your attributes, skills and talents. Highlight the best. You don't need to brag, just give the most attention to the positive. Feel what it would be like to take your gifts to the next level. Step into that feeling and become that person. Do not boast of talents that you do not have, just speak and act with the confidence of one who has them. With that attitude, and a desire to improve, you soon will have them.

You are no different than the actress on the magazine cover. If you dwell on your gifts you will present yourself as she does. If you dwell on your faults, you will appear as she does on the tabloid cover. Accept your flaws, if you insist on calling them that. They are the jagged stones that keep you walking on the right path. Make peace with them and celebrate your talents.

In the meantime, if people want to bask in your charm and charisma, let them. Do not abuse it, just use it. ~Silas