While it's true that few of us can tolerate an unrestrained showoff, many of us are seeking businesspersons who are willing to share their list of accomplishments. It all depends on the delivery.
There's little that's more off-putting than business owners or salespeople who drone on and on about the superiority of their expertise to the point that they leave you feeling you don't qualify to even become a customer or client of theirs.
Although we've long been told we should remain modest and humble about our successes, saying nothing equates to nobody knowing
On the other hand, when you're seeking out reliable products and services, you want to have confidence that what you'll purchase is backed by a solid history of success and satisfaction. When it comes to telling customers about the greatness of what you're selling, take to heart these tips to trumpet your triumphs without coming off like a blowhard.
Don't be bashful
Being in business for yourself, or developing a product or service is no easy task. Ask anyone who's done it. The motivation that had driven those folks through the long hours and hard work to achieve their goals isn't inherent in all of us.
That said, it's OK, and even expected, that these industrious "doers" should tell us about their successes and why their achievements are worth noting. Although we've long been told we should remain modest and humble about our successes, saying nothing equates to nobody knowing what you have to offer.
Therefore, make your own personal list of what you've achieved, what you've gone through to make your product or service better than the rest, and what motivated you to take on this task (usually because the existing products have fallen short in one way or another). Get comfortable telling yourself how well you've done so you can get ready to tell others.
Saying you're the best without really saying it
"I'm the greatest for what I've done; just ask me."
Rather than tell customers about how wonderful you are, tell them why you've pursued your particular achievements
OK—nobody wants to hear that sort of self-absorbed proclamation, even if they are interested in learning about what you've done and how it might benefit them.
Rather than tell listeners (that is, customers) about how wonderful you are, tell them why you've pursued your particular achievements. You can explain how you have a passion for what you've done and, as such, strived to succeed to the best of your ability (a humble way to say it).
You might also explain a gap you saw based on your own unmet wants or needs, and how you set about to do something about it, indicating that you don't ascribe to "someone should do something about it" complaining.
Delivering your message this way lets others know about your own approach in setting and achieving your goal, which can be an inspiration in itself.
It's also a way to establish a personal connection between you and your customers, giving them insight to your determination to develop and deliver what you're now offering to them. This gives them confidence in you, your drive for excellence and your ability to succeed—all qualities of a great product or service.
They might agree that you are truly the best in what you've done, but they said it, not you.
Backing up your claims
Be ready for someone, sometime, to insist you prove to him or her that what you've done is really the cat's pajamas.
Be sure to ask others to review and critique your work, your method and your results. This is your first opportunity to let others tell you how great you are
There are plenty of skeptics out there—often, the most demanding is the one we see in the mirror—and it's beholden upon us to make them believers in what we've done. Because each of us can be our own worst critic, that's usually where we can begin to develop our kick-the-tires test. This is where you explain the challenges, and even setbacks, you faced in your endeavor.
It's also where you indicate how your item is different from what's out there and, if there is no current competition, why you saw the need for this pursuit even though nobody seemed to be asking for it.
Be sure to ask others to review and critique your work, your method and your results. This is your first opportunity to let others tell you how great you are (or not) rather than proceed with only the guidance of your own self-assurance. Listen intently to what these first-reviewers have to say because their feedback is a key part of your body of proof to others: what you heard, what you learned and what you did about it to make your offering better.
Let customers say it for you
Hopefully, your journey to this point has worked to deliver a successful product or service. You've explained why you've pursued this, how you've approached it and what you learned during its development—all with appropriate pride and enthusiasm, minus the wanton self-congratulation.
As you receive additional customer comments and observations, look for the opportunity to use that as real-world testimony. The long-standing style here has been, "Don't believe us. Listen to what our customers have to say," and it works.
When you've done something well, be proud of it. The world loves to hear success stories, including yours
In this day of social media and online reviews and referrals, your customers can make a big impact on others. Just as much as customers are looking to you to give them the confidence they want when they make a purchase, they're actively listening to and learning from the experiences of others.
When customers have good things to say about you, ask them to share it with the world (via your marketing materials and on your social media pages). Most are happy to oblige your request, especially when they've been truly satisfied and want to encourage others to enjoy the same.
Proclaiming the greatness of who you are and what you do in your business is an important part of your ongoing success. The key is to herald your greatness is a humble manner while enabling others to say it for you. But, no matter what, don't shy away from letting it be known. When you've done something well, be proud of it. The world loves to hear success stories, including yours.