THESELF-PROMOTIONTOOLBOX 1.0

PASSION-DRIVEN PEOPLEPROGRESSIVE PRODUCTSPORTALS & PLACESPRIMO LINKS PRO-ACTIVE TIP SHEETSPOW. POW. POW. AND DID I MENTION . . . POW!

WELL HOWDY, PARTNER.SO, YOU WANNA PROMOTE YOURSELF? NON-SUCKILY?

This 30-page SELF-PROMOTION TOOLBOX is poppin’ with the people, places, products & potent action steps you need to hire, visit, download and DO — like, yesterday.

Here’s the rundown:

:: AN INTRODUCTION (WHAT THE FRICK IS THIS?!) :: 35 WAYS TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE %#$!& DOOR: :: 10 LIFESCRIPTS FOR ENTREPRENEURS :: 10 SELF-PROMOTION NOTIONS :: 17 COACHES, GURUS, GODDESSES & LIFE-SAVERS :: 33 WEB HAUNTS & DIGITAL TOOLS :: 6 INFO-PRODUCTS THAT’LL ROCK YOUR SOCKS :: 12 RESUME DO’S & DON’TS :: MANIFESTO CHEAT SHEET (BIGGER & BADDER) :: 10 MANTRAS YOU NEED TO MEMORIZE :: FORCIBLY EXPAND YOUR NETWORK: A GAME! :: THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO EXERCISE ... AND A VALUABLE VOUCHER ($50)

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AN INTRODUCTION (What the frick is this?!)

Howdy, friends.

When I released The Personal Branding & Vocation Pumping Toolbox back in September 2010, it was...an experiment.

I wanted to dip my toes into the digital product pool, and gauge the effects.

I solicited feedback. Y’all gave it.

:: “Fewer link round-ups!”

:: “More original content!”

:: “Fix them broken URLs, dammit!”

:: “Add some mo’ lifescripts!”

I listened. I hastened. And this is the result.

I’ve renamed this product The Self-Promotion Toolbox. Cuz that’s, uh, what it is. It doesn’t matter if you’re a 9-to-5-er, a die-hard entrepreneur, or something in between — in order to spiral into higher stratospheres of impact, influence & affluence, you need to PROMOTE yourself.

So, here’s your Toolbox. I’ve added a hefty chunk of fresh content. Mostly original. And a few more link round-ups (I can’t help myself, people).

I’ve kept the price at a cool ten bucks. I hope you dig it.

And I hope you keep your eyes peeled for my next crop of creations.

XOXO.

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35 WAYS TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE %#$!& DOOR

Cold-calling is for masochists. And online contact forms are brutal. Diversify your hustling portfolio with these tried-and-true tactics:

1. Seek out a work / trade barter arrangement.2. Establish an apprenticeship / mentorship.3. Volunteer, donate or advocate for the cause.4. Offer to host or MC a fundraising event.5. Interview a key staff member for your blog. 6. Follow ‘em on Twitter (and re-tweet when it’s relevant).7. Pitch a project that brings immediate value to the table.8. Get in sideways by mastering a related niche or skill.9. Send an e-mail blast to friends and family clearly detailing your intentions.10. Start an e-newsletter and send out quarterly updates.11. BE THE PIMP. Make a connection. Refer a client. Reciprocation is magic.12. Buy some Google AdWords, but do something clever with your adspace.13. Send sincere, non-creepy fan mail.14. Become a customer, member or affiliate.15. Talk to strangers.16. Join an industry networking group (or start one).17. Print a stack of unique personal calling cards and scatter them where your target audience will find ‘em.18. Approach every networking situation from a place of sincere generosity.19. Reach out to your college's alumni program. 20. Join a coworking space and make your presence known.21. Offer to write a guest-post, co-write an article, or contribute an interview.22. Enter a contest (or host a giveaway).23. Take a tour of the facilities. Ooh and aah.24. Book an informational interview to learn about upcoming opportunities.25. Nominate ‘em for an award (and tell ‘em so).26. Attend a seminar, conference or lecture. Linger and mingle.27. P.A.R.T.Y. & make friends.28. Send a hand-written thank you note.29. Make a (respectful) scene. Do something classy and splashy.30. Write a glowing testimonial / review.31. Solicit a letter of recommendation / letter of introduction / testimonial.32. Ride on someone's coattails.33. Open your home (or couch) to visitors when a convention comes to town.34. Visit their booth at the state fair / pride festival / career expo.35. Just friggin’ ask. Nicely.

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10 LIFESCRIPTS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Use ‘em verbatim. Tone ‘em down. Or juzz ‘em up with your own secret blend of herbs and spices. No matter what: keep it positive, concise and respectful. Want more pre-packaged phraseology? Check out my Combat-Ready Comebacks.

1 :: Approaching a hero.

“Hey, you don’t know me, but I’ve been following your work for a while. I dig the way you combine [ attribute ] with [ skill ], and I really loved that recent [ article or interview ] you did for [ publication ]. I gotta admit, I’m a little bit awestruck by your radness. Any chance I could treat you to a [ beverage of your choosing ] next time we’re in the same zipcode?”

2 :: Soft-pitching a collaborative project.

“I’ve got a ‘career lovechild’ in the germination phase — basically, it’s a [ digital book / workshop series / knitted bicycle helmet snood ] geared towards [ target audience ]. I’d love to hear your perspective on [ specific issue ], because I’ve heard such luminous praise about your [ relevant skillset ].”

3 :: Circling back with a firm pitch.

“Dude! I had a blast at our little coffee date last week. After talking to you about [ project / topic ], I’m seriously revved up to make it happen. Can I count on you to [ participate / invest / consult / co-write / help promote ] my new endeavor, or do you need some more time to mull things over?”

4 :: Forging a referral relationship.

“Y’know, I’ve realized there’s a lot of cross-promotion potential between our two client pools. Your clients rely on you for [ service ], and mine come to me for [related service]. I love pointing people your way, ‘cuz I know you rock. I bet we could strike up a more formalized cross-referral dealio, with incentives, coupons, or even an affiliate program. What do you think?”

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5 :: Straight-up pimpity-pimping.

“I had a moment of zen last night, thinking about your blog post on [ topic ]. I really think you should connect with [ person ], and I’d love to make the introductions. S/he’s a superstar at [ something the person desperately needs ], and I know you’ll hit it off. Just say the word, and I’ll fling open the door.”

6 :: Negotiating a discounted rate.

“I thoroughly enjoyed our jam session last week, and I’m still whirring through all the ideas you threw on the table. I’d really love to book you for [ five hours / a week / the rest of my life ], and I’m wondering if you’d be willing to work out a flat rate of [ $xxx ] an hour? I realize your normal rate is [ $xxx ], but I’m happy to pay in advance and commit to [ xxx ] hours straightaway, if you can nudge your rate down to fit my budget.”

7 :: Turning down a pro bono gig.

“I’m flattered and humbled that you want me to [ run your Board of Directors / manage your fundraiser / groom your prize poodles ] but I need to be frank: my pro bono dance card is full. I believe in your project, and I’d love to do my small part by donating thirty minutes of full-on brainspace. How ‘bout a phone session next week, to get you on your way?”

8 :: Spiking your quote, mid-project.

“OK, I’m tracking my hours on this project with a healthy dose of OCD, and I want to let you know that we’re approaching the end of our initial agreement, time-wise. To complete this project by the target date we discussed, I’m estimating an additional [ xxx ] hours of my time. In cash terms, that [ $xxx ]. How does that align with your budget for the project?”

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9 :: Admitting you f*cked up.

“I’m going to be big-time blunt: I screwed up. I [ goofed up the html code / forgot the submission deadline / missed a major typo / drained your retirement account ]. It wasn’t intentional, but it happened. I wanted to let you know right away, and offer a genuine apology. I’m seeking out the fastest route to fix the problem, and I’ll update you when it’s squared away.”

10 :: Avoiding the dreaded “over-sell.”

“It sounds like you really need [ a career coach / an SEO specialist / a therapist ], and that’s not really within my skillset — or training. I can certainly help with you [ xxx, yyy & zzz ]. As for the other deliverables you mentioned, I can joyfully refer you to [ insert rockstar here ].”

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10 SELF-PROMOTION NOTIONS

Self-promotion doesn’t have to be sleazy, skeevy or stuffy.

In fact, it oughta be effortless, expeditious and edgy.

Try these shameless plugging tips on for size. See what fits. And then accessorize.

1 :: Give away the milk for free.

... Host a giveaway contest on your site.

... Start a “consulting laboratory,” and test your methodology on 100 guinea pigs before setting your rates. ... Donate an hour of your time (or a snazzy product) to a silent auction.

2 :: Get interviewed — frequently.

... Plop a static “Interview Me!” call-to-action on your website or blog.

... Send press releases to local journalists & media outlets.

... Interview someone else & propose a cross-promotional interview swap.

... Join the Public Insight Network & HARO.

3 :: Do something gutsy (and make it informative.)

... Raise your rates & spell out your cashflow philosophy (like I did).

... Change your name (like Gala Darling) & ‘splain your reasoning.

... Commit to going a year without buying anything (like Holly Smith).

4 :: Get your mug on TV (Internet TV, that is!)

... Host a live-streaming webinar through Vokle.

... Co-host a YouTube or Vimeo series. Partner up with established icons in your industry & piggy-back on their built-in fan bases.... Start a web-TV series on Show In A Box.

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5 :: Lead by example.

... Contact your local community college (or experimental college) and pitch a free workshop concept. You teach it. You promote it. You expose yourself to potential clients — and establish credibility.

6 :: Take initiative. Make it better.

... Is your favorite band’s gig list woefully out-of-date? Does your local improv comedy troupe desperately need some marketing brilliance? Is your mayor’s letterhead looking totally ‘70s — and not in a cool, retro way? Approach them (respectfully) and pitch 3 tasks you could take on to make their lives better — today.

7 :: Geek the frick out.

... Nothing piques interest like genuine enthusiasm. If someone is doing something that makes you shiver in ecstasy, TELL THEM! Write a fervent fan letter. Keep it short & sweet (not fawning & stalkerish). Close your letter by telling them what you’re up to & how it relates to their empire.

8 :: Put yourself in the running, champ.

... Enter a contest. Apply for a grant. Go for the gold. It’s a terrific excuse to reach out to your friends, family, colleagues & clients for support — especially if you need their votes.

9 :: Apply for a J-O-B.

Might seem counter-intuitive — especially if you’re a die-hard entrepreneur. But applying for a job can expand your network, unearth potential clients & illuminate fresh vocational paths.

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10 :: Look sharp.

... It’s not shallow. It’s just business. If you’re the snappiest dresser in the room — with an electric smile and ballerina posture to boot — people will be clamoring to inquire, “so whadda you do?” And then tell them. Amidst coquettish sips of champagne.

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17 COACHES, GURUS, GODDESSES & LIFE-SAVERS

Investing in a certified coach, project strategist, business consultant, or grade-A guru can be the single best career move you ever make.

Take it from me, champ.

Here are my top picks...and I ain’t getting no kickbacks.

:: Vocation + Business Galvanizers.

1 :: Danielle LaPorte :: WhiteHotTruthThe Internet’s reigning high priestess of kick-ass spirituality. Bow down. Smile.

2 :: Michelle Ward :: The When I Grow Up CoachWhat do you wanna be when you grow up? 1/10 as “amazeballs” as Michelle.

3 :: Dyana Valentine :: DyanaValentine.comHelping self-starters finish what they started. An instigation firehose.

4 :: Chrissy Scivicque :: Eat Your CareerA certified career coach and nutritionist with a dual background in banking & copywriting. Nom nom. Cha-ching. Scribble.

5 :: Nailah Blades :: Polka Dot CoachingConnecting the dots of your twenty-something years. Finding the Meaning of Life is her modus operandi (and mega-passion).

6 :: Erika Lyremark :: Daily WhipNo excuses. No apologies. No regrets. Just momentum. Check out her “No B.S. Guide To Success” for 60+ pages of pure ass-whipping.

7 :: Dian Reid :: Authentic RealitiesLGBT-centric coaching, thrivin’ beach circles & blissed-out progress.

8 :: Leanne Young :: Blinding SupernovaAn actor-model & authenticity coach. Her inner radiance will permeate your life, crackle away your fears and shift you towards “impeccable self-care.”

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:: Branding, Positioning & Prettifying.

9 :: Candice Caldwell :: Brand AtelierBranding strategies for small-business rockstars. Established. Efficient. Truly excellent.

10 :: Maria Ross :: Red Slice Branding & Communications ConsultancyFiesty and frank, Ms. Ross has positioned herself as the “Tina Fey” of the marketing world. A fervent philanthropist, mistress of the sensible “push-back,” and all-around brainy beauty.

11 :: Kylie Springman :: EffervescenceA coach-in-training and intuitive photographer. She’ll snap your headshot, feed you a scone, and make you feel gorgeous.

12 :: Rebecca Pollock :: RebeccaPollock.comPatient. Productive. Insightful. A true artist. And willing to appease aesthetic micro-managers (with grace).

13 :: Catherine Vo :: CatherineVo.comA UX designer / developer based outta Austin, Texas. Don’t mess with The Vo. She partners with Pollock to create gorgeous, highly-functional websites. Like mine, for example.

14 :: J. Maureen Henderson :: GenerationMehSocial media strategy from a snarkster with a heart o’ gold. She’s got a journalist’s sense of wordplay & research — and she’s another career coach-in-training. Look out, universe.

15 :: Shenee Howard :: You’ll Look GreatFrom your resume to your logo to your social media presence, Shenee is wildly committed to making you “look bomb.” And! She’s adorable. Just look at that smile.

16 :: Emma Alvarez Gibson :: EmmaAlvarezGibson.comThe wordsmith behind Litmus Studio. Creator of Jack Move Magazine. A razor-sharp editor...who never makes you feel stupid.

17 :: Sarah Storer :: The Naked RedheadShe helps grad students get their asses in gear — and she’ll help YOU discover your “inner Oprah,” with voice coaching & stage presence techniques.

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33 WEB HAUNTS & DIGITAL TOOLS

The Internet is poppin’ and lockin’ with branding and self-promotion resources, tools, tip sheets, checklists and inspiration. And most of it is 100% free.

Here’s my must-bookmark list:

:: Elevator Pitches & Mission Statements.

1 :: Classroom To Cubicle :: How To Hook A Networking Opportunity With A Dynamic Elevator Pitch2 :: Dumb Little Man :: How To Craft A Killer Elevator Pitch That Will Land You Big Business3 :: BusinessWeek :: How To Pitch Yourself in 30 Seconds4 :: US News & World Report :: The Right Way To Pitch Yourself To A School5 :: Fast Company :: Writing a Mission Statement That Doesn’t Suck6 :: Franklin Covey :: Personal Mission Statement Generator

:: Boredom-free Cover Letters.

7 :: Smashing Magazine :: What Makes A Great Cover Letter, According To Companies8 :: Puff Piece :: A Kick-Ass Cover Letter9 :: Work Awesome :: How To Write A Cover Letter That Gets Read10 :: Work Awesome :: Beyond The Cover Letter

:: Fonts & Typography.

11 :: FontSquirrel :: http://fontsquirrel.com12 :: 1001 Free Fonts :: http://1001freefonts.com 13 :: Urban Fonts :: http://www.urbanfonts.com14 :: DaFont :: http://www.dafont.com

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:: Color Palette Generators.

15 :: Color Variations & Gradients: http://0to255.com16 :: Color Palette Generator: http://colourlovers.com17 :: Another Color Palette Generator: http://kuler.adobe.com 18 :: Match Color Palette To Image: http://degraeve.com/color-palette

:: Creative Resumes & Portfolio Sites.

19 :: Save-Delete :: 70& Most Artistic & Creative Resumes Of All Time20 :: Smashing Magazine :: 50 Beautiful & Creative Portfolio Designs21 :: AOL Jobs :: 6 Steps To a Clutter-free Resume22 :: JobMob :: 36 Beautiful Resume Ideas That Work23 :: Clean Branding & Typesetting :: Nubby Twiglet24 :: Minimalist Design, Minimalist Message :: Far Beyond The Stars25 :: Modern & Groovy & Bangin’ Geometry :: Bruce Mau Design

:: Task Management & Mad Efficiency.

26 :: Freckle :: http://letsfreckle.com27 :: TimeTrade :: http://timetrade.com28 :: Jing :: http://techsmith.com/jing29 :: hiTASK :: http://hitask.com

:: E-Newsletters That Don’t Suck (Not Even A Little).

30 :: Marie Forleo (Ferocious Business & Marketing) :: Marie Forleo31 :: Laura Roeder (Social Media & Fame Creation) :: The Dash Newsletter32 :: CopyBlogger (Compelling Content & Ad Techniques) :: CopyBlogger33 :: HOW Magazine (In-House Design & Freelance Mastery) :: HOW

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6 INFO-PRODUCTS THAT’LL ROCK YOUR SOCKS

There’s a lotta fluff out there, and not a lot of fierce, highly-functional radness.

If you’re gonna spend money bolstering your self-promotional arsenal (and psyche), spend it on these powerful products:

1 :: The Fire Starter Sessions :: WhiteHotTruth.com

Blaze past your blockades into pure entrepreneurial bliss. The full program = $150 (or, buy True Strengths & the Metrics of Ease for a cool $20). The reader reviews are maniacally supportive. And soon, you’ll see why.

2 :: The Declaration of You :: TheDeclarationOfYou.com

A stellar, self-directed e-course, joyfully propelled by a standout duo: creative career coach Michelle Ward & pattern designer Jessica Swift. If you can’t find the words to describe who you are (and what you do), this course will guide you towards your very own personal manifesto. There’s also a talking paper puppet named Pierre Francois Frédéric, who you...need to see. Get registered.

3 :: How To Rule Your World From The Inside Out :: HiroBoga.com

Hiro Boga is a master intuitive who’s helped hundreds of clients banish energetic clutter from their lives. “How To Rule Your World” offers practical techniques to develop creative sovereignty — allowing you to make the right choices for your inner ecosystem, your career, your soul, and your community. It’s all about energy. It’s deep, man. And it’s available in January 2011.

4 :: Love & Sequins :: GalaDarling.com

A must-have series for wannabe pro-bloggers and rising style icons. 12 chapters (plus mp3 podcasts) = $84, or $12 each a la carte.

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5 :: Archived seminars :: FreelancersUnion.com

From cold calling to pricing strategies to legal basics and tax issues, every aspiring freelancer oughta nab these top-notch audio courses. $25 a pop.

6 :: The Renaissance Soul: Life Design For People With Too Many Passions To Pick Just One

Self-help books can be grotesque and inane. This one ain’t. Author Margaret Lobenstine gracefully goads you into embracing eclecticism as a strength, not a demerit. $15-ish via Amazon.

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12 RESUMES DO’S & DON’TS

:: Resume DO’s.

1 :: DO create a clean, vibrant document with a unique look & feel. Work with a professional designer to develop a punchy aesthetic, or study some inspiring resumes to get fresh ideas.

2 :: DO target your resume to the specific industry, company or position you want.

3 :: DO make your resume interactive. This is 2010. Live hyperlinks, please.

4 :: DO focus on accomplishments, specific achievements, facts, figures, numbers and hard details. The more specific, the better.

5 :: DO get an outside eye (or three). A trusted friend, a new acquaintance, and (ideally) a professional editor. Your local state job center can provide free screening.

6 :: DO let it circulate & percolate. Once you've updated your resume, tweet about it, e-mail your friends and colleagues, put it somewhere visible on your website, and print out a few copies for spontaneous hustling opportunities.

:: Resume DON’TS.

7 :: DON'T feel obligated to include evvvverything you've ever done. Shave. Select. Lead with your strongest material. And stay relevant.

8 :: DON'T be overly wordy. Zap humongous blocks of text. Concision is king.

9 :: DON'T make the person reading your resume bend over backwards to figure out who you are, what you want — or worse, how to contact you.

10 :: DON'T be a corporate drone. Read your resume out loud — if it doesn’t sound like anything you'd ever say about yourself in “real life,” it's time to edit.

11 :: DON’T use the phrase “References Available Upon Request.” It’s implied.

12 :: DON'T send crazy file formats. Opt for a clean PDF, whenever possible.

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MANIFESTO CHEAT SHEET (BIGGER & BADDER)

Writing a personal manifesto, mission statement or bio?

Feeling ick-yuck-what-the-f*ck stuck?

Generate some knee-jerk wordage and “ooh, yeah” moments with this Manifesto Cheat Sheet. It’s bigger ‘n badder than the one on my blog (which you can scope out, for inspiration).

Sensory Surroundings, Sights & Sounds:

POWER COLOR:TEXTILE: FLAVOR:SCENT:GEMSTONE:GEOMETRIC SHAPE:ANTHEM: SOUND EFFECT:

Fantasy, Mystery, Magic & Mirroring:

PRETEND BFF: FANTASY MENTOR: ALTER-EGO:TOTEM ANIMAL:SPIRIT GUIDE:IMAGINARY DINNER PARTY GUESTS:DEEP DARK SECRET DREAM:

Mantras, Monikers & Mind Anchors:

CHOSEN NICKNAME:CORE WORD:CALL TO ACTION:SUPERHERO SMACKDOWN WORD: PRIMAL SCREAM:STOP IT, DAMMIT:DO IT, DAMMIT:

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Emotions & Electrical Impulses:

GENTLY SPOONING WITH:MAKING FRIENDS WITH:CEREMONIOUSLY BURNING:UNCEREMONIOUSLY DUMPING:COYLY WINKING AT:INVITING OVER FOR TEA:SMACKING UPSIDE THE HEAD:

My, Myself & I :

I WILL ABSOLUTELY NEVER:I’VE CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT:I COULD BE WRONG ABOUT:I’M BLOODY AMAZING AT:I’M GOING TO MONETIZE:I CANNOT ABIDE BY:I’M FEROCIOUSLY COMMITTED TO:

Oh, And…

NON-GUILTY PLEASURES (at least 5. Be honest, now):

1.2.3.4.5.

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10 MANTRAS YOU NEED TO MEMORIZE

1 :: “Good things happen to those who hustle.” — Anais Nin

2 :: “Good things happen when you meet strangers.” — Yo-Yo Ma

3 :: “If you’re really a rapper, you can’t stop rapping.” — Ice T

4 :: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela

5 :: “Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” — Benjamin Franklin

6 :: “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” — Michael Porter

7 :: “An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.” —Mae West

8 :: “Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: ‘I’m with you, kid. Let’s go.’” — Maya Angelou

9 :: “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” — Oscar Wilde

10 :: “You better work, supermodel.” — RuPaul

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FORCIBLY EXPAND YOUR NETWORK: A GAME!

If you’ve been out of work for a while, or are just diving into an entrepreneurial venture, expanding your “network” can feel daunting — and grimly unpleasant.

So, at the risk of pulling a Mary Poppins, let’s make it a GAME, shall we?

Here’s the playbook for a 5-WEEK NETWORKING GAME. No scorecard required. And everyone’s a winner (aww...)

Week 1 :: Start Small.

I don’t care if you’ve spent the last decade in a cubicle, a corner office, or a state correctional facility — you’ve got AT LEAST 5 people in your inner circle of trust. And yeah — your mom might be one of ‘em. We all gotta start somewhere, bucko.

Write down 5 people you can contact TODAY:

1 :: _________________________________

2 :: _________________________________

3 :: _________________________________

4 :: _________________________________

5 :: _________________________________

READY? SET?Send each person a PERSONALIZED e-mail (no soulless, faceless mass emails!) with a general life update. Tell ‘em about your current ambitions / products / services / goals / challenges — and give ‘em a specific call-to-action. They want to help you. So give clear directives.

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Week 2 :: Reconnect.

Your old college professor. Your very first boss. That would-be mentor from your defunct networking group. You’ve got near-contacts and almost-colleagues littered across your lifetime. It’s time to transform vague connections into willing advocates.

Write down 5 people you sorta-kinda know (or used to know better):

1 :: _________________________________

2 :: _________________________________

3 :: _________________________________

4 :: _________________________________

5 :: _________________________________

GOT ‘EM DOWN?Send each person a HANDWRITTEN letter (old-school! Victorian!) with a general life update (you can echo the language you used in last week’s email blast). Emphasize how much each person meant to you, and be clear about your desire to RECONNECT. Invite them to tea. Propose a Skype chat. Prop the door open by letting them know what you’re up to.

BONUS ROUND:

Send each person a small, thoughtful gift. A chocolate bar. A well-thumbed book, inscribed with a note. A set of stationery. A Polaroid photo from years gone by.

Genuine generosity breeds genuine generosity. Mmm-hmm.

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Week 3 :: Refine & Target.

You’ve got role models. Goals. Ambitions. Distant stars. If-onlys. What-ifs.There are companies that captivate your imagination. People whose careers you track with fierce dedication.

It’s time to contact them. Yes, really. Cold turkey (but warmly).

List 5 people (or companies / organizations / brands) that you idolize:

1 :: _________________________________

2 :: _________________________________

3 :: _________________________________

4 :: _________________________________

5 :: _________________________________

DEEEEEP BREATH. Find the direct contact info for each person (or a real-live human being at each company / organization). Avoid generic contact forms on websites, wherever possible.

Send a heart-felt letter of GRATITUDE (not a pitch letter). Explain how the person (or organization) has ELEVATED, INSPIRED and ENERGIZED your life.

Keep it concise. Stay on-point. Avoid spiraling into creepy fandom.

Close with a concrete invitation to circle back. Something like:

“I’d love to support your mission in Africa — if you ever need a landscape photographer who’s not afraid of grit & dirt, I’m your gal!”

ALEX

AND

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RAN

ZEN

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XAN

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“I believe in your vision, and I’d love to help spread the message. If you need some social media support, I’d be happy to lend a few hours of my time — totally pro bono.”

“ If your book tour passes through Austin, Texas, chai lattes are on me. And I’d love to refer you to my amazing hypnotherapist, since you voiced an interest in alternative healing in your last blog post — she’s a miracle worker.”

ALEX

AND

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RAN

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XAN

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FRAN

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Week 4 :: Geek Out.

You’ve heard of the Internet, yes? It’s your most powerful (and economical) network-expanding tool.

Disclaimer: I am not — I repeat, NOT — a “social media strategist.” There are professionals who dedicate their every waking hour to rocking the social sphere. Here’s one. And here’s another. Disclaimer = complete. Now, here are 5 no-brainer techniques to rev your online networking engines. (They worked for me, and they’re commonsensically sound).

1 :: Join Twitter (if you haven’t already). Commit to following 50 new people this week. Keep it relevant by using Twitter’s “Who To Follow” feature.

2 :: Create a MailChimp account. Play around with e-newsletter themes and templates. Import your email contacts into a newsletter mailing list. (Ask their permission first, of course. Nobody likes a spam-bunny).

3 :: Create a survey using SurveyMonkey. Collect feedback from your clients and customers. Or just wiggle around and get a feel for the system — you might need to slap together a questionnaire later down the line.

4 :: Google yourself. See what pops up. Outdated MySpace profile? Weird, erratic bylines and bios? Photos you wish didn’t exist? Do some spring cleaning. Delete old accounts. Freshen up profiles. Create “brand consistency” across the board.

5 :: Be mean.Do you have Facebook “friends” that are anything but pals? Do you belong to groups that tarnish your online image? Are you active on blogs or discussion forums that detract from your digital presence? Ditch ‘em. Stop it. Clean up your act. Right this instant.

ALEX

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RAN

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XAN

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FRAN

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Week 5 :: Get Ballsy.

You’ve been reaching out, over and up. You’ve blasted. You’ve reconnected. You’ve targeted. You’ve refined. Now it’s time to do something splashy. Something that makes you itchy. And sweaty.

The point here is to promote yourself — always, of course — but not in a literal, linear fashion. This is about shaking up your aura. Rejiggering your energy. Making people say, “whaaa?” And setting aside your professional ambitions for a nano-second (go on, it’s good for ya).

Here are four suggestions. Pick the one that makes you go “YES!” followed by “Oh, Sh*t.”

1 :: GET ON STAGE.You’ve got a thespian lurking inside, and you know it. So take an improv comedy class. Get your ass to an open mic night. Read your scribblings at a poetry evening. Beat a bongo at a drum circle. Audition for a community theater production. Or just karaoke till the cows come home.

2 :: GO ON-AIR.Contact your local indie / grassroots / shoestring public radio station (YOU know which one I mean) and volunteer to host a talk show, or curate an hour of music programming. Get your voice on the airwaves. And tell everyone (and their brother) to tune in.

3 :: DUST OFF YOUR CHALKBOARD.Think you need a PhD to bust a professorial move? Puh-lease. Volunteer to speak at a youth shelter or career center. Teach a workshop at a rec center or after-school program. Tutor (en masse). Start a skill-swapping club, where local grown-ups teach (and take) free classes.

4 :: GO GUERILLA.Grab your secret creative lovechild — your Regency era smut fiction, your radical ‘zine, your recycled tinfoil bicycle stickers — and vow to get them NOTICED. Make copies (or extras) and scatter them across town, at quirky cafes and artist lairs. Stick your URL on every piece. And giggle. Out loud.

ALEX

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RAN

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XAN

DRA

FRAN

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The Cooldown Stretch

Whoa, 5 weeks flies by when you’re actively energizing your self-promotional empire!

One last assignment: email me at alexandra@alexandrafranzen.com (and lemme know how it went).

FORCIBLE NETWORK EXPANSION = COMPLETE (FOR NOW...)

ALEX

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RAN

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XAN

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FRAN

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THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO EXERCISE

This worksheet was inspired by a post o’ mine called What’s Your Plan Z?

THE GIST: articulating your absolute, rock-bottom, kill-me-now scenario TAKES THE POWER OUT OF IT. And transforms your nightmare situation into something kitschy, quirky...even desirable.

You may’ve read my Worst-Case Scenario.

Now it’s your turn.

If you’re at a loss for words, just fill in the blanks:

Well, here I am. I’ve lost everything. My revenue streams, my partner, my friends, my family, my home, my car, my clothes, my childhood dreams, my favorite dog, my crystal chandelier, my conscience. As well as my __________________, __________________ & __________________.

So, I’m moving to __________________, where I’ll share an abode with __________________ or __________________. I’ll stay there for ____ months, and score some money by __________________. I’ll dress myself in __________________, and eat __________________ for breakfast every morning. I won’t have money for Netflix, Wifi, or magazines, so I’ll __________________ and __________________ for entertainment.

A few folks might try to track me down, but I’ll tell them to __________________ it. To keep in touch with the few living souls I still care about, I’ll __________________ and ship __________________ through the mail.

I know it can’t get any worse, which feels __________________. Heck, I’m so free & loose, I might even __________________.

Things might be bleak, but at least I’ve still got my __________________.

And godammit, I’ll always be __________________!!!

ALEX

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RA F

RAN

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XAN

DRA

FRAN

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gee!that was fun.But perhaps you’re ravenous for more...hmm? You can:

LOCK ME DOWN.LOCK ME DOWN FOR RETAINER OF 10 HOURS OR MORE. TELL ME, “I GOT YOUR TOOLBOX, DUDE!” AND SAVE $50.

PIMP ME OUT.:: FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER + READ MY BLOG.:: INTERVIEW ME FOR YOUR FANCY MAGAZINE .:: TELL YO’ MOMMA. TELL YO’ POPPA. TELL YO’ BFF.:: WRITE A GLITTERY TESTIMONIAL FOR MY WEBSITE.

SAY HOWDY.:: E-MAIL alexandra@alexandrafranzen.com:: WEB http://alexandrafranzen.com:: TWITTER @Alex_Franzen:: BLOG http://unicornsforsocialism.com

This concludes...

THESELF-PROMOTIONTOOLBOX 1.0Now go be splashy, sparkly, savvy & socially-conscious.