In my past articles here at WRA, I’ve shared ways you can give back to your blogging community, how you can find your writing zone, tips for getting those writing gigs without an English degree, and have hopefully inspired you to find the courage to sell yourself—even if you come from a background overflowing with very low self-esteem.

But today I want to talk about how to sell yourself—outside of your comfort zone; meaning that you’re not hidden behind the safety net of your computer screen with all the time in the world to think up a smart response or sales pitch, meaning that you’re not cozied up in your favorite comfy chair with a giant mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate; meaning that you don’t have the familiarity of your home, your refuge, to calm and reassure you.

No, what I’m talking about is actually opening your front door and leaving the premises of your beloved home; getting out there in person and having face-to-face conversations with potential clients, editors, and even those entrepreneurs who have their own business but maybe aren’t Web savvy enough to even realize they should have a website and blog to help promote themselves to the world. I’m talking about real people, real experiences.

How can you sell yourself outside of your comfort zone?

1. Think about your dreams, visions, goals. Are you stuck in a rut? Do you–and your freelance business–seem to be at a standstill? Use your desire to succeed (or succeed even further) to push you outside your comfort zone!
   
2. Carry business cards wherever you go. When you do this, you’re guaranteed to look professional when you bump into someone while waiting in line (or whatever). Perhaps you start some chit-chat and realize they’re a business owner or someone needing the services you just happen to offer. Whip out those sharp cards and leave an impression they won’t forget!
3. Just be yourself. A lot of times we forget that it’s exactly who we are as a person that makes our editors and clients love our writing. It’s our passion, our talent, our love of what we do that draws people in and makes them want more of our work. So, just act like yourself out in public. And be who you are on those social media circuits when you’re so chatty, funny, and caring.
4. Go to writing, blogging, or business conventions. You’ll meet all sorts of people at these things and not only will you end up with new, like-minded friends, you may just end up meeting editors, publishers, or land an awesome blogging or writing gig! (Remember to pack lots of business cards!)
5. Help someone out with their booth, or business. Yes, that’s right. I personally go to outdoor markets with my mom to help her with her herb business. That’s what I was doing here. I can’t count how many business cards I passed out or how many people I promoted myself to while I was promoting my mom’s business–and I got to wear an old-fashioned bonnet and pioneer dress, too. That was FUN!
6. Believe in yourself. Even if editors and clients don’t believe in you. Even if your family and friends don’t believe in you. Believe in yourself. After all, you were given a priceless gift: the ability to create, have visions, dream, share your talents. You are blessed, believe it!
7. Just do it. Sometimes you have to buckle down, dig your heels in, and just go for it. Stick your neck out on a limb, take a chance, venture out into deeper waters, go places you’ve never gone. How will you expand your business if you don’t expand yourself? Face your fears and go for it!

Whatever you do, get out of the house. Get out there and show off your sparkling personality that shines through in your writing. Share your passion for words by actually speaking them instead of just writing them. Allow yourself to have some fun, feel human, and detach from the virtual world that beckons to you, that comforts you, that keeps you home and inside those familiar walls you can’t seem to leave.

What motivates you to get outside of your comfort zone? How often do you pry yourself away from the keyboard and meander out your front door and into the real world? Spill the beans; let’s talk!

Photo Credit:
saavem