Telling Your Story is Part of the Work
Oftentimes, people ask themselves, “Should I be talking about myself?” You may fear that sharing your work comes off as braggadocious or boastful. However, the truth is that telling your story is part of your work. If no one knows about what you’re doing, your impact is limited. The more people who hear your story, the more people who can be helped by your work. If you’re having a difficult time sharing your successes with others, consider these points.
Reporters Won’t Know Your Story Until You Tell It
Our goals are to build your platform and protect your brand. Getting media attention is essential to do this, and coverage can amplify your work. However, reporters won’t know to cover you if there is no outreach to let them know what you’re doing.
To get your work in front of the public eye, part of the work itself is doing interviews, sharing updates, and cultivating relationships with reporters. All of this requires getting comfortable sharing your work. Whether it’s in a press release or an interview, reporters want to know what makes you and your work special. You have a story to tell, and they want to hear it.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to share your story, and make sure you’re well prepared when you get an interview. Practicing, planning talking points, and telling reporters what they don’t know can make all the difference in landing a story.
In Times of Anxiety, Speaking Up Matters
Especially in moments of uncertainty and political turmoil, it is important to see and hear voices who are advocating for justice and equity. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and pessimistic because of the stressful things you see in the news. This negativity and fear must not be the only perspective being shared; you are responding and pushing for change, and it’s important for people to know that.
Speaking up when you fear for retaliation or targeting can be scary, but that makes visibility all the more important. When people are able to see the work you’re doing, they know that they are not alone in the search for justice. It keeps hope alive, and it can encourage others to get involved and learn more about what you do. Sharing messages of hope and possibility allow others to get involved, stay involved, and shift perspectives.
Moreover, awareness of justice work is vital. As social programs are facing cuts and educational or community spaces are losing support, many people are losing access to necessary support and resources. Sharing your story can offer a space to build community, increase support, and share information on important topics that may be quieted elsewhere. It can also give important resources and connections to people who would benefit from the work you’re leading, broadening your impact.
You Deserve Recognition
The work you’re doing matters, and it wouldn’t be happening without you. You are essential and valuable, and there is no reason to hide that. We all know that it’s important to share the work you’re doing–why would you leave your role out of that?
Women and people of color, and particularly women of color, may be less confident in sharing their work. There are many different social factors and stereotypes that may impact how you feel about telling people about your success stories, but you deserve recognition.
It’s important to remember that your work deserves attention, and you deserve to get your flowers. Projecting confidence and doing outreach to share your story will help garner attention for your work and build your credibility as a good source for reporters.
There are many ways to get your voice out there. You can start a podcast, develop a Wikipedia page, and emphasize your social media presence. However you want to tell your story, Spotlight PR is here to support your needs. Contact us and schedule a consultation to see how we can help serve you.
Sophia Shannon is a media relations associate for Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out our other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates.