Everybody blow your trumpet; paa ra param pa ra ra…
So goes the lyrics of an old Christian chorus. I recall every time it was sung in church then, it was like a competition of who had the loudest voice. It was a simple chorus in the popular call and response format of most traditional songs. The lead singer would call out ‘Everybody blow your trumpet’ and the whole congregation would launch into the ‘paa ra…’ response with gusto; hands raised to their mouths holding imaginary trumpets.
I also recall a friend’s cynical comments about the scene. He wondered who was listening amidst such noise and also sneered at the boredom playing just one instrument would bring – whatever happened to trombones, flutes, guitars, drums and others. When the pastor mounted the rostrum, I wondered if he had heard our side talk from his exalted seat several rows away. His first question as he began his sermon was a rhetoric. – ‘If you do not blow your own trumpet, who will do it for you?’
Thirteen years on, and now in business, I remember that episode and conclude - They both had valid points. I watch many entrepreneurs saddled with such a sense of modesty they cannot talk about their business achievements. In this series I will talk about my insights as I reconsider that very brief episode. Blow your trumpet; No one else will; Somebody is Listening; Learn to make good music.
Blow your Trumpet: I think every business owner needs to take lessons in this. It is a highly essential ingredient in the formula for business success. We are programmed by our culture, parents and religion to be modest about our achievements. I remember my dad constantly emphasizing the ‘empty barrels’ trait or should I say bane (i.e Noise). I have tried to keep as far away from it as possible.
Now having been in both the corporate and entrepreneurial world, I consider bragging as an essential skill to have. Being in employment helps you track and talk about your successes. There are job descriptions and appraisal forms which help to make the act impersonal.. It is not bragging but just a business routine.
However, in business you need to help your audience – customers and prospects understand that you do know your field. It is critical that you have a few ‘before and after’ stories that tell of your skills and successes in an inoffensive manner. Yes, your good works will speak for itself, however that does not mean you become dumb. You alone can tell your full story as it is. It is the biggest part of your public relations campaign and a key tool in getting more customers and subsequently more business.
You only need to always keep the following in mind:
It is not bragging if you have done it: learn to simply tell the story.
Do not exaggerate, in plain language its called lying.
Learn to blend your story into conversations and occasion.
When your music is applauded, acknowledge the input of others and give them credit. It makes you more believable.
So goes the lyrics of an old Christian chorus. I recall every time it was sung in church then, it was like a competition of who had the loudest voice. It was a simple chorus in the popular call and response format of most traditional songs. The lead singer would call out ‘Everybody blow your trumpet’ and the whole congregation would launch into the ‘paa ra…’ response with gusto; hands raised to their mouths holding imaginary trumpets.
I also recall a friend’s cynical comments about the scene. He wondered who was listening amidst such noise and also sneered at the boredom playing just one instrument would bring – whatever happened to trombones, flutes, guitars, drums and others. When the pastor mounted the rostrum, I wondered if he had heard our side talk from his exalted seat several rows away. His first question as he began his sermon was a rhetoric. – ‘If you do not blow your own trumpet, who will do it for you?’
Thirteen years on, and now in business, I remember that episode and conclude - They both had valid points. I watch many entrepreneurs saddled with such a sense of modesty they cannot talk about their business achievements. In this series I will talk about my insights as I reconsider that very brief episode. Blow your trumpet; No one else will; Somebody is Listening; Learn to make good music.
Blow your Trumpet: I think every business owner needs to take lessons in this. It is a highly essential ingredient in the formula for business success. We are programmed by our culture, parents and religion to be modest about our achievements. I remember my dad constantly emphasizing the ‘empty barrels’ trait or should I say bane (i.e Noise). I have tried to keep as far away from it as possible.
Now having been in both the corporate and entrepreneurial world, I consider bragging as an essential skill to have. Being in employment helps you track and talk about your successes. There are job descriptions and appraisal forms which help to make the act impersonal.. It is not bragging but just a business routine.
However, in business you need to help your audience – customers and prospects understand that you do know your field. It is critical that you have a few ‘before and after’ stories that tell of your skills and successes in an inoffensive manner. Yes, your good works will speak for itself, however that does not mean you become dumb. You alone can tell your full story as it is. It is the biggest part of your public relations campaign and a key tool in getting more customers and subsequently more business.
You only need to always keep the following in mind:
It is not bragging if you have done it: learn to simply tell the story.
Do not exaggerate, in plain language its called lying.
Learn to blend your story into conversations and occasion.
When your music is applauded, acknowledge the input of others and give them credit. It makes you more believable.
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