When we think of Olympic athletes, we often picture them pushing their bodies to the limit and training for countless hours to get to this point. But what we don’t always see is the other side of their success off the field. For a lot of these athletes, the sport isn’t just their passion; it’s their job. So in addition to the physical and mental strength these jobs bring, they also have to sell themselves at work. Just like we do.
A few years ago, the captain of the women’s Olympic rugby team, Ilona Maher, made headlines not just for her incredible athletic performance but also for her profound advice. For what seems like the first time, we heard an athlete call out, “You have to sell yourself.” At first glance, this might seem out of place in the sports world, where you’d think only talent and physical prowess reign supreme. Yet, her words struck a chord with aspiring athletes and anyone striving for success in any field.
So let’s break it down. What does itreally mean to sell yourself? And how can we do it without sounding like we’re bragging?
Understand What You’re Good At
Before you convince others about your skills, value, and unique qualities, you need to know what they are. Think about your strengths and what makes you stand out. It’s about being your own biggest advocate and communicating what you bring to the table to others, whether you’re on the field, in the conference room, or navigating everyday life. Here’s how you can take a page from Maher’s playbook and start selling yourself like a gold medalist.
Communicate Your Value
Once you know your strengths, the next step is to communicate them and be confident. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, proposing a project, or leading a team, articulate what you contribute and why it matters. Maher didn’t shy away from speaking about her hard work, dedication, and the strategic skillset that sets her apart. Though be sure to choose your words carefully, be mindful of your body language, and accept responsibility for your mistakes so your confidence doesn’t come off as arrogance.
Build Your Team
Success is not something that is achieved alone. Having a network of support through a positive company culture, strong mentors, and honest feedback…it all matters. Maher understood that her role wasn’t just about scoring, but also about creating a cohesive, supportive team environment. She built strong relationships with her teammates, coaches, and fans, which were instrumental in their success. For you, that could look like grabbing coffee with your manager, finding a mentor, or just checking in with coworkers more regularly. Relationships improve your working and personal life more than you think.
Embrace Feedback and Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
Selling yourself doesn’t mean pretending to be perfect. Nobody is. In fact, being open about where you want to grow shows great confidence.
No athlete makes it to the Olympics without setbacks. They take feedback seriously and use it to get better. Progress beats perfection, every time. Just like how Olympic athletes train skills through the years, selling yourself will take some practice, too. In fact, Dr. Cindy’s book, Sell Yourself, teaches you how to address setbacks when you’re working on debuting your personal brand.
Turning Advice into Action
So, how can you apply these lessons in your own life? Start small. Identify a situation where you can sell yourself better. Could it be a job interview, a networking event, or even a personal relationship? It might be uncomfortable at first, but practice articulating your value to yourself in the mirror or record yourself until you sound confident. Get used to hearing your strengths out loud. Remember, selling yourself isn’t about being boastful; it’s about being confident in what you have to offer.
Illona Maher’s advice is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about talent. It’s the whole package: defining your expertise and how you present it to the world. By learning to sell yourself, you can discover opportunities that you might not have seen for yourself. You can grow in ways you might never have known and maybe even your own version of Olympic Gold.
Because you know, as we say around here, Grow Big or Go Home!®