When you promote your awards to clients and prospects, you walk a fine line.
Mentioning an award you have received from a community group shows clients your values and that you are a productive member of the community, says Rosemary Smyth business coach and owner of Rosemary Smyth and Associates in Victoria, which specializes in coaching financial advisors. Yet, when mentioning these awards and accreditations, you should always remain humble or you run the risk of sounding as if you are bragging.
How can you toot your own horn without appearing like a show-off? Follow these tips on how to draw attention to your awards — without overdoing it:
> Hang it up
Show clients you give back to the community by displaying a recent award or recognition in the office.
You may choose to display such an artifact — a plaque or a framed certificate from a community group, for example — for only a short period, Smyth says. Doing so makes the award significant and gives clients a chance to see who you are outside of the office.
> Mention it
Let people know about your recent honours with a brief mention in your client communications.
For example, Smyth says, you might include a picture of yourself receiving a community award for volunteer work in your monthly newsletter. Or you might post that picture on your website.
When mentioning an award, Smyth says, always include a “thank you” to those who issued the award. Mention that you feel honoured and a privileged to receive the recognition.
> Keep the right tone
Remain honest and humble in order to make a positive impression when mentioning your awards.
Always be gracious when someone mentions the award, says Smyth, or when you talk about it yourself.