Tooting your own horn gets a bad rap, especially for women. You should be seen and not heard, right? Images of sleazy salespeople selling you what you don't want in an icky way spring to mind the minute we think of self-promotion. My advice? Ditch the sleaze and simply be authentic. Women are great at sharing stories and making connections, especially when we're helping others. So the answer is to do the same for yourself as if you were doing it for your best friend (become your own best friend).

Be authentically you and just speak and act from your best intentions. Share some recent stories about your work. Tell others about things you are doing that you are proud about, excited about or on which you are focusing your time. You automatically make it interesting to others by being real, being yourself and being genuine.

Shift from 'Should's' and 'Should Not's' to Celebration

Your mind swims with all the things you "should" do or say. When it comes to self-promotion, the mind is filled to the brim with "should not's" or "I can't do/say . . ." Don't listen to these Monkey Mind voices in your head. Thank them for being there and then move on.

Perhaps the No. 1 reason women don't self-promote is because they don't feel secure in who they are and therefore fear what others might think. Until you know that you can count on yourself to be compassionate, kind and forgiving to yourself no matter what the outcome of any particular situation, you will always hesitate. The risk is too great. You fear making a mistake or being rejected by others and know that will be followed by you beating yourself up mercilessly. Who would want to speak out or step out with those consequences? It's no wonder we stay silent and hidden.

The answer? Give yourself permission to let your light shine. Celebrate your uniqueness. Show and tell others about the amazing gifts you offer. Then, no matter what, make sure you take time for your own self-care and development so you build the unshakable confidence and courage you need to take these vulnerable steps--knowing you can always count on yourself.

How do you give yourself permission to promote who you are and what you do?