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How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk
As the ghostwriter behind many highly successful thought leaders, Kasanoff has first-hand knowledge of what really works. Now he reveals dozens of counter-intuitive tips to put your own ideas front and center. Lesson #1—it’s not blatant self-promotion, but rather the exact opposite. Helping others is the single best way to get positive attention. Lesson #2—the secret to social media is also to help others. The more you support others, the more credibility and reach you will enjoy. “This credibility,” says Kasanoff, “Will come in handy when you most need it, but too many people ignore or forget this.” The author includes dozens of simple tips for finding the sweet spot between helping others and still meeting—or exceeding—your own goals. Want more proof? Check out Bruce Kasanoff on LinkedIn, where he is one of the most prolific and widely followed professionals, thanks to the simple fact that he practices what he preaches. Without a company, marketing staff, or PR team, he has managed to have his voice be heard. You can do the same.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2014
176 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Kasanoff
8 books18 followersI am a storyteller who uses words and images to help others.
I am the co-author with Amy Blaschka of "I Am: Escape Distractions, Unlock Your Imagination & Unleash Your Potential", a #1 new release on Amazon in Health & Stress.
My day job is serving as a social media ghostwriter (i.e. storyteller) for highly accomplished professionals, including CEOs and entrepreneurs, plus leading consultants, speakers, and authors.
I advocate a more humane approach to business than many companies practice. Your central mission should be to bring out talent in others, because that is the only proven strategy for maximizing your own contributions and success.
I am the co-author with Amy Blaschka of "I Am: Escape Distractions, Unlock Your Imagination & Unleash Your Potential", a #1 new release on Amazon in Health & Stress.
My day job is serving as a social media ghostwriter (i.e. storyteller) for highly accomplished professionals, including CEOs and entrepreneurs, plus leading consultants, speakers, and authors.
I advocate a more humane approach to business than many companies practice. Your central mission should be to bring out talent in others, because that is the only proven strategy for maximizing your own contributions and success.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 25, 2015
Bruce Kasanoff’s book “How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk” is a neat book, it is a nice compilation of known principles accompanied by absolutely hilarious and charming illustrations, created by Jonathan Brown (6 stars for the illustrations).
Kasanoff writes about well-known principles, e.g. The secret to social media is to help others. (Gary Vaynerchuk published I believe three books about this topic). Still, I appreciated this author’s shorter presentation, his examples are well-chosen. However, Kasanoff also misses to elaborate on essentials.
(quoting from the book) “… The alternative is to always be on the lookout for valuable news that others will find useful. In doing so, you can demonstrate your mastery of certain subject areas. The quality of your reputation becomes associated more with what you do and less with how much you self-promote…”
Like so many others Kasanoff fails to detail what EXACTLY “…valuable news that others will find useful…” are. The fact that this credo has been published, re-published, and re-re-published, has led to thousands of blogs of supposedly “valuable news”, many of them recycled and re-re-cycled. In one of my own blogs I defined the problem with the title, “Blogs are like Chewing Gum, There’s Got to be Something to Chew On.” In a world where every day thousands of blogs get published, the term “valuable news” needs to be defined.
There are also other, well sounding phrases which really aren’t in synch with reality, e.g. “…Instead of wondering why you have 20 Twitter followers instead of 200…” – People, who have only 20 followers on twitter must be living under a rock; they should ask their teenage kids what to do about this situation.
Still, overall, a very nice and extremely charming book, though the author fails to ties his individual suggestions, at the end.
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
Kasanoff writes about well-known principles, e.g. The secret to social media is to help others. (Gary Vaynerchuk published I believe three books about this topic). Still, I appreciated this author’s shorter presentation, his examples are well-chosen. However, Kasanoff also misses to elaborate on essentials.
(quoting from the book) “… The alternative is to always be on the lookout for valuable news that others will find useful. In doing so, you can demonstrate your mastery of certain subject areas. The quality of your reputation becomes associated more with what you do and less with how much you self-promote…”
Like so many others Kasanoff fails to detail what EXACTLY “…valuable news that others will find useful…” are. The fact that this credo has been published, re-published, and re-re-published, has led to thousands of blogs of supposedly “valuable news”, many of them recycled and re-re-cycled. In one of my own blogs I defined the problem with the title, “Blogs are like Chewing Gum, There’s Got to be Something to Chew On.” In a world where every day thousands of blogs get published, the term “valuable news” needs to be defined.
There are also other, well sounding phrases which really aren’t in synch with reality, e.g. “…Instead of wondering why you have 20 Twitter followers instead of 200…” – People, who have only 20 followers on twitter must be living under a rock; they should ask their teenage kids what to do about this situation.
Still, overall, a very nice and extremely charming book, though the author fails to ties his individual suggestions, at the end.
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
February 4, 2014
Full disclosure, I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk
by Bruce Kasanoff is a quick and easy read, but that doesn’t take away from the timeless and inspirational content. Kasanoff's writing style is very clear, precise and easy to understand.
The basic idea is that it is possible, and indeed preferable to promote yourself – but it is possible to do this without being a jerk. The way to do this is to be:
Generous
Expert
Trustworthy
Clear
Open-minded
Adaptable
Persistent
Present
I very much enjoyed How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk and thought it was a great reminder – although for those of us who keep up-to-date on personal development there wasn’t a lot of new ideas (at least not “new-to-me”).
Quotes
How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk
by Bruce Kasanoff is a quick and easy read, but that doesn’t take away from the timeless and inspirational content. Kasanoff's writing style is very clear, precise and easy to understand.The basic idea is that it is possible, and indeed preferable to promote yourself – but it is possible to do this without being a jerk. The way to do this is to be:
Generous
Expert
Trustworthy
Clear
Open-minded
Adaptable
Persistent
Present
I very much enjoyed How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk
and thought it was a great reminder – although for those of us who keep up-to-date on personal development there wasn’t a lot of new ideas (at least not “new-to-me”).Quotes
By first thinking help this person, you will change the way that others perceive you. There is no faster or more effective way to change your interactions and relationships. You will be viewed as a positive, constructive, helpful, and dependable person. People will think you are perceptive, attentive, and understanding.
That's why this way of thinking is not altruistic; it is selfish, in the best sense of the word. The single best way to help yourself is to always be looking for ways to help other people. Sure, you'll be making the world a better place, and over the course of your life, you will help many thousands of people. But don't do it because you ought to or because it's the "right" thing to do.
Instead of figuring out what you really want to say, you might tend to cram too much information into one document, whether that happens to be a memo, report, or presentation. There are many ways to phrase this. You could ask someone to identify three things you should consider changing. You could ask them for their three least favorite aspects of the work you did. You might try asking them to identify three things they did not fully understand.
The key is to not be too negative in your request. If you say, “Tell me three things you hated,” most people will say, “I didn’t hate anything, it was good.”
Lots of people — myself included — talk a good game about being open-minded. But how many of us are truly open to ideas that challenge our most closely held beliefs? This question is important because the odds are overwhelming that at some point, your career, marriage, or even your life will be wholly undone by your belief in an idea that proved to be wrong.
The best business people are show people, as are the most effective educators and the most compassionate physicians. Whether consciously or not, they operate their professional lives as though they were in show business.
Partner with others, but do so in a thoughtful and cautious manner. Choose partners who have solid reputations, who share key values with you, and with whom you have common goals.
September 11, 2016
This book is primarily a collection of insights based on common sense. Yet, even common sense isn’t always common or easily recognized when it pushes you to step outside your comfort zone.
This book holds your hand as you step beyond your self-doubts and venture into that world of “I am worth it.”
Unlike most similar books, Mr. Kasanoff actually explains how to take these baby steps. He doesn’t just tell you that you need to be generous, he explains some of the ways you can be generous and still end up promoting yourself. For instance, his first chapter (which is entitled, “Help This Person”) explains how you can help yourself by helping others (really helping others, not just going through the motions). He makes it seem so easy that you wonder why you hadn’t thought of it yourself. In fact, I found myself nodding along as I read, while thinking, “I can do that.” One of the examples he gives of helping others to help yourself is this: when the phone rings on a busy day, don’t get frustrated by the interruption. Instead, think about how you can help the person who is calling…really help them. When you help them, they remember you (in a positive way). Then when you need help, they want to return the favor.
All his chapters are like this. Each one helps you determine how to be the kind of person other people want to help, want to promote, and want to remember.
It’s a fast read, but one read-through isn’t enough. This is the type of book you will find yourself referring to over and over again.
This book holds your hand as you step beyond your self-doubts and venture into that world of “I am worth it.”
Unlike most similar books, Mr. Kasanoff actually explains how to take these baby steps. He doesn’t just tell you that you need to be generous, he explains some of the ways you can be generous and still end up promoting yourself. For instance, his first chapter (which is entitled, “Help This Person”) explains how you can help yourself by helping others (really helping others, not just going through the motions). He makes it seem so easy that you wonder why you hadn’t thought of it yourself. In fact, I found myself nodding along as I read, while thinking, “I can do that.” One of the examples he gives of helping others to help yourself is this: when the phone rings on a busy day, don’t get frustrated by the interruption. Instead, think about how you can help the person who is calling…really help them. When you help them, they remember you (in a positive way). Then when you need help, they want to return the favor.
All his chapters are like this. Each one helps you determine how to be the kind of person other people want to help, want to promote, and want to remember.
It’s a fast read, but one read-through isn’t enough. This is the type of book you will find yourself referring to over and over again.
December 15, 2018
We've all wondered about this from time to time: how do I get word out there that I'm pretty good at what I do without coming across like one of those assholes on LinkedIn? Kasanoff's text provides an answer. It is a *very* to-the-point text, filled with practical tips on achieving this.
On reflection, a lot of the advice is basic stuff. I've just never seen them all pulled together in this way before. Some of my favourites: "serve, not sell" and "tell the whole truth."
It is a quick read (approximately 99 pages) but i did find myself wishing he'd flesh out some of the illustrations just a tad more.
That said, the book is perhaps best suited for constant re-reading to get the points really stuck in your head.
On reflection, a lot of the advice is basic stuff. I've just never seen them all pulled together in this way before. Some of my favourites: "serve, not sell" and "tell the whole truth."
It is a quick read (approximately 99 pages) but i did find myself wishing he'd flesh out some of the illustrations just a tad more.
That said, the book is perhaps best suited for constant re-reading to get the points really stuck in your head.
June 18, 2019
The book is okay, I guess. My biggest gripe with it is that it doesn't deliver on the promise of its title. Most books I read are at least semi-comprehensive perspectives on a topic. This, meanwhile, is more a collection of blog articles under an overblown title.
Most advice inside is solid, and well-meaning, but that's about it.
Most advice inside is solid, and well-meaning, but that's about it.
February 20, 2019
"Same message, different packaging"
If you're expecting something new, forget it. It's the usual list of common sense tips presented in a jokey conversational style that makes it the easiest read of all the books on the subject I've read.
If you're expecting something new, forget it. It's the usual list of common sense tips presented in a jokey conversational style that makes it the easiest read of all the books on the subject I've read.
July 5, 2019
Easy and quick read. Basic commonsense information however in this day and age so often we stray away from what's the most obvious. I received the book as a free promotion and believe it to be one I may refer back to again.
August 23, 2019
Great Advice
Bruce covered many varied aspects of being an entrepreneur, that also relate to real life. I found his book to be on point and very easy to read as well as follow his advice.
Bruce covered many varied aspects of being an entrepreneur, that also relate to real life. I found his book to be on point and very easy to read as well as follow his advice.
November 7, 2019
Thought provoking
Excellent advice on how to excel at anything without beating people over the head with your ideas. This is one book I'll revisit often for pointers to my next venture.
Excellent advice on how to excel at anything without beating people over the head with your ideas. This is one book I'll revisit often for pointers to my next venture.
November 8, 2019
Common sense marketing
I found this useful and reassuring since I have always had trouble doing sales when there os pressure to oversell and bs. I feel much better being genuine but struggled to close. There os a lot of helpful advise here.
I found this useful and reassuring since I have always had trouble doing sales when there os pressure to oversell and bs. I feel much better being genuine but struggled to close. There os a lot of helpful advise here.
May 31, 2020
Though I'm not typically a fan of self-help books, I found this one had some good pointers not just for business success (toward which it seems primarily aimed), but also with regard to personal relationships and interactions. A quick read that can cause you to assess your personal life strategies.
November 15, 2017
Fast read with some excellent tips and great quotes
Worth the $ to start and finish thia e-book on a single train ride. I'll be sharing this insight with others.
Worth the $ to start and finish thia e-book on a single train ride. I'll be sharing this insight with others.
February 3, 2019
Quick, Pointed
Great advice in small chunks. I wished through this book! I am glad I took a chance on this one!
Great advice in small chunks. I wished through this book! I am glad I took a chance on this one!
February 4, 2019
Excellent
Great ideas in an easy to absorb format. He follows his own advice and doesn't throw too much information in one chapter.
Great ideas in an easy to absorb format. He follows his own advice and doesn't throw too much information in one chapter.
February 10, 2019
Well done
This book was to the point. I appreciate the author 's use of pictures to remind me about what I just read.
This book was to the point. I appreciate the author 's use of pictures to remind me about what I just read.
February 15, 2019
Helpful
This is not exclusive to writers, but it is helpful to writers and other occupations. Thankyou Bruce for your insight.
This is not exclusive to writers, but it is helpful to writers and other occupations. Thankyou Bruce for your insight.
February 16, 2019
Great book , Great advice.
I choose a high rating because it was concise, easy to dip in and out. I know I'll revisit it for sections and it is generally engaging.
I choose a high rating because it was concise, easy to dip in and out. I know I'll revisit it for sections and it is generally engaging.
June 14, 2019
a quick and easy read to help you understand and recognise the fundamental whys to do well with self-promotion regardless of the business you are in.
April 13, 2021
Fun easy read!
This book is an easy read filled with great tips and suggestions. I enjoy reading Bruce’s content on LinkedIn and his book was just as enjoyable.
This book is an easy read filled with great tips and suggestions. I enjoy reading Bruce’s content on LinkedIn and his book was just as enjoyable.
December 6, 2021
I like Bruce's perspective, and he has walked the talk. Pragmatic suggestions make it a keeper, for any business owner, even though lots of time has passedsince it was written.
August 26, 2015
Reconnect with why being human is the best sales philosophy
We have all heard it - To thine own self be true . But in this day of an expert on every corner and media feed 24/7/365 it can be hard to exercise that mantra. The reason I love Bruce's work is it reminds you that the reason you are/will be successful is because you are you. This book is long enough to deliver usable content that offers food for thought but short enough to read on that commute to work/weekend afternoon. The wise suggestions will be useful to an old dog like me as well as a pup just starting out.
We have all heard it - To thine own self be true . But in this day of an expert on every corner and media feed 24/7/365 it can be hard to exercise that mantra. The reason I love Bruce's work is it reminds you that the reason you are/will be successful is because you are you. This book is long enough to deliver usable content that offers food for thought but short enough to read on that commute to work/weekend afternoon. The wise suggestions will be useful to an old dog like me as well as a pup just starting out.
February 20, 2016
There are good points here and there, but as with many similar books of this kind, many arguments are simple and commonsensical. Its inspirational, just not very deep.
It's a quick and easy read, and although Kasanoff excels at presenting his insights clear and concise, the whole project could have been boiled down to a long blog-article in my opinion.
But, the book was free, so regardless of my slightly critical assessment, I believe that sharing knowledge of any kind is a huge benefit to societies around the world - a point that Kasanoff stresses himself.
It's a quick and easy read, and although Kasanoff excels at presenting his insights clear and concise, the whole project could have been boiled down to a long blog-article in my opinion.
But, the book was free, so regardless of my slightly critical assessment, I believe that sharing knowledge of any kind is a huge benefit to societies around the world - a point that Kasanoff stresses himself.
November 7, 2014
I like the word "influence" much more than "self-promote," still Kasanoff makes an excellent point: It is easy to cross the line between presenting one's interests and being pushy with others. I don't want to be seen as a jerk. Kasanoff is frank, easy to review, and quite meaningful for anyone working with influence, ideas and change in the 21st Century. I am glad that I read "How to Self-Promote" and have started reading it a second time.
September 3, 2015
Some good advice
The book's main message seems to be to change the way you think about promoting yourself. Instead of being pushy, help other people and genuinely care about them and word will spread that you are a good person to have around. Become an expert at something and share advice and people will turn to you when they need help with it. Be careful to write well and listen- all good advice for business or home life.
The book's main message seems to be to change the way you think about promoting yourself. Instead of being pushy, help other people and genuinely care about them and word will spread that you are a good person to have around. Become an expert at something and share advice and people will turn to you when they need help with it. Be careful to write well and listen- all good advice for business or home life.
June 16, 2020
A lovely little guide. It can be hard to know how to promote your own work without coming across as pushy or rude, or just an appalling person. This common sense guide tells the reader how to make a difference to other people's lives and so, improve interpersonal skills, make friends and gain the allegiance of others. Lovely.
May 14, 2016
Good stuff in here
There's some good stuff in here. Especially at the beginning. Towards then end the theme seemsbro unravel a bit (which keeps it from getting more stars) but there are still a few gems to be picked up.
There's some good stuff in here. Especially at the beginning. Towards then end the theme seemsbro unravel a bit (which keeps it from getting more stars) but there are still a few gems to be picked up.
February 7, 2014
Succinct writing, fitting illustrations, and good examples in this quick read on self-promotion and getting ahead in the social economy.
February 9, 2015
This book had some good ideas and some original content and ways to consider things that I hadn't thought of before. I'm glad I read it.
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September 25, 2019Wonderful short read
Truly like reading this and enjoyed the content - not more than hour's read and easily relatable. Usable in daily lives and application abound
Truly like reading this and enjoyed the content - not more than hour's read and easily relatable. Usable in daily lives and application abound
September 10, 2015
I got the book on a $0 promotion via LinkedIn. Sane advice but nothing you do not already know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews