So, I’ve decided to be brave and write a blog about something that’s been playing on my mind a lot over the past few weeks. I’m frustrated and frankly, I’m really pissing myself off.

I have been at this for a while now. I’m no newbie to running a business, and am confident in what I deliver to my clients. I’ve never had a problem putting myself out there and always been comfortable walking into a room and chatting my way around it.

That said, after a few years of lockdown (Covid, kids, personal dramas), an about-turn on the direction of Polly Rivers PR, and my 35th birthday hurtling towards me with increasing speed, promoting myself suddenly feels a whole lot scarier than it did ten years ago…

Why though? I have no idea. Arguably, my ability is far better than it was back then. My experience is considerably more and I really have nothing but pride in what I have achieved. There is absolutely no rational reason for being nervous. But still pressing send on a promo post about my own work fills me with panic.

Self-promotion doesn’t come naturally to many of us. Shouting your successes from the rooftops can just feel a bit icky, and despite being able to happily chat about my clients many and varied wins, I still clam up when talking about my own.

Whether it’s nerves about looking big headed, worry that I may be contradicted (hopefully not!) or a misguided case of imposter syndrome, I have no idea. But after a great meeting this morning I have decided to but my big girl pants on, reward myself with a jam tart and post this - I’m sure I’m not the only person that feels this way (maybe I am? 😬) and hopefully inspire another shrinking violet to shout about their successes too.

It’s always the quiet ones, eh?