I don’t consider myself a salesperson. In fact, the extent of my sales experience involved working in the mall during my high school days.

Some people are natural salespeople. They know how to connect with others, and they aren’t afraid to open their mouths and be persuasive. They believe in the products they market. In turn, consumers trust these products. I think every freelancer, telecommuter, and independent contractor can learn a thing or two from experienced sell people.

I’m not an impulse shopper. But there have been times when a salesperson convinced me to buy a product. I can’t quite explain it, but somehow, they were able to get inside my head and convince me to see the value in a product or service. Coming from a person who doesn’t like to spend money…that takes skills.

I can definitely take a few pointers from salespeople. They aren’t afraid to put themselves out there. And it doesn’t matter how ridiculous or expensive a product is, they’ll do whatever it takes to get the sell. But what about us? Do we do whatever it takes to get a job or contract?

I have to admit, self-promotion isn’t my strongest ability. In the back of mind I don’t want to come off as overconfident or arrogant. Even when I know I’m the best person for a particular job, I don’t always project this in my cover letters. I sometimes hold back, and I know failure to sell myself has cost me a couple of good opportunities. But I’m trying to get better. I think the first step is recognizing that it’s okay to toot my own horn.

Others do it, so what am I afraid of?