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The Unselfish Guide to Self Promotion

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Reviewed by Neil Ducoff, author of No-Compromise Leadership: A Higher Standard of Leadership, Thinking and Behavior.

Jorge Olson's, "The Unselfish Guide to Self Promotion," is a rare find among the multitude of self-help success books. In stark contrast to others in this genre that seemingly evolve into a lesson in how to be "all about me - at the expense of others," Olson's book takes the higher less traveled road to success by understanding, giving and sharing one's knowledge to help others achieve their wants, needs and dreams. Simply put, rather than promoting yourself in the traditional self-indulgent way, Olson shares life lessons that have brought him impressive success, joy and fulfillment in his business and personal life - and did so in the most naturally unselfish and humanistic manner possible.

I must admit that I approached reading "The Unselfish Guide to Self Promotion" with some apprehension. But, the title intrigued me enough to see if Olson could pull off the melding of these two utterly opposing thought processes ... "unselfish" and "self promotion." My apprehension dissipated in the first 25 pages as Olson masterfully wove in his early life lessons and the contrasts of growing up in Mexico with little and the opportunities that existed just across the US border in San Diego. Here, Olson set the tone for the remainder of the book by delivering his own "theory of relativity." Yes, everything is relative based on one's perspective, position in life, wants and needs. "Unselfish" means taking the time to understand that what's relative to you can be quite different to each individual.

With the true meaning of "unselfish self promotion" being established in Part One, Olson devotes Part Two to delivering solid guidance and lessons to apply unselfish self promotion in every segment of your life - business, personal and community service. Again, stories and examples from Olson's life prove to the reader that his approach is not only doable, it is truly a pathway to achieving one's full potential - and doing so with integrity and caring for those around you.

Olson wraps up the book in Part Three with a comprehensive "toolkit" of advanced strategies to promote, market and network your way to selling yourself wherever you choose take your career and life. These are solid, proven strategies that target establishing a presence on the Internet right through to the in's and out's of public relations. Readers will find Olson's insights into social networking on the Internet nothing short of cutting edge as it's the new "place to be" for establishing connections and discovering unlimited and unique opportunities.

Take some time away from today's stressful headlines on the economy and global challenges and spend some unselfish time on yourself. "The Unselfish Guide to Self Promotion" will not only give you a better handle on what's "relative" to you, it will set your thinking and behavior in such a way that you will achieve all you want by helping others achieve that they want.

Neil Ducoff is author of "No-Compromise Leadership" (DC Press/January 2009), and CEO of Strategies, a Connecticut-based training and coaching company that teaches leaders and organizations how to live the no-compromise mantra. During 38 years as a coach, speaker and author, he has gained respect for his innovative growth solutions that can make the difference between success and failure for today's business leaders, and are setting the tone for cultural transformation, changing paradigms and the new standard for success in a changing world.

Buy No-Compromise Leadership: A Higher Standard of Leadership, Thinking and Behavior at Amazon.com. [...]

Book Review:

"The Unselfish Guide to Self-Promotion" by Jorge Olson

Review by Charles S. Weinblatt
Author of Jacob's Courage: A Holocaust Love Story

February 7, 2009

In Act I, Olson lays the foundations for how to appropriately promote ourselves. He offers a new "Law of Relativity," in which we come to comprehend how our problems are relative to other people's problems. Our needs are relative to other people's needs. He also helps us understand how some problems cannot be resolved. We cannot control where we are born or whether we are affluent. But, whatever our story, we have the capacity to promote it. And, whatever the circumstances, we have the ability to enjoy the building process. Olson instructs us to find our ultimate "high." In this, he advises that we are more than our facets; we are our inspiration, our potential and our cumulative experiences. He shares a number of childhood stories that project a firm belief in one's unlimited potential in life. He proclaims his "lucky" childhood experiences, which provided him the assurance to promote himself successfully.

Olson extols the ability of all of us to be a "dream maker." We have the capacity to help others to be "happy, healthy and wealthy." He explains, "When you place other people first, they will do the same for you." Although there might be a few sad examples of the opposite, in my experience, this is largely true.

In Act II and III, Olson provides a lesson in marketing and promotional tools. He give us "magnet management," a state in which we use "good magnets and management positively." We have the capacity to invoke "sympathy, tolerance, humanity and acceptance" as tools to help others. In doing so, we really help ourselves. He proffers a pyramid that includes, "self actualization, self esteem, belonging, safety and physiological characteristics." Olson also shows us that good listening skills are a critical weapon in forging rewarding self-promotion. Success is acquired by listening and learning, more than talking. He advises that, "advanced listening means taking selfishness out of the equation."

The technique of "Advanced Listening" is used as a means to extract more valuable information from a conversation by removing "selfishness." Olson observes the value obtained from eliminating distractions, concentration and timing. We too often feel the urge to interrupt, when we should remain a listener. And, we should accept the speaker without prejudice. The concept of "me" versus "you" statements is covered adroitly. Too often, we focus on our problems, instead of the needs of the other person. This leads to a section on "consultative listening," in which Olson demonstrates the value of asking key questions. The dynamic of role-playing is visualized to demonstrate consultative conversation, as well as a dozen excellent "listening tips."

Olson devotes attention to the importance of the "big picture" of promotion, and he offers a detailed examination of how promotion is "for life" more than for specific events. He scores significant points by establishing that "you are not your job." That is to say, we are more comprehensive than the work that we do today. He expands this concept by exploring career goals, compared to current responsibilities. Olson extols us to "always be selling" and reflects that such sales must include "listening, observation, solving problems and making others happy." He implores that we will be successful if we are always smiling, always professional, friendly and discovering the other person's needs.

A chapter on "Hanging with the Alpha Dogs" is particularly valuable. He entreats us to help these people become successful "and they will do the same for you." I have found this to be particularly valid in my career, which spanned counseling, teaching and higher education. "Alpha Dogs can have a circle of influence that goes around the world," says Olson. This can extend your promotional reach to hundreds or thousands of influential people. The value of this matrix cannot be overstated.

In Act III of this book, Olson provides specific strategies for self-promotion, including Internet marketing, articles, social networking, public speaking, press releases and image creation. He stresses "communicate, collaborate" and "commercialize" as the keys to Internet promotion. He also illustrates how to "build value" and drive traffic to your Internet site. He commends those who provide layers of high-value content, using all available techniques (audio, video, photos, etc.) and with multiple web sites. "Search engines crave such valued content," he says. He also provides essential information for creating valued web sites, e-mail addresses, Internet mailing lists and auto-responding software. Olson offers some useful tips on how to build comprehensive and effective lists and how to use e-mail as advertising. The chapter on social networking is very persuasive. I maintain several social networking memberships and can vouch for their value in terms of self-promotion, particularly through joining appropriate groups within each site.

Finally, Olson teaches the reader how to construct the best possible image. He suggests that we are our own best brand manager. His chapter on personal grooming, hygiene and physical appearance might seem mundane. Yet, I can vouch for the value of this in my own career. Appearance can be incredibly critical in establishing and maintaining your value to others. He offers similarly useful tips for creating a compelling business presentation card.

Finally, Olson uses the technique of writing and speaking for self-promotion effectively. If one wishes to be famous, one must write. Whether you write books, Blogs, articles or novels, one requires something of value to promote. He concludes with advice on how to become an inspirational public speaker.

Olson provides valuable "chapter notes" to help the reader summarize and internalize his suggestions. He also provides some useful charts and graphs. Expanding and extending the use of such valued charts and graphs in a second edition might be a worthy goal. Many readers are visual learners and benefit substantially from the use of illustrations.

In conclusion. Olson's "Unselfish Self-Promotion" is a concise, sensible exploration of all facets of self-promotion, delivered succinctly, with adroit illustrations and demonstrations. The book is remarkably easy to read and enjoy, filled with relevant examples and solutions to the critical problems of self-promotion. This is a self-help book that anyone can profit from and enjoy.

By Charles S. Weinblatt
Author, Jacob's Courage: A Holocaust Love Stor

This was a great read, it put things into perspective that sometimes we forget as we travel through the hurry of day to day life. Mr. Olson has shown that he knows what he talking about if you want a career in speaking, or quite frankly any career. Remember to do something nice for someone today, it will mean a lot, and I thank Mr. Olson for doing something for me today with his book!

I have found that in the PR business, just as in car repair, there are a whole lot of hacks and a few real treasures. When I was a rock-and-roll musician, the agents we hired were universally mediocre. Later, trying to hire a good literary agent for my book, I wrote to several of the most successful. Their answer back was, essentially, "Why should we bother with the likes of you for a percentage of peanuts? We prefer to focus on promoting books by J. Lo and Elton John...." In other words, all the best agents seem to work for the already-famous. How is a little fish going to break into the business?
Jorge Olson's excellent guidebook cuts through the thicket with straight talk and loads of good advice. Wherever I open the book, I find a nugget of wisdom. Its direct, conversational style is a blessing, he does not talk down to us, yet his focus and his insights are awesome. I've written both kinds of book: Published through regular channels (Reading the Maya Glyphs, Thames & Hudson, 2001), and self-published (2012: Science and Prophecy of the Ancient Maya, Tlacaelel Press, 2010). The first has been successful, a steady seller, and I get a royalty check from T&H every six months. Though I am grateful for their hard work and expertise in promotion, my self-published book has made twice as much money in a single year than a decade of sales with T&H. A good part of this success is due to Jorge's advice.

Self promotion is invaluable as you make your way to success. The author offers valuable insight into this process. Once you believe in yourself and your process you have to make sure others believe. This book is key in learning how to do just that.

Jorge and I have spoken several times over the last several years.
If he was available, I would hire him to work for me.
His expertise in marketing is second to none.
We have used many of his ideas in our business and they work.
Jorge. Keep up the great work.
I look forward to your next book.
Thanks
Tom Psillas, CEO
Tamion Corporation

Jorge Olson's personal story of his early is about persistence and taking advantage of opportunity--it is very touching. Jorge shows the reader a set of tools to better self-promotion, then explains each one, so the reader has a complete understanding of each and how they interrelate. There is one phrase in the book I disagree with, "Be tougher on yourself to be better with others." I feel we are too hard on ourselves as it is, and that we need to show a little more compassion and understanding with our foibles as humans. Personal levels of excellence can be achieved without being tough on ourselves. Likewise there is a chapter on Listening I think is excellent, because most people don't shut up enough. Emerson wrote (and this a paraphrase), "Your actions speak so loudly I can't hear what you are saying." Self-promotion all about listening, because you need to find out what the other person needs in order to offer them what you have customized to that need. Finally, the chapter, Always Be Selling, is based on an excellent concept. You can't act one way when doing one thing, and another way when doing something else, otherwise people see you as being phony and inconsistent. If you exhibit excellence in one area and don't care attitude in another, you are sabotaging EVERYTHING you are doing, and Jorge makes that point very clearly.

Some of the writing in this book is a bit rough and a bit redundant, but the information is valuable and will help you do a better job of promoting yourself and what it is you are trying to sell. Jorge sees the two as intertwined, and in essence he is right on target. I just wish he had gotten more to the point, and made less of the stories, which in some cases distracted from the point and seemed to be time-wasters. However, buying this book is a good investment for your reference library, and one you will go back to often to check your progress.

Ric Morgan, author of the 2009 Pulitzer-nominated 80-page power-packed, life changer book, The Keys: The Textbook to a Successful Life. The book is available at [...]. The book is about the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Smart) philosophy and talks about three major keys...thought, choice and action...plus a smaller secret key, and a set of lessons that will help you learn how to live a smarter, simpler and saner life. There are several editions available including one in large-print, an e-Book and one called The Keys for Teens. Radio talk-show host, John Fleming called the book a condensation of the "Wisdom of the Ages in an easy to read book with a lot of clarity. The amount of wisdom is astonishing." The Keys: The Textbook to a Successful Life