The biggest mistake women make when positioning themselves. It’s not about confidence, strategy, or even timing. It’s about something simpler – yet often overlooked.
Most of us believe that stating our ambitions once is enough. In this podcast episode Susan explains why this is a major mistake and what you can do to avoid it.
Why Repetition Is Key
Imagine you’re sharing your career goals with your manager. You explain your ambitions clearly. Then, you wait for opportunities to come your way.
But nothing happens.
Susan reveals the issue: people don’t remember what they hear just once. This applies to everything—whether it’s your career goals, your vision, or even your daily conversations.
Like the famous quote goes:
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Positioning yourself is no different. To be remembered, you must repeat your message -again and again.
The Power of Repetition in Positioning
Why do big companies spend millions on advertising? Because repetition works. It plants an idea in people’s minds until it sticks.
Susan explains that this same principle applies to positioning yourself. To make sure others remember you when opportunities arise:
- Be clear and specific. Know what you want and articulate it well.
- Follow up. Send a summary email after conversations about your ambitions.
- Involve others. Share your goals with multiple people who can help.
By repeating your message in different ways, you stay top of mind – and position yourself effectively.
Real-Life Example: The Cost of Staying Silent
Susan shares the story of a client who wanted to advance her career. She told her manager about her ambitions once but never followed up. When an opportunity came up, her manager didn’t even consider her. Why? Because she hadn’t been clear or consistent about what she wanted.
After joining Susan’s program, this client learned to repeat her message, involve others, and follow up regularly. The result? She landed her dream role within months.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Susan’s advice is simple but powerful:
- Repeat your message. Share your goals multiple times.
- Document conversations. Send follow-up emails after important meetings.
- Involve others. Build a network of people who understand and support your vision.
Positioning yourself is not a one-time effort. It’s a continuous process of reminding others – and yourself – of what you bring to the table.
Take the First Step
Positioning yourself successfully starts with clarity and repetition. As Susan says, “One step out of your comfort zone is just the beginning. The second, third, and fourth steps are where the magic happens.”
Ready to take charge of your journey? Listen to the full episode of the Podcast Show for Female Leaders and discover how to avoid the biggest mistake in positioning yourself.
Your biggest cheerleader,
– Susan Veldkamp