Corporate Anne Robinson: The science of selling yourself short

"You're selling yourself short."

A phrase high up the list in the 'how to nag your children' guidebooks.

Along with 'I'm not going to tell you again!' or 'back in my day' before bursting into song about how kids these days have it easy with dishwashers and indoor toilets.

The phrase “selling yourself short” originally comes from the stock market but was seemingly adopted by caregivers or management, across the land to emphasis a passive display of disappointment.

I recently attended an event on behalf of Ryde where a gentlemen, who we'd never met before, rather alarmingly, took it up on himself to quiz us on every inch of the brand. It was like some corporate episode of the 'Weakest Link' only he wasn't ginger. Or called Anne.

Here's a reenactment for those interested:

Corporate Anne Robinson (CAR): ‘So you do, do branded robes? Why isn't it on the website?

Me: "Erm, well.."

CAR: "How do you expect people to know?"

Me: "It's always been a background offering for those interested. We didn't think this many people would reach out and it's important even the customised gear also represents the things we care about."

CAR: "You can't get to that stage if people don't know it's an offering. Shout about it for pete's sake! You're selling yourself short."

I quickly drank up, glancing at Corporate Anne as we made for the exit.

Praying to the powers above that there wasn't a wink heading my way.

How not to sell yourself short

I took the advice, got home and updated the website. There is now more information and some pretty photos on bespoke Ryde outerwear and change robes.

If you want to be spared the same fate, please big yourself up - it's important you do so as your service, product or offering might be the very thing somebody is desperately looking for!

Often what you think is unimportant or not worth mentioning, is the thing that will set you apart.