I may have coined a new term here at Pod Camp Boston 4 (#pcb4) here at the University of Massachusetts Boston today: Reputation Dysmorphism or Online Reputation Dysmorphism. Online reputation dysmorphism shows itself generally where someone perceives herself as being either way more or way less self-promotional or ego-centric or salesy than is true or perceived acceptable by any online or real community.
Reputation Dysmorphism is akin to body dysmorphism, “is a psychological disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned and preoccupied by a perceived defect in his or her physical features,” according to Wikipedia.
The sufferer may complain of several specific features or a single feature, or a vague feature or general appearance, causing psychological distress that impairs occupational and/or social functioning, sometimes to the point of severe depression, severe anxiety, development of other anxiety disorders, social withdrawal or complete social isolation, and more.
Today when I came up with the concept, it was in response to Kat who is an advertising expert and professional copywriter who just feels too painfully self-conscious about ever soliciting business or promoting her professional side at all for fear that she would be perceived as being a spammer.
My friend and business partner Mark calls it good breeding: one never should talk about one’s work in polite company.
Well, it is OK to share your entire life on social media, including the 8-18 hours a day you make a living. What I said is that Kat was being selfish by not being willing to share her mad skills in advertising and copy writing with her followers and that when she doesn’t share her work and passion she prevents people from getting to know here.
I will expand on this later as I am typing this all on my Android G1.
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Hey, Chris! You move fast. I told you this would make a good blog post. Didn’t know it would talk about *me* so much. You are right. Not telling the world what I do is a disservice. And maybe a little insane, given that I’ve been promoting others and helping them articulate *their* brands all these years. I’m willing to get over it. Working on it. It’s watching the people who brazenly promote and look like a**es that makes me hold back. The question is how to put out there what I have to offer (award-winning work, years of experience, Fortune 100 – small biz, good, fast, and fun to work with) without coming on too strong.
I am open to suggestions — like yours yesterday — on how to do it in a way that is appealing. Anyone?
Well, since everyone at #pcb4 loves and knows you, you can start with the fact that you’re already appealing so you don’t have to become appealing or work towards being appealing! You’re already there!
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