Visibility is the New Currency
- Laura Doman
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
3 Secrets to Confident, Authentic Self-Promotion
When you open a session called The Shameless Hussy’s Guide to Self-Promotion, you’d better deliver something unexpected.
So I started by handing out mini Hershey bars — yes, the leftover Halloween stash. Because let’s face it: there’s no shame in enjoying chocolate.
The room relaxed instantly. People laughed. And that little square of sweetness turned into the perfect metaphor for what came next.
I told them, “Being shameless isn’t about arrogance. It’s about authenticity. It’s about being bold, dynamic, and unapologetically yourself — in how you show up, speak up, and promote your work.”
That message hit home. Because so many voice actors, creatives, and entrepreneurs are brilliant at what they do… but feel icky about telling people about it. They’ve been taught that marketing themselves is somehow “too much,” that talking about their work is self-centered, and that real talent should “just be discovered.”
Spoiler alert: that’s not how discovery works.
Self-promotion isn’t about ego — it’s about access.
I had the honor of leading both a general session and a breakout workshop at the Mid-Atlantic VoiceOver conference (MAVO 2025) on this very topic: how to promote yourself without feeling like you need a shower afterwards.
The sessions were packed, the questions were nonstop, and the feedback confirmed what I already knew: this message is long overdue.
So today, I want to share three key insights from those talks — practical takeaways that can help you build visibility and credibility without losing your authenticity (or your sense of humor).
“Being shameless isn’t about arrogance — it’s about authenticity. It’s the courage to show up fully as yourself and let your brilliance be visible.”
Insight #1: Visibility Builds Credibility
People can’t work with you if they don’t know you exist. Visibility is not about vanity metrics — it’s about accessibility. When you’re visible through articles, interviews, collaborations, and speaking opportunities, you make it easy for clients and partners to discover you. Every appearance, every post, and every conversation becomes a breadcrumb leading back to your expertise.
The more consistently you show up, the more credible and trustworthy you appear. Yes, even before anyone meets you!
Insight #2: Authenticity Beats Perfection
One of the biggest mindset shifts I saw happen during my session was realizing that polish doesn’t equal professionalism. Audiences connect with humanity, not flawless branding. When you let people see your process, your personality, and your passion, you become relatable… and memorable.
In one of my favorite moments, a participant said, “So it’s not about pretending to be confident; it’s about being comfortable enough to be real.” Exactly. Confidence is built, not born, and authenticity is the foundation.
Insight #3: Presence Gets You Paid
Ultimately, self-promotion isn’t just about exposure — it’s about positioning. When you show up with confidence, clarity, and purpose, people remember you when opportunities arise. That’s what turns one-off gigs into long-term relationships and repeat bookings.
Presence is about energy and intention. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room, just the most aligned with what you offer and who you serve.
These three principles — visibility, authenticity, and presence — aren’t just performance techniques; they’re professional survival skills in a world where attention is the new currency.
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” - Brené Brown
Ready to Get a Little Shameless?
If your team or organization could use a confidence boost in how they present themselves — whether that’s on camera, in meetings, or online — let’s talk.
I customize Shameless Hussy’s Guide to Self-Promotion workshops for corporate teams, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to be seen as the go-to experts in their fields — without feeling like they’re “selling.”
✨ Let’s make visibility feel natural (and even fun). Because that's what being a Shameless Hussy is all about: bold, energetic, and unapologetically visible.
And yes! Men can be hussies, too. At least until I can think up something equally as on point and memorable. Suggestions welcome!
The Shameless Hussy's Guide to On Camera Confidence
A free 1-hour masterclass packed with practical insights.
Thursday, November 20
3pm EST / noon PST
Want to learn more? Let's talk!
I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
