You Can't Beat Self Promotion (poem)
By Debbie Allen, All Rights Reserved

I built a better mousetrap. It was so very fine, I knew everyone would want one, and the market would be mine.

My trap was eco-friendly, and had benefits galore. So I watched with baited breath, for the world to find my door.

But alas, no path was beaten. The buyers never came. They knew not of my mousetrap, and they did not know my name.

They knew not of its quality, its benefits or price. They didn't know I'd guarantee to rid their house of mice.

If you don't wish to sit alone, in your field of dreams, I'd recommend some action, for to me, here's how it seems: If you want to sell a mousetrap, you must tell the world about it. You must advertise and merchandise, and from the rooftops shout it.

I'd display it in the paper, I'd send out lots of mail. I'd show a list of benefits to help me make the sale.

I'd flash it on my website, I'd use radio and more, I'd talk about it everywhere, and watch my profits soar.

Don't expect the world to find you, that's what I would advise. If you want to sell a mousetrap, it still pays to advertise.

But, you say, I do not have a single trap to sell. It's me I want to market, not a mousetrap or a bell.

I want to sell my talents, my abilities and skills. I need to get a good price too, so I can pay my bills.

So you want to sell yourself, you say I understand, my friend.

I think I have the answer, here's what I'd recommend.

You do not need an agent, or some brewed up magic potion. When "you" is what you're selling, You can't beat self promotion.

This poem is an excerpt from Confessions of Shameless Self Promotion and provided by co-author Don Taylor, author of the best seller Up Against the Wal-Mart.

Word count 329

Bio: Debbie Allen is one of the world’s leading authorities on sales and marketing.  She is the author of five books including Confessions of Shameless Self Promoters and Skyrocketing Sales.  Debbie has helped thousands of people around the world attract customers like crazy with her innovative, no-cost marketing strategies and secrets to sales success.  Her expertise has been featured in Entrepreneur, Selling Power and Sales & Marketing Excellence.  Sign up for her FREE 6-week e-Course Business Success Secrets Revealed ($97 value) and take the online business card quiz to rate your marketing online now at www.DebbieAllen.com.