Test Your Promo Know-How

Curious about how you stack up as a self-promoter? Take this quiz to find out. | Check Your Answers

1.When it comes to your business cards, you:

A. Hand them out only when asked.

B. Distribute them to most everybody you meet.

C. Offer them to people with whom you've conversed and might like to follow up. If they don't want the card, they can throw it away later.

2. Your soccer team is anarchy: With no designated coach to assign positions, everyone is left to place themselves. You're one of the better players. When the team haggles over the lineup, you:

A. Let your teammates hash it out while you practice your moves -- a reminder of how much you're an asset to the team.

B. Immediately claim center midfield because you're the best passer.

C. Note that last week' s lineup, in which you played midfield, was especially effective.

3.At the end of a job interview, you're asked if there's anything else you'd like to add. You:

A. Smile, thank her for meeting with you and reiterate your interest in the job.

B. Tell you know you've got the smarts and the experience to be a great asset to the company and that you're really excited about this job possibility.

C. Mention that you'd read in the job description that the company was looking for leaders, and offer a few anecdotes that demonstrate your leadership skills.

4. Two guests at a dinner party are discussing an issue that happened to be the topic of your senior thesis -- and you know they're misinformed. You interrupt by saying:

A. "Sorry to interrupt, but I was under the impression that . . . ."

B. "Actually, I wrote my senior thesis on this subject -- an honors thesis -- and I'm certain that . . . ."

C. "Hmm. Well, I studied this in college and learned that . . . ."

5. You've just discovered an award that you're eligible for, but you need to be nominated. You:

A. Hope someone will realize that you deserve it and nominate you.

B. Nominate yourself. So long as you're a contender, who cares who does it?

C. Go to your closest friend and ask him to nominate you.

6.Seems like everyone has a blog these days. You've thought about starting one and decided:

A. No way. It'd probably seem egotistical. Why assume that other people care to read my thoughts?

B. Absolutely! It'll be a great forum for talking about my accomplishments. Now I just need a glamorous head shot . . . .

C. It could be fun -- and, done right, it could be a good way to get noticed.

7.You've just wrapped up a year-long group project, and now it's time for your annual review. You stress:

A. How great your team was: Your successes were really part of a larger group effort.

B. All the great ideas you single-handedly conceived and executed. Although you always do impressive work, you must say that you really outdid yourself this time.

C. How great it was to collaborate with your colleagues and that working in a group really highlighted your ability to manage people effectively and lead the project to completion.

8.Your role model for self-promotion is:

A. Rodney Dangerfield.

B. Donald Trump.

C. George Clooney.

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Check Your Answers

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Mostly A's: Why are you holding back? A self-effacing nature can be endearing, sure, but speaking up for yourself isn't a bad thing and will probably help you get what you want.

Mostly B's: You certainly project confidence, which can be good; just be aware of how others react. If they seem miffed by your assuredness, then self-promotion may land you in the back seat.

Mostly C's: Balance is good; you know how to assert yourself without alienating people. Even so, remember that there are times when the middle ground is too much or too little -- instances when a little more humility might be in order, or when some bragging might help you along.

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