"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" - Dr. Seuss
You'd think that being a marketer, I'd have self-promotion nailed down, right? Well, here’s a little secret: marketing myself is a whole different beast. Selling someone else's story? That's a walk in the park. But when it comes to my own? Cue the overthinking, second-guessing, and general befuddlement. It’s like trying to describe the taste of water: essential and ubiquitous, but hard to pin down. Championing a brand or product? Easy. Turning the spotlight on myself and saying, "Hey, look at me!"—that’s a whole other ball game.
📸 Tumblr
It might shock you to know that I'm terrible at self-marketing. Yep, you heard it right. I suck at it! So, why is it so hard to market myself, especially when those who've collaborated with me can vouch for my skills? Don’t just take my word for it; the proof is in the pudding—or, in this case, at the bottom of this page!
📸 Testimonials | www.unapologeticallymel.com
Self-promotion feels like a Herculean task because it requires seeing yourself as others do and highlighting your best qualities without downplaying them. It's a bizarre mix of objectivity (being objective about yourself—seriously, is that even possible?) and empathy! And to be honest, it's uncomfortable. But what I'm learning to embrace is telling my story. I used to think this meant reciting my CV details. Spoiler alert: it doesn't (wink, wink)!
As a marketer, I know that people aren’t just buying your product—they're buying your story. So, here’s mine, broken down into three parts:
I. PLOTTER. CREATOR. MAGICIAN. (CREATIVE ENGINE!)
Imagine a multi-faceted individual with an eye for detail and an ear for perfection. Someone who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty—whether practicing tai chi or diving into a creative project! My glass is always half full, as long as it’s pretty! I’m a talker, and my eclectic musical taste reflects my passion for all things diverse. With roots in South Africa, India, and England (by marriage!), I bring a big personality to any room. I believe in being bold or italic—never regular!
II. STRATEGIST. IDEATOR. EXECUTOR. (DO'ER!)
With a solid background in business marketing and communication, I excel in strategy, creativity, and teamwork. Picture me steering startups and empowering established teams to elevate their vision and products. I thrive on asking tough questions, truly listening, and delivering innovative solutions. My clients and peers might describe me as "a vibrant mix of strategist, ideator, executor, and visionary—ready to shake up the scene with creativity and flair!" I'm that dependable person who gets things done without needing constant direction. I take full ownership and ensure top-notch delivery, always going above and beyond for my clients.
III. ADVOCATE. ALLY. ACTIVIST (BELIEVER!)
Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, I lived in an all-Indian township and attended an all-Indian school. I faced discrimination in some places, being barred from eating, drinking, and dancing because of my skin colour. These experiences ignited a fire within me. They fuelled my determination to speak up, raise awareness and advocate for equality. Every obstacle only strengthened my resolve, cultivating resilience and a steadfast commitment to never give up.
📷 New West Secondary School, Durban (Facebook)
As Nelson Mandela famously said, "It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it." This quote serves as a guiding principle for me, reminding me of my responsibility to contribute to positive change.
📷 QuotesGram
I've always danced to my own rhythm, defying the confines of societal norms and entrenched beliefs. I’m happy to challenge long-held ingrained assumptions and embrace an independent mindset. I live authentically, shaping my own narrative and never taking anything for granted.
SOMETHING MORE, PERHAPS?
How about adding some zest to the three-part mix by sharing my preferences and pet peeves? It could spice things up a bit!
LIKES
The sea
Football
Flip-flops
Ice cream in all weather
Rain or shine, you'll find me enjoying a braai
Travelling
Cake (I might have a mildly unhealthy obsession with it)
DISLIKES
High heels (time and place, right?)
Short-sightedness
Unkindness
Black-and-white thinking
Non-believers (in the power of magic, of course!)
📷 Oli Fowler 'I Believe in Magic'
That's why I launched Unapologetically Mel—a platform I single-handedly created (still can't believe it!) to highlight my skills, projects, and client reviews. It's not just a showcase of my work; it's a window into my journey. Here, my story leaps off the screen, revealing the real authentic me—enthusiastic, vibrantly colourful, and ready to tackle any challenge.
Need a strategist, ideator, executor, and visionary rolled into one? Look no further. Let’s collaborate and create something extraordinary. Head over to www.unapologeticallymel.com to see what all the fuss is about or drop me a message or a line and let's kick things off!
Because at the end of the day, it's not just about what I do, but who I am. And who I am is unapologetically me!
INTERESTED IN TEAMING UP?
Let's set up a free 30-minute discovery call to chat and figure out what you need. Ask away with any questions you've got, and we'll work together to find the best solution for you.
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