There’s a weird pressure in our profession: If you want to grow, you’ve got to “stand out.” But standing out often gets confused with showing off. And for a lot of the advisors I talk to—especially the ones who lead with service, not ego—that’s where the tension sets in.
You know you need to market yourself. You know your ideal clients aren’t going to magically find you in a sea of sameness. But the last thing you want is to sound like a walking sales pitch.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to.
Putting yourself on a pedestal doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. It means positioning your value clearly enough that the people who need your help can actually find and trust you. That’s not self-promotion, it’s client service.
Let’s break down how to do it in a way that feels natural, effective, and (most importantly) honest.
If It Feels Salesy, That’s a Sign You’re Thinking About It the Right Way
First, a reframe: the fact that you feel resistance to being overly self-promotional isn’t a flaw. It’s a signal that your business is rooted in integrity.
But there’s a flipside. If you’re too hesitant to show up and articulate what makes your work valuable, you risk doing a disservice to your clients—and your growth.
I’ve seen incredible advisors hide behind generic marketing or say nothing at all because they didn’t want to “brag.” Meanwhile, advisors with half their wisdom are out there racking up followers because they’re not afraid to speak up (even if what they’re saying isn’t all that helpful).
Here’s the truth: your clients aren’t looking for someone who knows everything. They’re looking for someone they can trust. Visibility is part of building that trust. It’s not about shouting louder. It’s about being clear, consistent, and authentic.
Related: Why Client Acquisition Isn’t About Volume—It’s About Value
The Pedestal Isn’t About Ego. It’s About Access.
Let’s redefine what it means to be “on a pedestal.”
It’s not about acting superior. It’s about being seen. Think of it more like a platform: somewhere your message can be carried further. A lighthouse doesn’t apologize for being tall. It’s elevated so ships can see the way to safety.
You’re not putting yourself above your clients. You’re positioning your voice where it can do the most good.
And if you’re intentional about how you show up, you can do that without compromising your values or turning into a hype machine.
Four Ways to Elevate Your Presence (Without Feeling Pushy)
Here’s how to make your value more visible—without slipping into “look at me” mode.
The best way to stand out is to serve, especially in a world full of noise.
What questions do you answer for clients every day? What decisions do you help them make? Turn those into short blog posts, LinkedIn tips, or quick videos. Educational content isn’t just helpful; it also positions you as someone who gets it and can guide others.
And the beauty is, it never has to feel like selling. You’re just sharing what you know in a way that builds trust.
You don’t have to list every designation or award. (Your clients aren’t keeping score.) Instead, talk about how your work changes lives. What shifts do your clients experience when they work with you? What clarity or peace of mind do they gain?
Use “you”-focused language instead of “I.” For example:
The focus stays on them, but your expertise still comes through loud and clear.
Credentials are important. But your why is what sets you apart.
Why did you get into this business? What keeps you going when it’s hard? What do you believe your clients deserve?
These aren’t marketing gimmicks. They’re trust builders. When people understand what drives you, they’re more likely to trust your advice.
And when you speak from that place, there’s no danger of sounding salesy. You’re just telling the truth.
One of the most powerful ways to “promote” your work is to let others do it for you.
Think about a short testimonial, a client story (shared with permission), or a screenshot of a thank-you email. These moments of real feedback go further than any tagline.
And if you’re hesitant to ask for testimonials, here’s a tip: don’t ask for praise, ask for insight. Try something like: “Would you be open to sharing what part of our work together felt most helpful or different from what you expected?”
You’ll get better, more authentic feedback, and you won’t feel like you’re fishing for compliments.
Know Who You’re For (And Who You’re Not)
Here’s another way to avoid the “salesy” trap: stop trying to appeal to everyone.
The most confident, compelling advisors I know are laser-focused on the people they serve best. You don’t need 100 leads a month. You need a few right-fit clients who see your value clearly.
So, get specific. Talk directly to your ideal client in your content. Name their challenges. Reflect their goals. Use the words they use.
When your message is clear, the right people will come. And the wrong people will opt out. That’s not exclusion, it’s efficiency.
Related: The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes to Every Prospective Client (And How to Say No Gracefully)
The Bottom Line: Visibility Builds Trust
Putting yourself on a pedestal doesn’t mean becoming louder, flashier, or more aggressive. It means giving people a clear, accessible view of what you offer and why it matters.
That’s not about ego. It’s about service.
So, if you’ve been hesitant to raise your visibility, here’s my encouragement: start small. Post one educational tip this week. Rewrite your LinkedIn headline to focus on who you are helping. Share a client win (even if it’s anonymous). None of that is salesy. It’s just honest.
And if you need a little push, remember this: your future clients can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist. Help them find you. You don’t need a megaphone. You just need to step into the light.