Networking & Career / Online Networking / Lesson 09

LESSON 09 · ONLINE NETWORKING

Show Your Work Without Bragging

Eighteen easy tips to show your work without bragging, so people see your skills and still like you.

Show, do not boast. Share the process.

27 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

27 tips that really help

These ideas come from Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why show your work

People cannot hire or help what they cannot see. Sharing your work kindly makes it easy for others to understand you.

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Share one thing.

TIP 2

Share the process, not only the result

Show how you worked, such as sketches or steps. Process is interesting and humble.

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Show steps.

TIP 3

Tell what you learned

Add a lesson from the project. Learning makes you relatable.

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Add a lesson.

TIP 4

Thank the people who helped

Credit teammates and friends. Gratitude shows character.

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Say thanks.

TIP 5

Add a clear picture or a link

Visuals help people understand quickly. Keep the image simple and clear.

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Add one.

TIP 6

Use plain, friendly words

Avoid hype. Say, I enjoyed building this, instead of the best project ever.

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Be plain.

TIP 7

Invite feedback

Ask, what would you improve? Feedback makes people feel included.

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Ask kindly.

TIP 8

Share small wins too

You do not need huge results. Small steps are real and relatable.

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Share small.

TIP 9

Script: sharing

Here is a small project I made last month, I would love your thoughts. Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: process

I started with a messy sketch, then tested three ideas. Say it simply.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: thanks

Thank you to my team, who made this possible. Say it sincerely.

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Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: using big claims

Words like best or amazing sound like bragging, so use facts.

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Use facts.

TIP 13

Mistake: sharing only perfect results

Only perfect results feel fake, so show the bumps too.

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Be real.

TIP 14

Mistake: forgetting to credit others

Missing credit hurts trust, so thank people.

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Give credit.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you feel shy sharing

Start with a tiny post and a friendly tone. Courage grows.

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Start small.

TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when you get no response

Share again with a new angle or in another group. Be patient.

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Try again.

TIP 17

Drill: post one work-in-progress

Share a draft or sketch this week with a short note on what you learned.

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Post one.

TIP 18

Drill: write a thank-you line

Write a thank-you line you could add to any project post.

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Write one.

TIP 19

Share a short case study

Describe a problem, your steps and the result. Keep it in five lines.

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Write one.

TIP 20

Show a picture of your process

A photo of notes or sketches adds trust.

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Add a photo.

TIP 21

Show mistakes too

Honest errors make you relatable. Share what you learned.

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Share one.

TIP 22

Ask for a testimonial

Ask a happy client or colleague for one sentence. Their words carry weight.

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Ask one.

TIP 23

Example: the carpenter

A short photo series of a table from log to finish. People loved it.

TRY THIS
Show steps.

TIP 24

Example: the writer

Sharing a rough draft and edit notes invited advice and respect.

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Share a draft.

TIP 25

Mistake: sharing confidential details

Never share private information about clients or workplaces.

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Check privacy.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when you feel your work is too small

Small work is still real. Show it with pride.

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Share anyway.

TIP 27

Drill: plan a monthly show-your-work post

Pick a day each month to post one project.

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Pick a date.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

SHARE

“Here is something I made.”

STORY

“This is how I made it.”

THANKS

“Thanks to my team.”

LEARN

“Here is what I learned.”

ASK

“What do you think?”

CLOSE

“Thanks for looking.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Pick a project

DAY 2
Show the steps

DAY 3
Share the lesson

DAY 4
Thank helpers

DAY 5
Add a picture

DAY 6
Invite feedback

DAY 7
Repeat

Further reading

• Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.