The Case for “Kredential Kardashians”

As a journalist, I’m always on the lookout for credible sources. But, in the age of “information,” overexposure and excess use of the term “credible” has caused the definition to become increasingly vague.

What makes someone credible?

“Mommy” bloggers are the parenting experts behind some of the New York Times’ bestselling non-fiction. And, the 20- year-old Twitter addict? He’s a branding expert.

Last week founder and CEO of Trustworks Privacy Advisors, Anne Toth, makes a case for “Kredential Kardashians” – people who are famous in their field for being famous.

“They may look good; they may get paid a lot, but that doesn’t mean they know anything,” she says. “Many of them, like the real Kardashians, actually are dumb as rocks.”

They have credentials for having credentials, and figure things out on the job. And, there is something to be said for that sort of self-confidence and fearlessness.

Self-promotion and self-aggrandizing, especially today, are necessary evils and what separates one’s talents and abilities from the pack. Less confident than men, the hesitation to self-promote is one of the greatest hurdles facing women.

A 2011 Catalyst report found women have the most to gain from touting their achievements, no matter how seemingly small.

“Fake it until you make it” is a phrase most of us have heard at least 100 times. But, I believe a better way to describe the idea is “exaggerate it until you become it.”

Perception is everything.

And, it’s also something we can control.

No one knows who you are or want to be until you tell them, which means you also control the message.

Credentials are much of what defines us in the professional world. And, don’t they come by playing coy.

Rather than downplaying accomplishments, I’ve noticed successful women and men drain all they can from each bit of experience. One television appearance and she’s a media personality. One viral blog post and he’s an e-commerce expert lining up speaking engagements. They nominate themselves for every award under the sun, and, when they win, they make sure the right people know. They stand tall, shake hands firmly and always speak with authority.

Climbing the corporate ladder is not about being a fraud or being deceptive. But, much of it does rest on capitalizing on every piece of experience and knowledge you have; it rests on leveraging your professional brand to create the perception that will get you to the next step, even if it’s a tad grandiose.

Shameless? Yes. Self-serving? Sure.

But, is it not the squeaky wheel that gets serviced?

You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room for people to believe you are; you just have to be confident and willing to risk putting yourself out there.

By L. Nicole Williams

Nicole is the Editor of Little PINK Book. Follow her on Twitter @iamnicwill.