It is crucial to market oneself. Some individuals possess a wealth of talent, yet remain unknown, unable to promote themselves, thus failing to realize their potential value. Any item left unsold in storage, despite its inherent worth, cannot be converted into tangible value. By effectively marketing yourself, you could command a salary of two thousand, four thousand, or even more. Therefore, we must consider how to market ourselves effectively.

First Point: Skills are Paramount in Self-Promotion

Do not assume that as a believer, I need not promote myself, that a good product needs no advertising. The current era is far removed from such notions; even the finest product requires promotion. Without it, others will seize the opportunity. Observe closely in the workplace, and you will notice that some individuals occupy positions not necessarily due to superior intelligence or competence, but rather their adeptness at self-promotion. Conversely, those lacking this skill may struggle to find employment.

This is not mere superstition. Even as a Christian blessed by God, you must learn to market yourself. What skills do you possess? What value can you create for others? What unique qualities or talents do you offer? Some may argue that Apple products require no promotion, but this is untrue. Their marketing is exceptionally effective.

Consequently, we witness Apple stores selling out of each new phone model, even experiencing shortages, due to the power of promotion. Virtually no one can enter the workforce without the ability to promote themselves.

Self-promotion is a vital skill. Some may believe that as believers, God will bless them with a job, but self-promotion remains necessary. Why? Because it effectively presents you to the leaders of prospective employers, showcasing your character and qualities.

Packaging is one thing; genuine substance is another. However, possessing genuine substance without proper packaging is also suboptimal.

For instance, would you purchase unpackaged food in a store? If it could fetch $50 with packaging, it might only sell for $10 without, or even remain unsold. People often prefer to spend $50 on a packaged item rather than $10 on an unpackaged one.

Whether packaging and promotion are synonymous is debatable, but I believe effective self-promotion requires both inner substance and attractive packaging – genuine quality presented beautifully.

Can you imagine an iPhone wrapped in rags? It is incongruous. Observe closely, and you will notice the exquisite packaging and meticulous arrangement of the contents. Therefore, a talented individual must possess both the ability to market themselves and genuine skills. These two are indispensable.

Second Point: Character is Central to Education

An individual with character presents a vastly different image, even with the same skills, compared to one without. Character exudes charisma. We must transform our educational philosophy. As times evolve, we constantly discuss educational philosophies. While not yet universally adopted, our foresight allows us to anticipate that our educational concepts may become commonplace in ten or twenty years.

Confidence is the Core of Character

Our educational philosophy emphasizes that character development is the most crucial aspect of education. Confidence is the core of character. By building confidence in individuals, instilling optimism about the future, we cultivate a character that is central to education. With such character, further skill development becomes necessary.

Experience Precedes Skill

Educational practice should shape character and skills, not merely impart knowledge. We were once taught that "knowledge is power," but we later discovered that much knowledge is inapplicable and powerless. We often say that an experienced person is knowledgeable, but knowledge does not guarantee experience.

An experienced person possesses skills and knowledge in their field. Conversely, knowledge in a field does not necessarily translate to skills, and skills do not necessarily equate to experience.

What is experience? It is the accumulation of using skills to solve problems, or using skills and knowledge to address issues. The educational ideal is to cultivate character and skills. Experience, then, should be tested in the market, or perhaps gained through limited experience in school.

Experience is Gained Through Practical Application

Practical application is paramount. School is not a true battlefield, but if students can be placed in controlled, supervised practical environments, allowing them to develop into experienced individuals, that is ideal.

Therefore, the key to self-promotion lies in showcasing the charisma of your character. The character you project to others is crucial; character is a form of charisma.

Third Point: Character is Intrinsic

What is character? It is not merely an external attribute, but an intrinsic quality. For example, a child with resilience will exhibit that resilience in their words and actions. Similarly, a confident individual will demonstrate confidence in their expression.

Character is a vital component. An individual lacking character is unlikely to succeed in self-promotion.

Therefore, training character in school or in personal life is essential. Self-promotion is the promotion of one's character.

When someone promotes themselves during an interview, their character is revealed. Poor academic performance can indicate various issues. Ideally, an individual with character should have good academic results.

Why do many struggle academically? Because their character lacks something, leading to a distorted state that results in poor grades and a flawed character. In an interview, they might explain: "Although my grades are poor, it does not mean I cannot learn. I am resourceful, and I have focused on developing my specific talents, which have been overlooked."

If the interviewer finds these explanations and stories acceptable, then it is well. Some stories may even be far-fetched. For example, a young man facing difficulties in an interview said: "I fell in with bad company for the past three years and learned to play computer games, but I am now determined to change. I am not unintelligent, and I can still learn if I apply myself." He still secured the job.

Do not assume that poor academic performance negates everything. Academic performance reflects the past; what is needed now is to project a certain character.

For example, if someone is asked why they only have a junior high school diploma, they might say: "My family was poor, and I had to work." While many families are no longer impoverished, you can still demonstrate your abilities. For instance, despite a poor background, you have been self-taught and may even surpass those with college degrees due to your practical skills in the workplace. This also reflects character.

Therefore, in the process of self-promotion, cultivate the habit of promoting your character. Character is highly charismatic. Qualities such as perseverance, resilience, focus, decisiveness, resourcefulness, adaptability, and interpersonal skills are all part of character.

Fourth Point: The Core Competency of Self-Promotion

A prominent figure once said that many young people today possess broad but shallow knowledge, "an inch deep and a mile wide," which is useless. The market demands core competencies, leading to more specialized and refined division of labor in society.

Mastering one skill exceptionally well makes you highly valuable. However, many become frustrated without core competencies. Without a core competency, you are promoting an empty shell. You cannot sell an empty box without a phone inside; it is worthless.

Therefore, we must identify our core competencies. A brother once told me he was pursuing a master's degree, and I agreed that it was good for self-promotion. However, if we used the time spent on a master's degree to build our core competencies, which would be better? I believe having core competencies is paramount.

Chinese society is transitioning from an emphasis on diplomas to an emphasis on core competencies. You must possess skills; without genuine abilities, relying solely on deception will not lead to long-term success. Therefore, focus on showcasing your core competencies. Building your core competencies requires understanding the market. Building core competencies without understanding market needs can lead to obsolescence.

Fifth Point: Know Yourself, Know the Market Needs

We must recognize that everything is driven by the market. A market-driven society is a market economy. The difference between a market economy and a planned economy is that the former is driven by market demand; without market demand, there is no business. Therefore, recognizing market demand is a crucial component.

Knowing yourself and understanding market needs allows you to determine your development direction and the core competencies you need to acquire. Then, promote your core competencies, clearly articulating them. This is promotion. In terms of core competency market demand, market research, reading, and understanding are good habits.

For example, reading "Industry 4.0" reveals that many industries will gradually disappear in the coming years. If this is true, we must be careful not to enter obsolete fields, which leads to structural unemployment.

Know yourself, understand market needs, and constantly adjust. Therefore, I believe it is essential to have a long-term perspective. A prominent figure once said that to see the next few years, one must first look at 30 to 50 years. Only by envisioning the market in 30 to 50 years can you plan for the next three to five years.

Then, based on the three- to five-year plan, adjust your monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly plans. Know your capabilities, what you can and cannot do. Understand your current level of expertise, your strengths and weaknesses, and then understand market needs. This is crucial.

I once ministered to a young woman in her late twenties who had achieved little. She studied theology for six months under traditional church teachings, but accomplished nothing. I bluntly addressed her most sensitive issues, and although she knew I was right, she could not accept it.

Later, she went to a major city to sell insurance. Did she truly understand the insurance industry? Did she truly know herself? Did she truly understand market needs? She did not. She knew neither herself nor the market needs.

Regarding the insurance industry, let me share a veteran's approach. Do not enter the insurance industry unless you have sufficient savings to support yourself for one to two years. Many borrow money to sell insurance, which is a recipe for disaster. Today, unless I say, "Believe that you have received it, and it will be yours," may miracles happen to such children. However, faith is important, but faith should not negate self-awareness.

## Point 6: Learn the Language of Salesmanship

If a business is not on the right track, its returns will barely keep it afloat. Therefore, **knowing oneself and understanding market demands are key to selling oneself**. How you respond to questions asked reflects the needs of the market and what you possess to meet those needs. Even if you embellish a little, it must be credible; you cannot fabricate an implausible story.

Learn to speak the language of salesmanship. Every industry has its own way of speaking. Diplomats have diplomatic language; salespeople have sales techniques; selling oneself has its own linguistic patterns. **Cultivate the habit of speaking** in this way. So today, brothers and sisters, let us begin to understand how to speak, what kind of words to use. Simply asking if someone has eaten or had a drink is not the language of self-promotion.

The language of self-promotion **must be precise**. It has a **unique characteristic**: it always revolves around the same core. Whatever you are talking about, it comes down to what skills you have, what problems you can solve, what value you can create, and what market needs you can meet.

I once taught people how to handle job interviews. If the interviewer asks an unrelated question, such as what you are currently reading, and you answer with "Water Margin" or "Legend of the White Snake," it is irrelevant to them. You must learn to speak appropriately. You should say, "I am currently **researching**..." If you are applying for a job in online marketing, you should be researching online marketing. "I have even written a short article summarizing the key aspects of online marketing." Then, you take out a printed copy of your summary.

If you have written a short book, say twenty or thirty pages, on "How to Do Online Marketing," and printed it out, that is **the language of salesmanship**. Recruiters do not have time to hear about your reading of "Water Margin." You need to write **your own story**, detailing what you can do for them. So, what seems like an unrelated question is actually very relevant. You must learn to speak pertinently.

Whether I am serving as a pastor or working as an entrepreneur, I would not claim to be exceptionally good at self-promotion, but I believe I do it reasonably well. If I were to seek a pastoral position in an English-speaking country, I think it would not be too difficult.

For example, during a recent conversation with my pastor in Singapore, I promoted myself quite effectively. I promoted my books, mentioning that I had written over thirty. I presented him with one, and after he glanced through it, I highlighted key elements: church building, my research findings, and insights from the Bible. A few words were enough to impress him.

Although I was scheduled to leave the country the next day, he insisted that I meet with one of his subordinates that same day to provide training. Why? Because I had successfully promoted myself. He believed I had genuine talent and knowledge. Whether one actually possesses the substance is one thing, but even a knowledgeable person who cannot articulate it will fail to promote themselves. Therefore, **you must learn to speak, and speak to the point**.

If you are facing an investor, speak the language of investment. This involves discussing your industry, whether it is currently in a growth phase, your business model, your profit-making strategy, and your team. This is the language to use with investors. You need to understand the language of each industry. You do not need to understand what is irrelevant to you, but you must align yourself with what is relevant. You need to learn to speak appropriately, avoiding irrelevant remarks.

For example, if an investor asks me what I am currently reading, I would say "The Game of Capital." Why? Because you are talking to an investor. If you are talking to a novelist, and they ask what you are reading, you might say "How to Write a Novel." What if you have not read it? Then read it.

But if you have not read it, what can you say? "I have heard that this book is excellent, but I have not had the time to read it." That is acceptable. I think everyone should cultivate this habit, equipping themselves to be useful members of society, good citizens.

### We Must Equip Ourselves to Become Talents in This Society

I believe we should do what we can and avoid what we cannot. As for systemic or institutional issues, those are for others to manage. **Let us be good citizens, properly equipped, skilled in communication, and adept at self-promotion**. You might say the social environment is problematic. I think the environment in China is quite good. Is there a problem with the environment in China? There are problems everywhere. Do not be misled by these things.

Look at the amount of negativity overseas! Many are pessimistic about China, but I am confident that the next twenty years will be a period of China becoming a strong, developed nation. China will become one of the leading powers in the world. You must **focus on the big picture**. Are there problems? Yes.

Your task is to equip yourself to become a **talent** in this society. This society needs many stabilizing factors. **We must become stabilizing factors in this society**. As Christians, we pray, but we do not cause trouble. We focus our energy and abilities on positive endeavors, learning to speak effectively, mastering the language of self-promotion, and equipping ourselves.

## Point 7: Rapidly Equip Yourself, Enhancing Your Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

I watched a video of an old farmer sitting on a bench in a park. He was not a mayor, a Party Secretary, a county magistrate, or a county Party Secretary. He was just sitting there, and the video recorded him for a long time. He was pontificating about how things should be done. I tell you, such people are just talking nonsense; they have not taken the time to properly equip themselves.

England has a place called Hyde Park, where people can say whatever they want. Singapore has also created such a corner where people can freely express themselves.

I believe that if you have time, **rapidly equip yourself, enhancing your knowledge, skills, and experience**. What is experience? It is what you gain after using your knowledge and skills to solve problems. It is the result of problem-solving.

What is a skill? It is the ability to create something based on knowledge. It is the ability to operate. What is knowledge? Knowledge is something from books that you store in your mind after reading. You do not know if it is practical or not. So, rapidly equip yourself. **If you have the opportunity, equip yourself with experience; if not, equip yourself with skills**.

But knowledge is, at best, a superficial understanding. Without experience or skills, without having worked in the market, you cannot do it. Even if you only have knowledge, you can still promote yourself.

There was a young man who studied computer engineering. Later, he wanted to find a job in marketing. I suggested he read Philip Kotler's "Marketing Management," which has about twenty chapters, including one on direct sales and online marketing. He read the first two chapters and gained some basic knowledge of marketing.

Then he went for an interview and got the job. Why? Because he knew how to speak. How do people evaluate? Sometimes the interviewer is not skilled enough to discern the truth. It sounds reasonable, but is it really?

So, **rapidly equipping yourself allows you to continuously enhance your knowledge, skills, and experience**. Perhaps you can seize one or two **opportunities**. I hope that today, brothers and sisters, we can begin to learn how to learn. Once you understand the market demands and your own capabilities, you can start equipping yourself with knowledge, setting up research topics, and enhancing your skills.

If possible, gain some practical experience. Today, computers and the internet have truly changed the era. For example, circuit designs can be done on a computer, almost as if they were physically soldered. So today, there is an abundance of knowledge and skills available. Even if you have never seen something before, watching videos can be very helpful.

### Successfully Promote Yourself and Find a Suitable Job

Some time ago, I took everyone to my office. We had to sand and paint the wood during the renovation. By watching videos and listening to the master craftsman, we did a pretty good job. That is called painting experience. In the past, it was difficult, but today you can quickly equip yourself with practical experience. For example, to write a program, all you need is a computer. To do a live broadcast, all you need is a computer and a camera. Many things today can be done quickly. If you say you have no experience, no skills, no knowledge, what can you sell?

So today, you need to know what skills, knowledge, and experience you possess. When you go out to promote yourself, you can reintegrate these elements and turn yourself into something valuable. That is how a person's value is realized. Without promotion, there is no value. I believe that successfully promoting yourself will lead to a very good job. To summarize, if you want to successfully promote yourself, follow the steps I have outlined. Are there limitations to this process? Yes, there are. For example, if you are a doctor and have never performed surgery, that is difficult. I once saw a Korean movie about training people to perform surgery. They used fish bladders and had to cut around them without puncturing the bladder. If the bladder was punctured, the test was failed.

So, successfully promoting yourself means finding something suitable for you. Some things require training in a very controlled environment, such as becoming a doctor. I would not teach people to do that. So today, brothers and sisters, there are many things we can do and choose from. Making a living is almost not a problem. If you are willing to work hard, learn, and promote yourself, you will be very successful. I believe that the path to self-promotion requires continuous accumulation of experience. If you have the opportunity, promote yourself. Even if you already have a job, occasionally send out a resume and go for an interview to see what the market is like. So today, I want to share this with you. Now, let us see how God blesses you.

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