There is a common misconception that if you're an introvert you cannot be a successful business owner. This is far from the truth. In fact, people like Hillary Clinton, Mark Zuckerberg, and even Bill Gates are proclaimed introverts who have maintained successful careers. Introverts actually have great leadership qualities; many of them just don't know how to use those qualities to their advantage.
There are plenty of success stories of introverts owning million dollar businesses and leading high profile careers. Take, for instance, this story from neilpatel.com about Chandler Bolt, a 21-year old who runs a million dollar business. He dropped out of college and started his own business to assist people in publishing books on Amazon. His angle: modern technology and online marketing.
Great Characteristics of an Introvert
Introverts are not the shy, unassertive individuals people make them out to be. They can be just as social and assertive as extroverts; the difference is that they require a bit of "alone time" to recharge as large social settings can overwhelm them. Many introverts possess strengths that include analytical skills, critical thinking, problem solving, great listening, and cultivation of authentic relationships. These skills are all necessary to become a great leader.
Be that as it may, introverts are known for having issues with putting themselves in the limelight, getting their voice heard, and putting their opinions out there. These issues can often make it hard for them to market themselves and ideas, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.
Here are three ways you can market yourself as an introvert:
1. Stick to One-on-One Networking Opportunities
Introverts have the innate ability to be effective listeners, which means that they can create meaningful one on one relationship. Keep an eye out for opportunities that allow you to interact with individuals in a smaller setting. This way you feel more comfortable with voicing your opinion and letting your voice be heard. If you can't find small networking opportunities, when you do attend larger events try focusing in on just a few key people instead of trying to spread the word about your business to a room full of people. Having in-depth conversations with one or two business owners can have a lot more impact that a bunch of meaningless conversations with ten people.
2. Technology is Your Friend
Introverts certainly have a way with words and writing words down is often a lot easier than speaking them. That's where the use of technology comes in. Now that online marketing and the internet are comprehensive tools in marketing and business, you can use this to your advantage. Social media marketing, content marketing, and even creating a blog can be a great way for you to create a brand for yourself and connect with others without the overwhelming stress of having to meet up face to face or in large settings.
3. Focus on the Ideas
As an introvert, it can be pretty easy to get caught up in the whole "first impression" concept. While it is important to put your best foot forward, focusing too much on what others think of you can add to your anxieties. Instead, try to focus on your ideas, skills, and abilities that can produce results that people want. At the end of the day, if you can solve people's problems, you're going to make a successful leader.
It can be pretty easy to assume that because you're introverted that you cannot be a leader or business owner. However, this is not true. As an introvert, you have heightened skills and abilities that extroverts may not possess. Use your ability to cultivate authentic relationships, solve problems, and generate outstanding results to your advantage. In time, your business will speak for itself and then the marketing aspect becomes second nature.
About the Author
Lor is a remarkable graphic designer and extremely creative. We've had the pleasure of having Lor on our team since 2011. She is passionate and motivated to create a community of women who want to get ahead in their careers.
