But We Like Being Introverts
While surfing You Tube, I came across this cute video about introversion.
The description on You Tube is: Survive-in UST Introvert VTR. However, I think this leaves little be desired but the video itself is a cute little take on and explanation of introversion.
Enjoy!
You Guys Aren’t Introverts You’re Extroverts
My husband and I often hear from well meaning people, “come on level with me, you guys can’t be introverts, you’re so friendly and outgoing, you have to be extroverts!” One of the biggest misconceptions that introverts face is that they can be outgoing and social when need be, but it does not mean that they don’t feel it later. Let me explain.
Yesterday I was talking to a fellow INFP who gets the same response when she is out networking. Gobs of fellow networkers stare at her in disbelief when she tells them that she is an introvert. Their first response is “NO WAY!” Yes way! Like us, when she gets home she is exhausted and spent. Her energy is only replenished after of time of decompression and alone time.
As an introvert, when you are out networking, be sure to take the time to decompress and regain your lost energy. It is perfectly normal to feel very tired after a day or evening of constant socializing. When you are at the event, keep a pen handy and make notes on the backs of business cards because as the day or night goes on and the tiredness inevitably sets in, it is going to get harder and harder to remember what you want to say to each individual. Going to in-person networking events are a necessary evil when you are an entrepreneur or an employee of a company.
Remember to take each event in stride and prepare ahead of time for your alone time and decompression after the socialization period.
Becki 
Marketing for Introverts
If there is one burning question that introverted business owners have, it’s “how do I market my business and get clients?”
The simplistic way of answering is, “you have to put yourself out there.” So what do I mean by that? You have to network, both online and in person. Many shudder when those words are spoken. It’s ok. Stop. Take a breath. Close your eyes. Take another breath. Inhale deeply. Exhale.
I found an article written by Nancy Ancowitz that appeared in the Wall Street Journal called Self-Marketing Rules For Successful Introverts, which sums up my feelings in a very eloquent way.
Later this week, I’ll add my take on it. But in the mean time I would love for you to answer the following:
1. How do you network?
2. What’s your preference? Why?
You can leave comments here or you can email them to me directly.
No Senseless Drivel Today
Wow! I was reading this article today Singing salesman makes Cowell’s jaw drop. I’m inspired and impressed…and even cried a little! The article does not state that Paul Potts is an introvert, but with the modesty he displays, I truly believe that he is.
Paul has overcome all sorts of adversity including a tumor, a shattered collarbone and a burst appendix. This is truly one amazing story.
Please take just a moment to view his performance. You’ll be impressed I’m sure!
Introverts Are More Likely To Induldge In Deviant Computer Activity
I came across an article titled: Introverted IT students more inclined to cyber-crime recently and was quite intrigued. Towards the beginning of the article we are hit with:
The result might seem unsurprising, given the stereotypical image of computer geeks as socially inadequate.
What shocks me most is that this article and “research” is based solely on 77 students who responded to an anonymous questionnaire. Here is yet another piece of “research” that the media and other extroverts will use to further the introvert stereotype.
What are your thoughts?
Becki
From Introverts to Extroverts…?
I’ll be the first to admit that Steve Pavlina produces some great stuff, but now I’m a little torn. Today, while browsing through the archives, I came across a post from 2005 titled: How to Go From Introvert to Extrovert. To be honest, I was kind of ticked as I started reading the article, especially because I am comfortable with my introversion. I am not a social butterfly, but can be if put in the right situation, granted I am drained at the end. I don’t lack social skills, I’m not exactly comfy, but I can hold my own. Perhaps I do overvalue my online friendships, but I have more of a kinship with them than with acquaintances in my area.
Steve then goes on to give introverts advice for becoming extroverts. While this is great advice for those who want it, I just don’t get it. I am comfortable with who I am. My coaching clients are comfortable with who they are. We aren’t social outcasts who sit at home eating bon bons watching life pass us by through our window. Neither are all introverts sitting in the shadows waiting for life to happen. My husband and I are both introverts and successful entrepreneurs out to change the world, one business owner at a time.
Extroverts and introverts are wired differently, with distinct chemical makeups. Extroverts lack dopamine and have to work to replenish it. Introverts produce excess dopamine and suffer from overload. I am a believer that there are stages in your life where you can be borderline and perhaps shift all together, but it is not realistic to think that all introverts can automatically (or with hard work) shift from introversion to extroversion. Just like it’s not realistic to think that all introverts and dying to be extroverts. 
Becki
The Horrors of It All
I am mourning the loss of my scale. Old HOM has had quite a few years with her many ups and down, but alas, I must retire her and replace her with Tanita, who is due this Thursday. I am awaiting her arrival with great anticipation for bigger little and better things to come!
My weight is still the same, no loss, no gain. I’ve had a good run so far…I knew the plateau would come.
Now I Know My ABC’s…MEME
I was tagged for this meme by Heather.
A- Attached or Single? Extremely attached…my husband is one of a kind.
B- Best Friend: I have many acquaintances and very few “friends”. My Bestest Buds are Heather and Pam (she needs a blog)
C- Cake or Pie: Hmmm, I think it would have to be cake…but I haven’t had any in quite awhile. This wheat free thing is killing me!
D- Drink of Choice: Diet Pepsi all the way!
E- Essential Item: Bible and journal
F- Favorite Color: Red…who woulda thought. I must be getting daring in my old age.
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Gummi worms of course…but not the ones that taste like perfume.
H- Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
I- Indulgence: Reading a great book all ALONE!
J- January or February: February…we’re starting to see the end of snow!
K- Kids: One energy packed, 5 year old, bundle of joy, who we adopted at birth.
L- Life is incomplete without: essential alone time.
M- Marriage Date: August 1, 1998
N- Number of Siblings: I have one younger brother in college…make me proud.
O- Oranges or Apples? Apples….Nana’s Apple Cake from Tastefully Simple
P- Phobias/Fears: What day of the week is it?
Q- Favorite Quote: I can’t afford to work with you if you can’t afford me.
R- Reasons to smile: God, my husband, son, friends and family
S- Season: Fall…I love the mountains in the fall.
T- Tag Three: Dale, Denise (she has an endless supply of wisdom) and Emma (she’s one heck of a lady!)
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I never did laundry until I was 19…I didn’t even know how to turn a washer or dryer on.
V – Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? Steak…still mooin’
W- Worst Habit: Not taking time to see the beauty around me.
X – X-rays or Ultrasounds? X-rays…had tons of them!
Y- Your Favorite Foods: Really good Thai food!
Z- Zodiac: Pisces
Awesome Time of Thankfulness
I’m learning little by little to stop and smell the roses. A friend of mine, Judy Lorenz, has a way of talking about nature that makes it so real to me. I barely notice things like hummingbirds, green grass and flower bushes until I’m down in the dumps. But Judy has a way of making me stop and smell the roses. For that, I want to thank her.
This past weekend the family had a fabulous time at our local park. We played in the stream and stopped to really take a look at the world around us and just marvel in God’s wonders. My goal is to take more and more time to do this. Not only do we connect with God, but we connect as a family.
I am thankful for
…that my mouth is 100% better. My voice is back (no lisp anymore).
…my wonderful husband. God is working miracles through him.
…spending time with my gorgeous, one of a kind, son. I thank God everyday that he was placed in our lives.
…my wonderful friends in the box, who keep me laughing and sane.
…the fact that my mom is doing better and better everyday health-wise.
…my husband’s dad and step-mom who came to visit with us yesterday from Florida. We had a little mishap with the cat that made me want to cry. But Cindy had a great sense of humor about the situation and made me feel at ease with her hugs and laughter. I miss them already.
…for the fact that God rocks!
Spending Time With The Fam
We spent a few hours with my husband’s father (Doug) and step-mom (Cindy) today (they live in Orlando). They were up visiting her parents in Philadelphia so they drove 4 hours to be with us for the day. We had a fabulous time, but truth be told, I am pretty drained mentally and physically.
Cindy, whose full-time occupation is teaching science to rambunctious middle schoolers, was absolutely great with our son. They bonded quite nicely. I am so happy that she has a sense of humor because my cat kinda sorta had “wet” gas all over her expensive white shirt. It was quite disgusting. We have recently begun to feed our cat Fi Fi wet food (Fancy Feast) because we feel that he is a bit bony, despite eating like a horse. I guess Fancy Feast is coming off the daily menu. Cindy was fabulous about the situation, I was ready to cry, Doug and Dale were laughing hysterically and Kaleb was dumbfounded and speechless. I can look back now and laugh, but by george…what an experience.
I’m off to relax with a nice book in the peace and quiet. The son is ready for bed and the husband is burning the midnight oil again…so it’s just me, myself and I. What a way to rejuvenate and recharge from my day.
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