Introvert Vs. Fear
I got into an interesting discussion tonight regarding introverts in business. Some were blaming their “introversion” for the “fear” they have of networking in-person for their business.
Definitions:
Introversion - the act of directing one’s interest inward or to things within the self (American Heritage Dictionary)
Fear - a feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger (American Heritage Dictionary)
Just because you are introverted, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are shy and dislike people. It means that you draw energy and relief from your inner self. Now when networking in-person, I can totally understand the “fear” that many possess and it can cripple you if you aren’t careful.
Take a moment to assess the situation. Do you not want to attend the event (that is necessary to grow your business) because you are introverted? Or are you hesitant to attend the event because you are fearful of the outcome? I once heard that fear stood for “F”alse “E”vidence “A”ppearing “R”eal. What a true statement that is!!
Becki
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.
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Big Thank You!
