How to Self-Promote When You’re an Introvert

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People will have no idea about your business until you tell them. Yes, it is scary to self-promote, especially if you have an introverted personality. But do it anyway.

When I first started my blog, I was anonymous. For several years, only a couple of people knew about it.

Even though I was sharing my thoughts and feelings with the world, I was terrified at the thought of my close friends and family knowing that I had a blog.

I was concerned that they would judge me and disagree with my thoughts or look at me in a different light because I was blogging. Looking back at it now, it seemed rather silly, but back then, that was the way I felt.

You’re exposing your own personal thoughts and feelings to the internet, where it can be read by anyone and everyone.

I think the majority of people who start a blog feel this way at the beginning because you’re showing a vulnerable side of yourself. You’re exposing your own personal thoughts and feelings to the internet, where it can be read by anyone and everyone.  Looking back in hindsight, I wish I had revealed my identity right from the start.

Now that I have a business, I see the value, no let me rephrase that, the absolute necessity to self-promote. The internet is a big, noisy place. While there is room for everyone, you have to really put yourself out there in order to be heard. Not only that, you need to be consistent about it.

Repetition and Standing Out is the Key to Sticking in People’s Minds

People are constantly consuming content. They are experiencing information overload and it can be easy to be forgotten. Repetition and standing out is the key to sticking in people’s minds.

You can’t just sit around waiting for people to come to you. Success for a business doesn’t happen that way. All that time you spent sitting, wishing and waiting could have been spent taking action and spreading the news about your business.

It really starts with you. You can’t just expect people to find you and seek you out. People can’t read your mind. They have no idea about your business until you tell them. Yes, it is scary telling people because they may not always be able to to see the value in your services or understand the business, but do it anyway.

Allow yourself to feel the fear and nervousness that comes with promoting, but don’t ever let it paralyze you and prevent you from doing the necessary self-promotion.

You are putting yourself in a very vulnerable position, but again, still do it anyway. Allow yourself to feel the fear and nervousness that comes with promoting, but don’t ever let it paralyze you and prevent you from doing the necessary self-promotion.

They say the hardest part is getting started. Getting your name out there. But once you start to do so, it won’t feel as scary. In fact, you’ll probably want to do it more. You’ll want to think of new and different ways to promote yourself.

The most important thing is that YOU see the potential in it and that YOU believe in it. Make people understand and teach them the value so that they can promote it to their friends and family.

Self-promotion is Not a Display of Arrogance

It’s imperative to note that self-promotion is not a display of arrogance. Rather it is a display of confidence. You believe that you can provide value, answer a question or solve a problem.

You are letting people know that you can do one or all of the aforementioned tasks.  There is someone out there who needs your services, who needs your help and you are the right person to do it.

While self-promoting online can be the easy route, especially for the introvert, it’s just as important to self-promote offline.

1. Have your business cards on you at all times. Treat it like a vital piece of identification, like your driver’s license or health card.  Work on that elevator pitch and say it with confidence.

2. Skype calls can be more ideal for introverts as we tend to be more comfortable in smaller group settings or one-on-one situations.

3. Coffee dates are also useful. Reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to have a conversation with and invite them for a coffee. Be sure to have questions prepared ahead of time to get the conversation going. Don’t forget to bring a notebook to jot down notes and valuable advice you may receive.

4. Make friends on social media. If you are hesitant to reach out to a complete stranger initially, start by following them on social media and interact with them online. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people just through my Instagram alone.

5. Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. It’s is a great place to make professional connections and learn from industry professionals. Or you can start within your own existing network and find out who they are connected to.

Make Your Business Known

Having an introverted personality shouldn’t hold you back from having thoughtful conversations and creating valuable relationships. When it comes to networking as an introvert, you may need to take a different approach from the extrovert.

Your business is an extension of you so it’s important to treat it with care and respect.  So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make your business known!

 

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