Attention Introverts! You Can Market Successfully.

A previous article of mine, The Introvert’s 12 Step Plan for Painless Networking, hit a responsive chord among my fellow introverts. This got me thinking that marketing for introverts was a natural follow-up.

Like most introverts I’m not shy but need time alone to restore my energy. Crowds tire me out. I prefer one-on-one conversations to cocktail parties. I need time to plan and think. I’m a good listener and good at getting others to talk. For years I saw these traits as counter productive when it came to marketing. But not anymore. Here’s what I’ve learned about marketing successfully as an introvert.

• Be yourself. Being an introvert is not a character flaw. Your introvert qualities are a marketing advantage. Don’t try to take on a false extroverted persona. It’ll wear you out and drive people away. Bill Gates and Steven Spielberg did it their way and you guessed it, they’re introverts!

• Meet one-on-one. Avoid crowds. Meet someone over coffee or lunch.  Have colleagues and friends suggest the names of people you might contact.

• Keep in touch. Marketing is about establishing relationships. Introverts excel at meaningful conversations so keep in touch with your contacts because it’s easier than making new ones.

• Write rather than call. If you find a cold call has your stomach churning, write a letter or send an e-mail instead. It may not be as effective as a telephone call but it’s much better than no contact at all.

• Publish. Why do you think I blog? Writing is an introvert’s best friend. Start writing articles, newsletters, blog posts, or books. Clients will get to know you through your writing and be drawn to your services.

• Engage a buddy. There’s nothing in the rules that says you have to market alone. Engaging the world is easier with a supportive colleague. Bring someone along to your next networking event.

• Solve, don’t sell. No one likes a sales pitch. We are badgered daily by the hard sell.  Do what introverts do best, listen. Remember you don’t have to brag to market successfully. By carefully listening and asking the right questions you can point your client toward  solutions that naturally use your skills and talent.

• Prepare. Like most introverts I like to think before I act. I find it helpful to prepare ahead before going to a mixer or making informational telephone calls. I make a list of questions or topics that I want to cover on an index card so I have it for ready reference. It’s not that I use the card that often but knowing it’s close at hand gives me some security.

Photo by iStockphoto

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