Why the New Blog
Welcome to my blog. I am launching this journey for a couple of reasons. My primary reason is to take the next step in my evolution. My professional career has spanned over 30 years and has been extremely rewarding, both financially and personally. My hope is that the journey is just beginning as I start to unfold the next chapter. Throughout my professional career, I have consistently embraced a behind the scenes role within my organizations, however, I am now driven to transition towards a more prominent and visible position. Another reason for my blog is because it is time to transition from success to significance. I have been successful in my career pursuits, but now I would like to focus on how I can be of service to others who are on the same pursuit. I am beginning with the topic of introverts in business because it is a “challenge” that I still struggle with today. Hopefully it can help a few people advance along their path.
Introverts in Business
Not to brag but I put myself in the same class as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Elon Musk. That’s correct, we are all introverts in business. Obviously, as these men have proven, you can be an introvert and still be successful in business. Some of the challenges that introverts face include social interactions, communication and building relationships. What does it take to overcome or improvise if you too find yourself in this boat. I have a long way to go in my journey but here are some of the things I have utilized in the past as well as some of the things I am currently implementing. It starts by embracing your introversion. Introverts have many valuable traits that can be leveraged in business.
Social Interactions
For many introverts, social interactions can be draining and mentally exhausting. Whether it be a networking event or business conference, it can be very challenging to engage in conversation. Here are some of the ways that I have attempted to cope.
- Preparation– One way I have tried to overcome is by preparing for an event. Before attending a meeting or event, prepare talking points or questions to ask that will assist you when you find yourself with nothing to say. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident and can alleviate the awkward silence. By preparing ahead of time, I have topics that I am prepared to discuss if our conversation stalls.
- Choose your Own Adventure– If possible, I also try to be picky about the events I attend. Depending on the format of the event or the expected interactions, I try to only attend events that align with my skillsets. Sometimes that is not possible and you have to attend something that does not align. This is actually good as it will pressure outside your comfort zone making events on topic seem much easier.
- Rewards for Good Behaviors– I try to set a goal for what I want to accomplish for an event and reward myself when I accomplish it. Whether it be 2 or 3 good connections, meeting a specific person, or learning something about a potential client, I focus on the goal. Focus is usually an introvert’s best friend. Once I reach my goal, I can reward myself. My reward is usually leaving the event but sometimes it is a material reward or chocolate. Choose a reward that works for you.
- Phone a Friend– If you are really struggling or attending an event format not conducive to your skillsets, my final tip is to bring an extrovert friend. Find someone that can carry the conversation or make introductions. This removes some of the stress of having to perform. These are a few of the ways that I try to overcome social interactions and I hope they can help you too.
Communications
Another area where introverts potentially struggle is communications. It is similar to social interactions, but it applies across interactions that you encounter throughout a day. From not knowing what to say to saying something inappropriate, we struggle holding a conversation. Here are some of my strategies for overcoming.
- Find your Comfort Zone– One of the first ways I try to overcome this is to try to limit my interactions to small groups where I feel more comfortable. Once I get past 3 or 4 people the stress level starts to build. Determine where you are most comfortable and try to work your way into this position.
- It Ain’t All Bad– I also try to embrace my introversion as it comes with many valuable attributes such as good listening skills. If you improve your listening and questioning skills, you can attempt to get the other party to carry the conversation. This removes pressure from trying to generate things to say.
- Break it Off– My next tip is to take breaks when you are feeling overwhelmed. If you are struggling in a situation or getting stressed out, call a timeout. I have received fake phone calls, had to go to the restroom and had fake events scheduled so I had excuses to step away from an encounter. This gives me time to recoup and recharge my batteries before reengaging.
- Public Speaking (Nooooooo!!!!!)– Finally, I recommend that you start practice public speaking. Start by recording yourself and playing it back so you don’t have to be concerned with listener feedback. After that, move to presenting to friends and family to build more confidence. Finally, when you are ready, join an organization like Toastmaster to develop and hone your skills.
Building Relationships
Another challenge that introverts face is building new relationships. It is difficult to meet new people and make the effort to build a bond. Here are some potential options to consider.
- Quality is Job #1– My first recommendation would be to focus on quality over quantity. I find that I’m most comfortable when I’m able to connect with people on a deeper level, rather than just making small talk.
- We Have Anything in Common?– Taking the time to get to know someone’s interests and goals can help establish a foundation of trust and respect. And when you have a strong relationship with someone, they’re more likely to be supportive and understanding when you need to take a break or recharge. It is usually best to focus on people that you have a shared interest. This makes it easier to connect and provides topics for conversation.
- Keyboard Warrior– My final advice is to utilize technology in building relationships. If I don’t feel like talking to someone to accomplish a task or schedule a meeting, I just text them or send them an email. This relieves the stress but still pushes the relationship forward. In today’s world, there are countless options available for staying connected without the need for face-to-face interactions. Email, messaging apps, and video conferencing are all great options for introverts who may feel more comfortable communicating digitally. These tools not only provide a way to connect with others without feeling overwhelmed, but they also offer the ability to communicate on your own terms and at your own pace.
Conclusion
Being an introvert can actually be a good thing in business, so don’t be afraid to own it! You might have skills like strong listening abilities, deep thinking, and attention to detail that can help you stand out from the crowd. Don’t think of being introverted as a weakness – it’s a strength that can help you reach your goals. Embrace your personality traits, and use them to your advantage in your work. You don’t need to change who you are to fit in – just remember that introverts have made awesome contributions to society, and so can you!
Additional Reading
Want to dive deeper into the topic, here is some recommended reading.
- “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain – This book is a must-read for any introvert navigating the business world. It explores the value of introverted qualities in leadership, and how to use them to your advantage.
- “The Introvert’s Edge: How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone” by Matthew Pollard – This book provides practical advice on how introverts can excel in sales and marketing by using their natural strengths.
- “The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal” by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz – This book offers strategies for introverts to manage their energy and focus, rather than their time, in order to achieve their goals and maintain a healthy work-life balance.