Advice on how to promote yourself, or enhance your personal brand is often geared in such a way that it is only useful to those who have a predisposition towards beginning conversations with others, and naturally building relationships. For the introvert, the steps to growing networks and engaging with those who have the potential to enhance career prospects and present business opportunities, are far harder to find. Here are our five tips on self-promotion for the introvert.
Don't Fake It - Plan It
We all hate it when someone comes across as, "trying too hard." The type of person who keeps their intentions well hidden is seen as being subversive or shady in their dealings. For you, the introvert, this is advantageous, as you are likely naturally inclined to shorter, functionary and honest statements.
Critical to knowing what to say, is planning it in advance, and keeping that plan simple. Rather than a strategy predicated on changing your entire demeanour, consider approaching a conversation with the end in mind – what is the outcome you want, and what key points should you make, about your business, product or yourself?
The other key strength that you possess and extroverts often struggle with is the ability to actively listen.
Active listening involves paying attention to the words being used and the intention – not only of the words – but also behind them Or, to put it another way, it's all about finding out what the person is actually trying to say.
Listening in the traditional sense, is often more about planning a response to what is being said, rather than paying attention.
