Many of the most effective strategies to build a brand are more suited to extroverts. Group networking, starting a conference, and joining professional associations just don’t appeal to introverts because they are not aligned to their personality type. There is a misconception that introverts are shy, that is not the case. Introverts prefer minimally stimulating and quiet environments. They recharge and get their energy by spending time alone whereas extroverts prefer to be in large groups and are more outgoing and forthcoming. If you’ve been having nightmares about how to grow your brand, not to worry! Here are five ways to take your brand to the next level as an introvert.
1. Hire Extroverts
If you’ve got the budget to hire staff, make sure some of them are extroverts because there are several benefits associated with this personality trait including:
- They form close associations with others quickly.
- They are comfortable in large groups of people.
- They tend to be charismatic, candid and straightforward.
- They communicate well with people from a variety of backgrounds.
- People are drawn to their energy.
An extrovert is the type of person you want at board meetings, and networking events. Therefore, if you can afford to hire staff, it is in your best interest to hire some extroverts.
2. Outsource The Tasks That Make You Feel Uncomfortable
All introverts know their limits, and so instead of forcing yourself to do things you are not comfortable with, outsource those tasks. Embracing your weaknesses is not always ideal especially when it comes to taking your brand to the next level. In the business world, time is money, and it will take you a lot longer to do the things you are not good at. So instead, outsource them to the experts.
3. Take A Break When You Feel Overwhelmed
Being ‘on your grind’ sounds good in theory, but in practice, it can cause more harm than good. Introverts get overwhelmed easily, instead of soldiering through when you start feeling the pressure, take a break. Do what you need to do to recharge your batteries, and resurface when you’re ready.
4. Use One Social Media Platform At A Time
Social media is a great way to grow your brand, but with so many different platforms, introverts can get lost in the mix trying to post on all of them. The best thing to do is use one social media platform at a time, in this way you don’t get too flustered trying to engage with followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Additionally, by using one platform at a time, you get to master it and get comfortable in that space, after doing this, you may find that you don’t want to join another platform.
5. Be Present and Genuine
If you’re an introvert, don’t try and act like an extrovert for the sake of building your brand. You’ll come across as fake, and your audience won’t connect with you. Instead, be your authentic self and let your uniqueness shine through. So, what if you don’t have a big personality and you’re not on the go all the time. Although it may appear as if society values these traits, there are plenty of people out there who don’t and it’s all about finding your tribe. You don’t need to be loud and perform if that’s not your character, just be yourself and the people who value your authenticity will find you. Additionally, don’t feel the need to explain yourself to your audience. You will often hear introverts say things like, “Please forgive me for being so boring,” or, “Sorry that I’m not a bit more upbeat.” People are either going to accept your personality or they won’t, so don’t stress yourself out about it.
You’ll be surprised to know that some of the most successful people in the world are introverts. People like Emma Watson, Barak Obama, Zendaya, and Michael Jordan have all openly admitted to being introverts. When you’re trying to achieve something as significant as building your brand, being an introvert can seem like a curse, but if you can tap into the strengths of this personality trait, its actually a superpower.
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