Introverts: Be Yourself and Win!

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It seems that introverts always get a bad rap; whether it’s in their personality or their ability to land a good job, introverts are always painted as people who need help as opposed to extroverts. But is that really the case? I’m what society would define as an introvert, but I am very productive and can grab the attention of others in the most positive way.

You don’t have to be noisy to have an impact. In fact, it’s more powerful to use a quiet nature.

Introverts can be better listeners

This is so powerful in the work and sales world. Why? Because listeners are able to get more information from potential clients as opposed to talking their heads off. This is effective when it comes to trying to gain clients or move a business in a more powerful direction. Introverts can work better one on one simply because they tend to have better listening skills.

Be more mission oriented

Introverts have a great ability to focus on what needs to be done. They may not be as interested in the latest office gossip. That’s because they’re trying to get things done! Not to be taken personally! Every business needs someone with this type of mindset on their team. It’s not always about being sociable.

There are awesome examples for you to be aware of:

  • Bill Gates – Microsoft co-founder and chairman. He’s an example of being “introverted without being shy”. Still a quiet person though.
  • Mahatma Gandhi – world renowned leader for peace who once said “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
  • Eleanor Roosevelt – she was known for giving awesome lectures and held many press conferences as First Lady, but like many introverts, she was a shy, awkward child.
  • J.K. Rowling – famous author of Harry Potter series.
  • Abraham Lincoln – 16th President of the United States, known for writing historic Emancipation Proclamation and for having strong influence.
  • Albert Einstein – all of those world-famous formulas that physicists are still using today, were birthed out of quiet moments he had by himself. He made this fact be known.
  • Rosa Parks – activist who sparked the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat on the city bus.
  • Warren Buffet – despite major crashes on Wall Street, he continues to remain unaffected by it all. This legendary financial guru is known as one of the richest persons in the world. Simple, laid back and careful thinker is how most would describe him.

Need I say more?

Don’t follow the myths

Don’t let false misconceptions define who you are as a person and what you bring to the table. Being introverted doesn’t mean undependable. It doesn’t mean unreliable. You simply have a different way of processing information and interacting with people. We appreciate intimacy more, that’s all. Different never means wrong. Having a quiet manner or personality does not mean you’re weak. Your ability to stay calm and avoid conflict can resolve many problems in the office and for your own clients. You like to think before you speak, so when you actually do, it’s well received.

Practice!

I am a living testimony that being introverted and public speaking can go hand in hand. Do I hate giving presentations? Absolutely. Do I get gut-wrenching nervous before I have to speak in front of a group of people? Of course! But how can you overcome that and deliver a good presentation? You practice. Especially when you first start giving presentations. I make bullet points for myself and practice from there. Others write out everything they want to say and practice in front of a mirror or people they know. Everyone is different and has their own way of doing things, but the common denominator here is practice.

Remember you carry an aura that automatically draws people to you because you don’t jump in to comment on every little thing. People are actually intrigued by you believe it or not, so use that for good! Make statements that carry weight and make a difference.

Read more about the awesomeness of introverts here and here.

Tell Folks about it!