4 Introverted Marketers’ Favorite Marketing Strategies
We can still be talented and skilled marketers just when we remain silent.
I’ve always known that marketing isn’t for me, and I’ve never felt comfortable promoting anything, even if it’s something I sincerely believe in, even before I discovered my introverted nature. It’s not that I can’t do it; instead, wasting time attempting to explain it to others, given how the marketing industry is designed — on various scales — for extroverts.
We know it’s impossible to avoid it no matter how hard we try if we want to attract more attention from our target audience and increase revenue. Instead of whining, why don’t we investigate whether introverts can succeed in the marketing department or whether they can’t?
Being shy does not imply that I suffer from anxiety.
When my English grade school teacher called my name to stand in front of my classmates, I was on the verge of collapsing. The task was not supposed to be complicated. But the emotional rollercoaster was so intense that I sobbed in front of everyone like a lost child, and no one could understand why.
I had no idea I had an INFJ personality or was highly sensitive (HSP) at the time. Instead, I thought my reaction was stupid and unusual. Little did I know that a few years later, I would be elected to the highest position in the student council, leading thousands of students for the next year and carrying out my duties while finishing a degree at the university.
Given these two scenarios, I’ve wondered how I survived them. I couldn’t believe until now that I could perform my duties and lead in the highest position as an introvert. The more time I spent replaying these memories in my head, the more I realized how difficult it was.
However, those challenging times forced me to look deeper into myself, knowing where the line would be crossed. In general, we cannot force ourselves to extend our social batteries to the point where it jeopardizes our well-being. Does that make sense to you?
How to Promote Anything as an Introvert
I came discovered Nancy Ancowitz’s book “Self-Promotion for Introverts,” which outlines how introverts can use their abilities in the marketing sector, which is dominated by extroverts.
Despite the differences between the two personas, introverts can perform the same tasks as extroverts. Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Charles Schwab, and Stephen Spielberg, all known as “silent” leaders, are living examples of her theory.
Introverts can undoubtedly demonstrate the unexpected ability to lead an empire, and the bulk of extroverted leaders. Here are some simple marketing ideas she recommended for maximizing our skills and effectively promoting anything as an introvert:
1. Take time for goal-setting and planning.
We may leverage our remarkable capacity to notice even the tiniest things to build SMART goals and plan our marketing goals exhaustively, according to Ancowitz.
While doing so, we must also equip ourselves to be on the cutting edge if we aspire to leadership positions. As a result, if we want to develop authority and trust among the people we serve, we can’t hide behind closed doors.
For personal progress, it is important to venture outside our comfort zones and fearlessly commit to this new endeavor. As demonstrated in her work, introverts must set project deadlines and join a small support group for accountability.
2. Take time to review our inner strengths.
Though we’re well aware of how networking directly and positively impacts our businesses, we must also consider our social batteries. We must be mindful of how long our social batteries last and the necessity of alone time to recharge.
This marketing strategy is best summarized as “moving inward and reaching outward.” Before considering the necessity for social exposure, the author said that introverts must first have a strong affirmation and comprehension of the reason, the cornerstone of our cause. Otherwise, we’ll lose sight of our marketing efforts and waste them for various reasons.
As introverts, we must accept our various self-promotional tendencies while devising innovative strategies to attain the same ideal objectives, albeit distinctly and discreetly.
3. Be authentic.
Introverts generally despise short talk and persons who frequently make hollow promises. As an INFJ, I find it challenging to follow marketing practices that encourage white lies. If you’re in the same boat as me, Anconwitz has some suggestions for avoiding this step.
The secret to great marketing is to leverage our feeling of authenticity. Put another way. We don’t need to exaggerate or sugarcoat our sales pitches to get more people to buy our products or services.
According to Motista’s research study of Fortune 500 firms published a few years ago, simply showing others our actual selves and sincerity to serve is enough to convince and establish trust from our clients.
The study’s findings revealed that how emotionally linked customers are to brands determines the business’s longevity and profitability potential. Surprisingly, introverts succeed in this area.
4. Stop negative self-talk.
Introverts understand the importance of self-reflection and its positive impact on our lives. We enjoy trying new things to think about and reflect on, especially when we’re having trouble with our overall health.
When we’re under a lot of stress for a long time, we frequently start to believe that the world doesn’t care about us or what we have to offer — which is a complete lie.
As a first step, Ancowitz suggests attending gatherings where we feel most welcome to establish a firm foundation and allow time to become acquainted with the surroundings and people around us. We, unlike extroverts, require time to reach a comfortable degree of familiarity.
To make marketing work for us, we must also intentionally set our thoughts to building a palatable discussion with ourselves first. Until then, we can increase the difficulty and unleash our latent superpowers.
Introverts Can Be Successful Marketers, Too!
We can still be talented and skilled marketers just when we remain silent. Introverts will always have a different approach to each activity than others, but this does not justify disbelief or self-judgment.
Ancowitz points out in her book that self-acceptance and self-awareness are critical in creating the most outstanding, effective marketing that works for us. As a result, we can’t keep beating ourselves up with negative self-talk just because we can’t do what most others can.
Nothing we can’t do as long as we’re aware of and have mastered the principles of introverted self-promotion — even if it seems impossible. “Don’t you want to witness the outcomes if you don’t give up?” Nightbird, the late former AGT 2021 finalist, remarked during a CNN interview.
What about you, my fellow introverts? How can you effectively promote yourself in an extroverted society (both in the real world and online)?
