Marketing for Introverts

When you think about marketing for introverts, what comes to mind? I have always considered myself to be an introvert, although I am perhaps actually an ambivert, which falls somewhere in between the extrovert and introvert personality. But here I’d like to open up the discussion of marketing for introverts, simply because so many of the people I work with also seem to be a part of this group.

Below I have shared a Ted (TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues) Talk from author Susan Cain on the topic of being an introvert in an extrovert friendly world:

Recently I read a book by Susan Cain entitled Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she shares her story of feeling undervalued and passed over in favor of people with more extroverted personalities since she was a small child. It turns out that one third to one half of the population is actually introverted, yet we tend to assign greater value to the people who make the most noise. You may be following someone who does not necessarily have the best, smartest, or most useful ideas, but who is the loudest and therefore got your attention.

So, how does this affect marketing for introverts? Actually it seems like an almost perfect fit, at least in my mind. I prefer working alone, abhor being forced to work with a group of people, and enjoy the solitude of spending much of my time behind my computer screen. That’s another thing that Susan Cain embraces; the concept that solitude matters. Anyway, having the ability to earn an excellent living without having to have people in your face all day long is a definite plus, at least in my way of thinking.

Something else I have learned about myself and others who identify as introverts is that we are not shy. This means that we can mix with and interact with people, especially at large marketing events, without an issue. I just know that, for me at least, I need time alone in my hotel room or away from the group at a nearby park to re-energize after being with lots of people for even a few hours.

So whether you are an introvert attempting to find your place in the world as an online entrepreneur, or someone struggling with marketing for introverts when you seek more interaction, think about how and why we think and act as we do and see what conclusions you come up with for your business. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic so we can have more of a discussion. Now not everything needs to be an open discussion, so comment or share only if you wish.