Being introverted should not be confused with being shy. Shyness is a fear of being around others that can be paralyzing. In her excellent book The Introverted Leader, author Jennifer B. Kahnweiler lists some of the characteristics of an introvert:
• energized by being alone
• need time alone to "recharge" their batteries after interactions with other people.
• think first/talk later
• process their thoughts in their head
• reserved
There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. An example of an introvert can be characterized as a beautiful flower that brings a quiet beauty to a garden. The extrovert is the beautiful butterfly going from one flower to another. They were both created by God to serve a purpose. They compliment each other. They are necessary to the world in which we live.
With that being said, how does an introvert move past their natural inclination to be alone? How do you step out of the self-imposed limit of your comfort zone and meet others so you can build your business?
1) Schedule. Use your calendar to schedule upcoming events. Introverts rarely do things on the spur of the moment. When you know what you have to do in advance, you become mentally prepared and not overwhelmed. But don't start scheduling your first meeting several months in advance either. Schedule a meeting for the next week to move you forward.
2) Prepare. Practice what you are going to say to others. Do not try to wing it. The more you practice the more confidence you build. Practice with your friends so you can get constructive feedback. Use words that feel and are natural to you.
3) Be yourself. Remember, you can only be successful at being you. God created us uniquely and we all have gifts and talents within us to accomplish our goals. Look at your uniqueness as strength not a weakness. Capitalize on this. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do not imitate others.
4) Move. While working with my coach when I first started my business, she told me I had to go to networking meetings. After stating emphatically that I was an introvert, she gave me these simple but true words of wisdom: "if I go to them, they will come to me". Introverts will naturally sit in a corner observing and thinking about the interesting qualities of those around them while the extrovert is busy introducing themselves. Decide now to make an effort to introduce yourself to every attendee. I made a point of meeting every single person in the room. Even though I just wanted to sit and watch, I made myself get up and get noticed. Was it hard? In my mind, yes. In reality, no.
5) Wind down. If you can, try not to have anything else to do right after you have been to your networking meeting. Introverts are normally drained after interaction with others and need to spend some time getting quiet and re-energized.
6) Reward yourself. You have made a big step and you need to celebrate your accomplishment! Do something that you like to do, buy something that you want. You deserve it! Rewarding yourself encourages you to continue to move forward.
As you incorporate the above strategies, you will no longer be invisible. The right people will know who you are and what you have to offer. And that will help you grow your business.
Wallette V. McCall, CCC, CPEC helps christian women who are solopreneurs build authentic confidence in their abilities so they can succeed in life and business. Invest in yourself and overcome low self-esteem and lack of confidence at http://www.AnotherLevelCoaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wallette_V._McCall
Disclaimer...The comments, products and services are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for their contents.
• energized by being alone
• need time alone to "recharge" their batteries after interactions with other people.
• think first/talk later
• process their thoughts in their head
• reserved
There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. An example of an introvert can be characterized as a beautiful flower that brings a quiet beauty to a garden. The extrovert is the beautiful butterfly going from one flower to another. They were both created by God to serve a purpose. They compliment each other. They are necessary to the world in which we live.
With that being said, how does an introvert move past their natural inclination to be alone? How do you step out of the self-imposed limit of your comfort zone and meet others so you can build your business?
1) Schedule. Use your calendar to schedule upcoming events. Introverts rarely do things on the spur of the moment. When you know what you have to do in advance, you become mentally prepared and not overwhelmed. But don't start scheduling your first meeting several months in advance either. Schedule a meeting for the next week to move you forward.
2) Prepare. Practice what you are going to say to others. Do not try to wing it. The more you practice the more confidence you build. Practice with your friends so you can get constructive feedback. Use words that feel and are natural to you.
3) Be yourself. Remember, you can only be successful at being you. God created us uniquely and we all have gifts and talents within us to accomplish our goals. Look at your uniqueness as strength not a weakness. Capitalize on this. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do not imitate others.
4) Move. While working with my coach when I first started my business, she told me I had to go to networking meetings. After stating emphatically that I was an introvert, she gave me these simple but true words of wisdom: "if I go to them, they will come to me". Introverts will naturally sit in a corner observing and thinking about the interesting qualities of those around them while the extrovert is busy introducing themselves. Decide now to make an effort to introduce yourself to every attendee. I made a point of meeting every single person in the room. Even though I just wanted to sit and watch, I made myself get up and get noticed. Was it hard? In my mind, yes. In reality, no.
5) Wind down. If you can, try not to have anything else to do right after you have been to your networking meeting. Introverts are normally drained after interaction with others and need to spend some time getting quiet and re-energized.
6) Reward yourself. You have made a big step and you need to celebrate your accomplishment! Do something that you like to do, buy something that you want. You deserve it! Rewarding yourself encourages you to continue to move forward.
As you incorporate the above strategies, you will no longer be invisible. The right people will know who you are and what you have to offer. And that will help you grow your business.
Wallette V. McCall, CCC, CPEC helps christian women who are solopreneurs build authentic confidence in their abilities so they can succeed in life and business. Invest in yourself and overcome low self-esteem and lack of confidence at http://www.AnotherLevelCoaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wallette_V._McCall
Disclaimer...The comments, products and services are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for their contents.
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