While the extroverts are laughing out loud and making fast friends, the introverts are probably sitting in the back smiling and keeping to themselves. It’s not that they don’t want to be seen or heard, it’s just that they aren’t going to put themselves out there. To my fellow introverts who tend to stay behind the camera or be the last ones to speak up, I hear you and feel you. Wondering how to stand out as an introvert? Here are five ways to build a strong personal brand.
Before we dive into the ways you, as an introvert, can build a strong personal brand, let’s talk about some of the superpowers that introverted people have.
Introverts are deep thinkers and workers.
While extroverts tend to talk things out, introverts love to take time to process…and they usually process things internally. Have you ever been in a zoom meeting with introverts? They’re usually the ones sitting quietly, observing and processing. It’s not that they’re bored or disengaged, they’re taking in the information and reflecting on what’s going on.
If a lot is going on in the zoom meeting, they’re honestly probably getting drained too. If you get the right (small) group of introverts, you’ll see them start to come out of their shell.
Introverts are creative and spend a lot of time in their heads.
While extroverts love to go out and socialize, introverts tend to stay home and read. They often get lost in their thoughts daydreaming about other things. That’s sometimes a great thing! By drifting off into their little world, they’re probably thinking of different ideas. My husband will catch me spacing out and ask me what I was thinking about—most of the time it’s about ideas!
Introverts are great at writing and journaling.
For a lot of introverts, writing seems to be easier than speaking. They’re just more inclined to write their thoughts out on paper than to talk things out. Writing also gives them the time to process ideas and thoughts.
Introverts are usually misjudged for being cold because they don’t enjoy being around large groups of people, but when people take the time to learn about introverts, they’re really quite insightful and have so much to share.
Introverts are great problem solvers.
I’m not saying that extroverted people aren’t great at solving problems, but introverts are great at taking their time to come up with multiple solutions to a problem. But they need their time to process information. They like to take the information they receive and come up with solutions that are thoroughly vetted in their heads…along with backup plans. Instead of sharing the first idea that comes to their minds, they tend to only share the ones that they believe will succeed.
Introverts love building deep relationships.
While extroverts tend to have lots of friends, introverts might have fewer friends, but deeper friendships. They’d rather have quality conversations than make small talk like talking about the weather. Where extroverts get energy from people around them, for an introvert, socializing is incredibly exhausting. They feel most comfortable when they are with their small group of friends.
Introverts enjoy their alone time.
Because they like doing things by themselves, they’re extremely independent and thrive in a solo environment. When COVID first happened and everyone was forced to stay in their homes, I was living my best life! I love working from home and am okay if I don’t talk to anyone for a few days.
Extroverts, on the other hand, need people around them and love going out…and they never meet a stranger. My husband and I could be trying a new place to eat, and he’ll leave with a new friend…where I would avoid making eye contact with people and have already planned on where we’d go after we eat.
Now that we know some of the overlooked superpowers of introverts, let’s talk through five ways you can build a strong personal brand as an introvert.
1. Show your personality through your copy.
My introverted friends are extremely funny, but they have a dry sense of humor that’s extremely subtle. If you’re one of those people, use your wit to write tastefully funny copy on your website and social media. Maybe you can share some hilarious and relatable experiences with your audience. Maybe you can introduce some friendly sarcasm if that’s the way you usually talk with close friends. Writing in your unique voice will help people get to know you better.
While your competitors might be using a templated formula that will supposedly “10x their business,” you can show your audience an authentic brand that’s interested in serving their business. If a competitor has a serious, corporate presence, don’t be afraid to let your unique personality come through. Your sharp and funny banter will outshine the rest.
2. Show your personality through your visuals.
Being introverted doesn’t mean you’re boring. You can show someone what interests you and show off your style through the visuals you choose for your brand. You can establish a certain vibe and create a space that your ideal clients love and how they feel. When people see your brand, do you want your ideal clients to feel inspired, secure, relaxed, or excited? Is there a bigger story you want to tell besides “this is my favorite color?” When you’re choosing to build your visual style, just know that what you like, talk about, and show throughout your brand is what attracts people to you.
3. Show your personality through your photos.
Introverts are great storytellers even if they’re not the ones verballing telling the story. They might not like showing up in front of the camera (although it’s important to do!), but introverts have an incredible way to transform thoughts and ideas without having to show up on camera. You will have to show up on camera, unfortunately, but there are creative ways to do this. Instead of being upfront and centered like your competitors, you can show up while you’re in work mode or have more documentary-style photos. Invite to have a one-on-one conversation with a friend to explore a concept.
4. Be intentional when networking.
If you’re an introvert, you probably cringe when you hear the word “networking” — I feel you. Networking just has this icky feeling to it, doesn’t it? Instead of having a mindset of selling, be intentional about the relationships you build when you’re at these outings. Instead of focusing on the group as a whole, connect with a few and dive deeper into the conversations instead of having to play speed dating with a bunch of business strangers. Instead of coming from “I have to talk about myself and my business,” think of how you can learn about the other person and how your services can help their business.
5. Let your uniqueness shine through.
Hey, introverts aren’t boring. Some introverts are mistaken for extroverts because they’ve learned over time how to become extroverted in certain situations. If you’re one of the quieter introverts in the back who is shy but wants to build a business they love, focus on what makes you unique. If you’re worried about what people will think of you or nervous about how you sound or look on camera, most of the time people don’t pay attention because they’re really there to learn something from you.
If you’re saying to yourself that you are pretty vanilla and don’t have a personality, I’m sure that’s not true. Ask your family and friends what words best describe you. Write down a list of things you like to do and why. Write down a list of all your quirks, hobbies, and unique traits. Even journal about what you were passionate about when you were growing up, what memories come up when you were the happiest? All of the things make up who you are and what makes you unique … so use your story to let your personality shine through your brand.
If you started building your brand by replicating your competitors or following the advice of a coach but you’re not feeling confident about your business or how you show up online, book a free discovery call with us.
We want you to maximize the power of your unique brand and help you show up authentically, feel confident in your business, and connect with your ideal clients.
Until next time,
Happy Branding!
