This blog post has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Yetunde Shorters, ICY PR | Purpose Clarity Coach
Yes, they can. The very idea of the words “ PERSONAL BRANDING” is stressful enough for any Introvert. Did you know there are over 50% of Americans are Introverts?
According to the official random sample by the Myers-Briggs organization, and this was taken over a decade ago. Imagine how many there are now. You probably know at least 2 introverts in your life or you are one.
I have the privilege of being an Ambivert so I get to experience both sides of the coin. It’s weird. I however am married to an introvert who I get to brand.
I understand his characteristics, so I get to support him in building his personal brand in a way that makes him comfortable and gets his message out to the world.
These 3 strategies I am sharing will help you bring your best self to the world in a way that protects your introverted ways, yet helps you get your message to the world and attract your Ideal clients/TRIBE.
#1 WRITE OUT LOUD
You’ll find most introverts write long articles. So one of the 3 ways for an introvert to build a successful personal brand in 2017 is by blogging. Blogging is a tool any introvert can master in 2017.1 It’s a space for you to write as much as you want and express yourself without concern about anyone zapping your energy.
The question most introverts need to know is, “does this activity or experience give me energy or does it take away energy?” Most times, engaging PEOPLE takes away energy from an introvert, so they would rather be alone or with that “one person” in their bubble.
You will have to activate some marketing strategies to make your blog searchable to draw relevant traffic. Remember that if you have a message to share that can change the lives of even one person, it is your responsibility to make sure they find you. (so momentarily get over yourself and focus on the power of your message to change the world). Relax, you’re in great company.
Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mark Zuckerberg and so many more are introverts that have LITERARILY shaped our world. They all focused on their Message. You can do the same.
When blogging to build a successful personal brand in 2017, it helps to imagine you are writing to one type of person (there just happens to be thousands of that type of person that you can provide great insight for).
Most introverts are thoughtful in their expression so get ready to read long, yet powerful articles.
They do want to express themselves and they do a great job of it journaling or writing.
#2 DROP THE MIC
Well actually, I mean pick up the MIC. So the second way for an introvert to build a successful personal brand in 2017 is by launching a podcast. Here is the beautiful thing about social media1 in this day and age. YOU GET TO SET YOUR OWN RULES.
According to Edison Research in partnership with Triton Polling, monthly podcast listenership has increased 75% since 2013. This proves many things but above all, it proves that people are hungry for information and as an introvert with a message; It is your responsibility to put your message in the world using the senses. In this case, it is auditory.
Remember, since you get to set your own rules, it’s you sharing your ideas, your message to the mic and your computer, others simply have the opportunity to tap into your message, using your voice as the amplifier for your message.
Another way to market this podcast is to do your research on people who host solo podcasts, because they probably like to conserve their energy too and contact them either to interview them, or to be interviewed by them (dynamic content). So again, it would simply be you on a one-on-one with someone else like you, that understands the need to conserve energy. Happy podcasting.
p.s- When you are promoting the podcast, remember it’s your message you are promoting, so don’t get stuck on you.
#3 HIRE A PUBLICIST
So, I told you earlier that my husband is an introvert and the benefit of having his wife as a publicist/brand manager is that, he only gets to deal with one person. That is an advantage most introverts would prefer.
Taking the time to know what to look for before you hire a publicist is important. Let your publicist know that you only want to communicate with him or her one-on-one. You will have to tell your publicist what works for you. A suggestion is booking you on shows (TV, radio or podcasts) where you’re only interacting with one host, not necessarily in front of an audience.
You can also get featured in magazines or dailies, where the editor or writer meets with you or simply sends you questions to answer via email. Those are the best, because you’ll have time to be thoughtful in your response. Let them know you value intimacy and you’re at your best when your energy is focused on no more than one person. Of course, that is not to say you can’t handle an audience, you’ll simply have more to give when there is less energy to be zapped from you.
As a wife an introvert with a super cool personal brand, I look forward to these tips helping you build a successful personal brand in 2017. Brands are built over time, so be patience with your self, be consistent in your blogging or podcasts and secure those media features that GET YOUR MESSAGE TO THE WORLD.
Remember it’s about YOUR MESSAGE, you are simply the conduit to get it out, so get over yourself and get in front of your message so that the people who’s lives you have been created to change can find you.
Yetunde Shorters teaches women entrepreneurs how to get crystal clarity on their purpose, activate it & use it for impact, community & building profits, CONFIDENTLY!. She is an International Publicist/Purpose/Personal Branding Coach, a Twin Mom, 4x Amazon Bestselling Author, featured on Forbes, Elle, CBS, Radiant Magazine and more.