The Introvert's Guide to Inbound Marketing Success

Being an introvert in the seemingly extroverted world of marketing might make you feel a bit like a fish out of water. But if you feel like being an introvert is your kryptonite, think again; many of our fellow introverts are thriving in highly-extroverted industries, including marketing.

Take for instance, Mr. Darmesh Shah of HubSpot. Last year at Inbound13, he mentioned in an awe-inspiring keynote that he’s actually quite the introvert. In spite of his self-confessed introversion, Mr. Shah is an extremely successful business man who is also one of the backbones of inbound marketing. 

As a matter of fact, introverts make some of the world’s most successful businessmen simply because their affinity for introspection makes them great strategists. Among the world's most successful introverts are Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and even Google’s very own Larry Page, to name a few.

If you’re an introvert in the marketing world and you’re a little in the dark or apprehensive about how you can be successful, here are a few things you can do. 

1. Be Confident. Inbound marketing comes natural to you. 

Being introverted doesn’t necessarily equate to being anti-social. You don’t have to a be a recluse or have social anxiety to be an introvert. You are simply more in tuned with your inner self and d

o not rely on external stimulation. There are plenty of introverts that have the capability to be (or are in fact) social butterflies. That being said, you can think of your introverted side as an edge in the realm of marketing as opposed to a kryptonite. 

Because introverts are quiet and introspective, they tend to be good observers and great listeners. Take for instance, George Stephanopoulos, a well-known anchor and political correspondent whose job is to, well, talk to people. George is a self-confessed introvert but he is one of the most successful television journalist, having hosted some of the most compelling interviews of our time.

George's introverted nature allows him to empathize with his guests naturally and create a deeper connection that makes his interviews rich and unique. Like him, you can channel the skills that come naturally to you as an introvert towards your marketing goals. 

Inbound marketing revolves around the premise of sharing valuable insight to your audience on the problems they encounter and topics that matter to them. Sufficed to say, you can use your innate ability for empathy to walk in the shoes of your audience, tap into the issues that resonate with them, and provide valuable solutions they would definitely appreciate.

2. Do What You Do Best -- Think.

Introverts are careful in weighing their options, which is great for creating brilliant marketing strategies. Introverts think first before they do the talking or the doing. They are detail-oriented and tend to form deep connections with people. Use this to your advantage. 

Instead of being pressured by the extroverted nature of the industry, just relax and be yourself. Study the prospect or clients' buyer personas, the nature of their industry, what their audience wants and what they have to offer. Be confident in knowing that you of all people are good at this.

Before creating marketing strategies for your clients, or attempting to close a sale, take a moment to sit down with the information and explore your options. When it comes time to talk to your prospects or clients, you will sound prepared, confident and more importantly genuine -- something that doesn't come as easy to your extrovert counterparts. Remember, introversion can be your secret weapon for marketing success.

3. Scared of phone calls? Do some digging. 

If you’re less than thrilled about picking up the phone and talking to a new prospect you’ve never met, don’t fret. Inbound marketing provides the perfect avenue for salespeople and marketers alike to establish relationships with leads and prospects. 

Thanks to the information you have acquired on your landing pages, you can do a bit of digging on the person you’re about to get in contact with and prepare accordingly. This should ease up your nerves if you feel uncomfortable talking to strangers.  

After doing your research, break the ice by introducing yourself via email. Send a friendly message to your prospect setting the agenda for the phone call you will be making. Writing them beforehand will also allow you to organize and edit your thoughts, and will give you a general idea of the client’s personality by asking a few questions about them and what their communication preferences are (such as when to call, time of day to call, or the mode of communication they prefer). This can create a feeling of personalization which can contribute to a great first impression.

4. Can't say it? Blog it.

If talking to new acquaintances doesn’t come natural to you, you may not be comfortable networking and may feel like you’re at a disadvantage when it comes to sales or marketing. Contrary to what you may think, this is not at all a blow to your success. If you’re on the shy side when it comes to networking, fear not; there are better ways to meet prospects and attract like-minded audience. Simply go to your site and start blogging. 

Channel your inner self and pour it out on a blog. Talk to your readers as peers and show them the value of your service and expertise. Sharing content of value that resonates with your prospects will draw in the right type leads and build your credibility in your industry without forcing you out of your comfort zone. 

5. Engage with your audience confidently.

If you think social media channels are an extrovert’s playground alone, think again. Remember the old adage, "still waters run deep"? This pretty much sums up introverts. Despite the quiet nature of introverts, they have a lot of valuable things to say. Take advantage of social media channels to engage with your audience confidently. Organize the thoughts relevant to your industry and use it as your microphone. 

There are a number of social media monitoring tools that can help you track the conversations surrounding your industry, from relevant topics to what your prospects are saying about them. Use these tools to participate in the conversation. This will allow you to form a bond with your prospects while everyone else on the social media world becomes more and more familiar with your brand.

Just in case you're still doubting your potential and success in marketing and other pursuits, here's something to think about courtesy of Ms. Susan Cain, author of the acclaimed book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

"Some of our greatest ideas, art, and inventions -- from the theory of evolution to Van Gogh's sunflowers to the personal computer -- came from quiet and cerebral people who knew how to tune in to their inner worlds and the treasures to be found there. Without introverts, the world would be devoid of: the theory of gravity, the theory of relativity, Chopin's nocturnes, and Google..." 

Image Credit: SparkCBC, DonkeyHotey