Musings of a Introvert

I thought article on HBR, 'Personal Branding for Introverts' by Dorie Clark, would be a good topic to start with on my new blog.

Being both an introvert and someone who holds networking and connecting with individuals in high regard, these two aspects are sometimes at odds.

However, I've found several techniques to be helpful, two of which Clark outlines in her article:

First, social media may actually be an area where introverts, who thrive on quiet contemplation, have an advantage. With a blog — one of the best techniques for demonstrating thought leadership — you can take your time, formulate your thoughts, and engage in real dialogue with others. Indeed, while extroverts desperate for their next fix are trading business cards at cocktail parties, you can build a global brand on the strength of your ideas. 

While I don't claim to be any sort of social media expert or utilize it at a fraction of its potential, I recognize the power of a well crafted internet presence.

Next, with a little strategy and effort, you can become a connector one person at a time. A friend of mine used to work at a large research hospital; it was a sprawling institution with countless divisions and initiatives. She made a simple commitment: each week, she’d ask a person from a different office or department to lunch. Often, she’d meet them initially at company meetings or through project work; if the suggestion to have lunch together didn’t arise naturally, she’d tell them about her project, and they were almost always intrigued enough to join her.

I've long known that I prefer one-on-one conversations and meals to large gatherings. While I knew this was much less efficient, I came to accept that this was how I was most comfortable and how I best connected with people.

If you're interested in learning more, I've heard that 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' (Amazon) by Susan Cain is an excellent read and it is another book high on my reading list.

For a taste, here is a recent TED Talk by Cain: