Introverts can be highly effective influencers when, instead of trying to act like extroverts, they use their natural strengths. They can use those strengths to challenge the status quo, provoke new ways of thinking, effect change, and inspire others to move forward.
Quiet Influence by author Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D. is a must-have guide to deeper insight and greater impact that introverts have been waiting for and that extroverts can learn from.
Through observation and interviews with Quiet Influencers, the six strengths that introverts embrace to achieve an impact are: Taking Quiet Time, Preparation, Engaged Listening, Focused Conversations, Writing and Thoughtful Use of Social Media.
Social Media is a perfect fit for Quiet Influencers
What do we mean by "social media?" This is Web-based and mobile-based technologies that are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue among organizations, communities and individuals. Social media gives today's Quiet Influencers a particularly effective and efficient option. These technologies promise to become increasingly potent forces in the future, as well as the present. They allow introverts to organize their thoughts at their own speed and be selective about where and when they place them.
For introverts, having an online presence is often a comfortable way of revealing themselves to a much larger community. Others can learn about their unique point of view and gain glimpses into their personality. This self-controlled "exposure" creates a strong, unique market presence and makes them more credible influencers. It raises their profile and gives others an avenue to engage with them and their ideas. The result: these Quiet Influencers are able to provoke new ways of thinking and encourage others to move forward.
Using Social Media to Become a Thought Leader
Here are four coaching tips to produce content that puts you in the driver's seat:
1. Include questions such as, "Have you ever asked what makes a great ______?"
2. Write regularly about what you know.
3. Link your writing to what's going on in the world and create and deliver a press release.
4. Develop some good Twitter buddies and provide them with draft tweets about your content from their point of view.
Caution: If you use social media to pontificate but don't take the time to let your audience question you, ask for clarification, or even disagree strongly with your ideas, you are likely going to lose their listening ear. Through contrary opinions and by being open to critiques, you learn which topics you should be addressing. Relying on social media as a platform to present one-way communication simply does not work. Learn how to use social media effectively and in moderation.
What do you think about using social media to improve your market presence?
Source: Jennifer Kahnweiler PhD: Quiet Influence: The Introvert's Guide to Making a Difference