Confessions of an Introverted Businesswoman: Part 1
What if nobody wants to talk to me? How do I break the ice? What if I run out of things to say? How do I join a conversation in a way that isn’t awkward?
If these thoughts race through your mind every time you even think about going to a networking event, this series is for you. It’s for the wallflowers, the lone wolves, the late bloomers, the bookworms, anyone who would rather take a quiet, solitary walk than be thrust into a room full of strangers.
Embracing the “I” in introvert
Throughout my career, I’ve taken countless personality tests. While I’ve grown and evolved over the years, one thing remains constant: I am an “I” for Introvert.
Being an introvert in a world that seems to overvalue extroversion can feel like a constant uphill climb. As Susan Cain explains in her groundbreaking book Quiet, society is dominated by what she calls the “Extrovert Ideal.” This is the omnipresent belief that the ideal self is gregarious, alpha, and thrives in the spotlight.
And it’s not just a theory. It’s backed by research. Cain highlights that:
“Talkative people, for example, are rated as smarter, better-looking, more interesting, and more desirable as friends.”
It’s easy to see how this perception can feel disheartening for introverts.
Leveraging introvert strengths
But here’s the good news: Introverts have strengths too. You don’t have to be loud to be a leader, nor do you need to be charismatic to be influential.
As introverts, we bring qualities like:
Thoughtfulness: We often take the time to reflect and consider multiple perspectives.
Innovation: Solitude can be a catalyst for creativity and groundbreaking ideas.
Measured Communication: We may speak less, but when we do, our words often carry more weight.
In fact, Cain points out that introverts often “prefer to work independently, and solitude can be a catalyst for innovation.” So how do we ensure these strengths shine in a world that seems to favor extroverts?
Thriving as an introverted businesswoman
The key lies in making space for yourself and embracing your introverted nature, rather than trying to mold yourself into an extrovert.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the outside looking in, know this: you are not alone. As introverts, we have just as much potential to make an impact, build connections, and achieve success.
Stay tuned for the next instalment of Confessions of an Introverted Businesswoman, where I’ll dive into actionable strategies for introverts to thrive in networking and business.
By Elizabethe Dickens