Self-Promotion for Introverts


Self Promotion for IntrovertsMy husband and I have had an on-going disagreement about self-promotion. He’s a chemist and an introvert and feels that his outstanding work should speak for itself. Being the extroverted smart-mouthed marketing person, I say that that paper and chemical formulations are inanimate objects and don’t have the capability to speak – that’s why it’s HIS job. You can already see that this argument gets me nowhere.

Thankfully, Nancy Ancowitz, who is also a self-proclaimed introvert, has come out with Self-Promotion for Introverts: the quiet guide to getting ahead.” When I saw this book on my Amazon.com list of books for 2009, I snapped it up. My excuse was that I would read it and review it for you. But the real reason was to give it to my husband just to prove that I was right.

But Wait! What’s an Introvert, What’s an Extrovert and Why Does it Matter?

Introversion and Extroversion are basically two different ways of interacting with the world around us. Introverts take information “In” and process it. Extroverts interact with the external world to process information. Introverts need time alone to process. Extroverts need time with people to process. Neither is better or worse, they are just different.

Sales and Marketing are often thought of as extroverted activities. We assume that to generate sales and to build your brand, you have to be outgoing, a little pushy, love to talk to other people. After all, isn’t that how you get the word out – by telling as many people about how wonderful you are? The answer is both yes and no.

Yes. It’s true that to build your brand and generate sales, it helps to have customers beyond your mother and your two best friends. But no, you don’t have to be outspoken and pushy to do it. “Self-Promotion for Introverts” will show you how to be yourself and promote yourself.

Why Introverts Will Love This Book

“Self-Promotion for Introverts” is written by an introvert for introverts. I didn’t originally realize how important this was until I gave the book to my husband and asked him for his opinion. He said “Oh, you can tell that this woman is an introvert – she knows how I think.”

There are eight chapters with a total of 245 pages. Each chapter offers a layer of information and exercises targeted directly to how an introvert thinks. Here are just a few examples:

Your Negative Self-Talk (Tuning out U-SUCK Radio) – In this chapter Ancowitz addresses the loudest voice and introvert hears, their own. And guides you through the exercise specifically directed at what introverts focus on; facts.

Your Target Audience (Going Inward and Reaching Outward) – Here you will learn how to harness your strength of going inward and then you’ll learn how to match that to what your audience wants. The last thing introverts want to do is push something on someone who doesn’t want it. This chapter actually shows you how to create an overlap between what the audience wants and what you tell them.

The last piece I’ll share with you is the chapter on presentations called “Chalk Talk (Public Speaking for Private People.” This is simply brilliant. Nancy Ancowitz hits on every anxiety button you might have about public speaking. I’d say this chapter is for everyone – not just the introverts. There are suggestions and tips on how to stand, what to wear, rehearsing and more.

Why Extroverts Should Get This Book

If you’re not an introvert, but have introverted customers or employees – this could be your lucky day. At first I thought this book was just for the introverted people, until I realized how powerful my messages could be if I organized them in a way that my introverted audiences could appreciate and feel comfortable around.

Don’t pass this up if you’re part of the extroverted group. Self-Promotion for Introverts is for anyone who feels hesitant about tooting their own horn.

7 Comments ▼

Ivana Taylor Ivana Taylor is the Book Editor for Small Business Trends. She is responsible for directing the site’s book review program and manages the team of professional book reviewers. She also spearheads the annual Small Business Book Awards. Ivana publishes DIYMarketers, where she shares daily do-it-yourself marketing tips, and is co-author of "Excel for Marketing Managers."

7 Reactions
  1. To be authentic and know what you are talking about is the only important thing.

  2. Ivana,
    Since I’m an introvert, I better not comment on your stellar review.

    The Franchise King
    Joel Libava

  3. The Passive Income Queen - Manon

    Great post Ivana, I too would have to say that being YOU is really what is important but understanding how you like to communicate with the world is very helpful.
    Thanks for the review.
    Manon

  4. The next book in this series:
    “Learn how to think yourself – for extroverts”

    Just kidding. 🙂
    Good point though, that neither is good or bad (or even better or worse).

    I have a strong I-type son and a strong E-type daughter. The son has a wonderful imagination and very rich inner world, which is apparent in his writings and the way he talks with his (few) very close friendships. But he has trouble communicating his ideas with strangers.
    The daughter is extremely good socially, able to make new friends anywhere and eveyone seems to like her – including the teachers. But she has trouble focusing on any single issue for a longer time. Or reading/writing alone.

    Both have their strengths and weak points. With some self-reflection they might learn how to understand themselves over the years. And to cope with the weak points of their personality while maximizing the good. MBTI, although not perfect, is a good start.

    Optimally, people would recognize the differences of personality, and learn to respect them.

  5. Ivana,

    I think I am a mix of “introversion” and “extroversion”. I am sociable “lone wolf”! 😉 I am a rugged individualist who could have a “chat talk” (public speaking session) with a group of individuals.

    I strongly believe in introspection, so I think that the chapter, “Your Target Audience (Going Inward and Reaching Outward)” could be a perfect match for me.

    Thanks again for your interesting book reviews! It is a pleasure to read them! 🙂