I’m someone who’d probably identify as being a bit of an introvert. It’s not that I’m shy, but I definitely work better when I’m home by myself, rather than being someone who thrives being in busy, noisy spaces.
I know a lot of entrepreneurs who are on the more reserved and introspective end of the scale. (I also know a lot of super-confident, extrovert entrepreneurs, and that’s cool too). But often the ones on the quieter side can be put off by the idea of getting publicity for their business.
There’s an idea that if you want to get publicity you have to be all shouty-shouty ‘look at meeeee’ about it.
But thankfully that isn’t the case.
It’s actually possible to promote your business, even if you don’t like being in the spotlight. And what’s great is that you can do it in a way that feels right for you.
So how can you get attention for your business, even if the idea scares you?
1. Introverts unite!
There are lots of super successful entrepreneurs out there who are proving you don’t necessarily have to be an extrovert to get ahead. One of my favourites is Denise Duffield-Thomas, author of the Lucky Bitch books and founder of the million-dollar online course, Lucky Bitch Bootcamp. She’s spoken out in the past about how to succeed and build up a big business as an introvert. So if you’re someone who identifies as being a bit of an introvert, you should rest assured you’re in good company. Don’t see it as a bad thing, but instead as something you can use to your advantage.
2. Play to your strengths
Another highly successful introvert, is Susan Cain, author of the bestselling book Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking. She recommends following your own path, instead of feeling you have to do things the same way everyone else does them. She says: “The trick for introverts is to honor their styles instead of allowing themselves to be swept up by prevailing norms.” In terms of getting publicity, this means you don’t HAVE to do live radio for example, if the thought of going on air makes you want to poke your own eyes out with a stick. Instead you can choose to focus on guest blogging, or approaching magazines, or whatever works for you.
3. Prove it’s not all about you
One way to get on the wrong side of a journalist, is to come across as pushy and salesy. People who get all used-car-salesman when they try to persuade journalists to write about their product/service/cause are the ones who are unlikely to have any kind of success with PR. To really win a journalist over, you need to show them what you can do for them. Not vice-versa. So it definitely pays to be the measured, thoughtful individual, rather than the ‘its all about me’ one looking for their 15 minutes of fame. Use your introvert status to your advantage and gently offer to help the journalist with their feature by giving them information or expert comments, instead of loudly trying to promote yourself to them. Trust me, this way you’ll end up with WAY more than just 15 minutes of fame.
Are you an extrovert, an introvert or somewhere in between? Do you love the idea of being in the spotlight, or does it scare you? Comment below and let me know!
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