Comments on: Social Marketing for Introverts?

By: Tomar Levine

Tomar Levine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:25:20 +0000

Hi Tina -
First time on your blog and I’m so happy to find someone talking about this issue. I’ve been dragging my feet to even “take the plunge” (or “get my toes wet” more like it) because of being an introvert (and a “highly sensitive person”). I hate networking and parties filled with strangers, although I’m fine with intimate groups as probably we all are. But I’m determined to learn how to do this as I see it’s essential to building my business. I have decided to use both Twitter and Facebook strategically, not for chatting. To search for those on my wave length and provide value, and limit my time to 15 minutes at a time (or should I say promise myself I don’t have to do it for more than that?) Quotes are great, and sending valuable links. What about Tweetlater, to keep some presence on those off-days? I know it will be good for me, to overcome this trepidation. But I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way.

By: John Bartucci

John Bartucci — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:11:40 +0000

Hi Tina – I’ve been thinking about this alot in the past few months as I’ve tried to get into the “flow” of Twitter and Facebook as a social media strategy. Being new at it I’m still learning. I do believe Twitter is relevant for building a following of folks that are like-minded or just interested in discussing issues together. I haven’t quite figured out how to do it but from the stuff I’ve followed it seems good for that. Facebook, in my opinion, is full of self-absorbed people and I don’t see the relevance of it. What strikes me as part of the issue is like anything else, if you’re trying too hard and it doesn’t sit right with you, then perhaps it’s just not right for that moment or it’s just the wrong strategy. Alot of what I’ve seen on social media leads one to believe you should be doing it constantly to be “in” the crowd. Frankly, I don’t think there’s any substitute for providing just plain good value and substance. In the end, a good product keeps folks coming back, not glitzy marketing.

By: Tina

Tina — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:19:38 +0000

Love those tips Monika – especially re: following people you enjoy and not just for strategic reasons. I’ve seen a few people clearing out their twitter lists and starting from scratch for just that reason… no different that real life hey? If i don’t enjoy connecting with someone i’m not going to do it.

By: Monika Birkner

Monika Birkner — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:42:13 +0000

Hi, Tina,
I’ve been reflecting this issue for a while (and even considered a blog post, but it is not yet written). I think that social media are relevant and that it could be dangerous to a business to ignore them.
But an introvert – and especially if he/she is a highly sensitive person – needs to take special care of herself. Sometimes chatting with others can be inspiring and at other times it can pull you down.
So for myself I have come up with:
* sensing the air, if you can say so, and leave a chat/forum or Twitter quickly when there is too much negativity
* limiting the time. 10 minutes can be fine for me but half an hour would be too much
* make sure that I find enough time and space for myself during the day/week
* following only people in twitter whom I enjoy rather than following for strategic reasons.

I’m still experimenting. So, these reflections not yet the final solutions. I just take them as a temporary frame until I have come up with better insights/solutions.

Thank you for initiating this discussion.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:07:10 +0000

Hi Tima

Thanks for this post> I was thinking about that just the other day. My thought as an introvert will I ever be successful in social marketing? Well I decided I will give it a try and will let you know. Andrea

By: Tina

Tina — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:13:17 +0000

Love that tip Jen! I totally need to do that… I do find that when i’m ‘on’ i’m full of ideas, almost too much at times, hehe. Make a list and save them for off times, great tip.

Now, to come up with a list of more tips… hmmm.

I agree Terri – I do find myself drained sometimes too! almost like a tweet hangover, LOL

Thanks for the link Marki – I will check out Janets post too.

By: Marki

Marki — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:39:49 +0000

Thanks for the insight! I like social media because it gives me time to think before I “speak.” But I agree about the energy flow, and like you, I go hot/cold on it. Janet Barclay of OrganizedAssistant explores social media and introversion a bit here: http://bit.ly/AeU0H She includes some links to more discussion, too.

By: Jen

Jen — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:19:03 +0000

Great post, Tina. I haven’t researched this but it’s good to hear the topic being discussed! Online is similar to a live networking event – what can you say that others want to hear? and you don’t want to be ‘salesy’… Your tips idea is a good one. Perhaps a couple tips would be to write a string of things to say when you’re ‘on’ & save them for use on your ‘off’ days or share a favourite quote. A quote can express how you feel about something using someone else’s words. Quotes seem to generate interest from my experience.

By: Terri Zwierzynski

Terri Zwierzynski — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:50:31 +0000

I know *exactly* what you mean about running hot/cold on social media, Twitter in particular. Some days I get on a roll that can last a couple of hours, chatting away with some of the wonderful folks I meet. And I do get energy from that, although when it is over, I sometimes feel drained. And then I’ll go several days when I don’t look at Twitter and almost feel guilty that I haven’t missed it!

I never thought of it in terms of being an introvert (which I am), but I do think you are onto something. I’d love a “social media tips for introverts” list!