Introverts are especially good at connecting with people on a deeper level. So how can they leverage this trait to market and sell themselves better?

For the most part, introverts make great solo business owners because they don’t need a team around them to be motivated.

They are also often creative self-starters and gifted writers but there are two aspects of business that introverted people commonly struggle with – marketing and selling themselves.

If this sounds like you, here are some tips on how to market and sell more confidently.

Networking

Networking is often an introvert’s second worst nightmare (public speaking usually tops the list).

Often we think of networking as showing up at an event and ‘working the room’, handing out business cards to as many people as possible. Even for extroverts, this isn’t the way to create great relationships  – far better that you take a more genuine and natural approach.

Start with events where you’ll be seated at a table with other guests. Take the time to get to know one or two people on your table. Find out about them and what they do (asking lots of questions is something introverts do well).

Follow up a few days later with an email letting them know you enjoyed meeting them. If you feel you had a good connection, you might even suggest a coffee catch up.

Writing

Writing is a comfortable way for most introverts to express themselves. Once you’re clear about your ideal customer, make a point of creating brilliant content that will inspire your audience and help solve their problems.

Find quality blogs your customers might be reading and offer to write a guest post. Build relationships with authors of other blogs by commenting on their posts and sharing their content. You’ll find a little bit of generosity goes a long way.

Social media

Rather than trying to master every social media platform all at once, start with the one or two you consider to be the best fit for your target audience.

Spend some time identifying the purpose of your social media efforts and then set clear and measurable objectives (for example: post every morning on Facebook or schedule two posts a day on Twitter).

Remember the 80/20 rule – give 80% of the time and sell 20% of the time. Check in periodically to respond to comments but remember to set boundaries around your time on social media so you don’t feel overwhelmed by it.

Sell without selling

Begin by finding out what’s going on for your prospective customer. Take the time to listen to their specific challenges so they feel like you really understand (you’ll be surprised at how much people love feeling heard).

Let them know about how your product or service might help or, if what you’re offering isn’t a perfect fit, be honest about that. Explain what you do and let them know it might not be exactly what they’re after.

Don’t be afraid to refer them on to a more suitable business. They’ll thank you for it and remember your generosity, which in turn could make them a referrer for someone who is a great fit in the future.

Are you an introvert? Which aspect of relationship building do you find the easiest?