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Up0bb1, post: 213699, member: 53375 wrote:introvert
noun
1.
a shy person.And herein lies the problem… a common misconception is used as a definition.
Psychologist Carl Jung, who coined the terms “introversion” and “extroversion” never used them to refer to social aptitude. It was only ever about internal vs external modes of processing information and interacting with the world.
Such definitions are no more accurate than calling someone who changes their mind “schizophrenic”.
Unfortunately, in this case, common usage tends to shape the English language, which means an incorrect stereotype has become an accepted part of our vocabulary
Up0I think the problem is that many people confuse introversion with shyness or social awkwardness.
An introvert is simply someone who:
- processes things internally (we generally prefer to think things over in our own mind before sharing those thoughts with others; extroverts generally prefer to talk things through with others first before making up their mind)
- needs alone time to reenergise (whereas extroverts – while still appreciating some alone time – tend to become more energised around others)
It has nothing to do with how well you can connect with others, although SOME introverts may also suffer shyness.
[URL=’http://chrome://bookmarks/#p=/me/profile/folio/lf_493′%5DThis [/URL]is an excellent article on the misconceptions surrounding introversion.
Meanwhile, in response to some of Chris’s questions, I’m an introvert who has run a successful copywriting business for 5 years now, each more successful than the last (in fact last month I banked 5-figures for 4 weeks’ work).
When my husband was made redundant last year, we had to rely solely on my income for about 6 months to pay both our mortgages, bills and everything else. Fortunately I’ve been earning well-above minimum wage for the last few years now.
When I first started out I joined a local networking group and tried cold-calling, both of which were a complete and utter failure.
My business success has been almost 100% due to online “passive” marketing. I have quite a high conversion rate from social media channels (around 20-30%) and other online channels (40-50%). These channels have now also founded an incredibly strong referral network.
I also get regular work from a few marketing/design agencies, ALL of whom connected with me via my website or social media profiles.
I really dislike traditional face-to-face/outbound marketing mainly because it’s not as targeted as inbound marketing. Usually you’re at some network event trying to sell to others just as desperate to sell to you. Everyone’s too busy talking and not interested in hearing what you have to say.
Or you’re just another distraction in a busy day.
My “passive” marketing ensures I’m there to be found when people need my services and by the time they call, they’re already in a purchasing mindset. The time I spend nurturing my online presence, rather than my face-to-face presence is far better spent (especially when I’m working with clients around Australia, and occasionally internationally).
And FWIW, the last business I worked at with two strong extroverted “people-people” at the helm went bust, despite the schmoozing.
Bad business sense is bad business sense, no matter what personality type you are.
Up0Thanks for the suggestions Peter. I’ll find a spare 5 minutes to try them out.
And yeah, didn’t know if it had anything to do with the logins, but thought it worth a mention since it started happening after the reset you did for me.
Will get back to you to let you know how I go
Up0Using Chrome on PC. Don’t have problems with any other sites, but I’d been having issues with logging in (would say I was logged in, but if I tried to post it would tell me I needed to log in) and Peter resolved that issue for me, which is about when this issue started.
Usually once I’ve hit ‘back’ the page sticks, but it’s still quite irksome :rolleyes:
Up0You’d probably need to check with the ATO and ASIC and see what they recommend is best for their requirements.
Up0I usually just do that hand gesture that says “Just hang on a sec” and use a louder voice to say “Actually [Name], I hadn’t quite finished what I was saying. [Continue with point]…. Now, what was it you wanted to say?”
May be a bit more aggressive, but it works for me.
Up0Melanie Miller Biz Coach, post: 186904 wrote:I have a trading terms agreement which they sign and then a direct debit system – my billing is monthly in advance so super easy with direct debit.Discussing payment terms before the contract is entered into is definitely the wise thing to do. That way there are no surprises for either party once the invoice is issued.
And I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be telling their phone or power provider what their terms are. If they wanted to keep those services, they’d have to pay by the due date. Why should your business be any different?
Up0If you were to estimate 5 hours @ $50 p/hour, it would be reasonable for the client to expect the job would cost around $250, but if you only did it in 3 hours, they would expect to pay only $150, or if it took you 6 hours, they would expect to pay $300.
If you were to provide a fixed quote of $250 for the project, that would be the cost regardless of how long it took you to do – providing you adhered to the original scope of work. You might make a loss, or you might make a profit. The client need not even know your hourly rate.
However, as Virtual Lawyer pointed out, you want to make sure that with a fixed rate you have a clearly defined scope of work so you don’t get ‘scope creep’ which can blow out your budget. You should also define how many amendments are included, (if any) and include a provision to quote for any additions to the original scope of work.
So while estimates can be far more flexible, they can also make cash-flow for both parties more difficult to manage. A fixed fee means no surprises when the bill comes, but you need to ensure the scope of work is very clearly defined.
Up0Jenny Spring, post: 186576 wrote:In regards the legal issues, I’d speak with Jacqui at Mark My Words. She will be able to assist.Second that referral.
Up0The Rogue Counsellor, post: 185731 wrote:I notice there’s only one other INTJ here in the thread.There’s at least 3 of us so far..!
And I tend to take the ‘relationship’ thing with a grain of salt. As analytical types, understanding people and their thought processes is just like anything else. It’s a matter of observation, reflection and experimentation (mwahaha). So we are no less capable than any other type of being in careers where an understanding of the human psyche is required.
Where an interest evolves, we can excel.
In fact, I think being an INTJ is a huge advantage because we can step back an take on objective view without emotion clouding our thought process.
Which isn’t to say we don’t have feelings, or that we don’t care… we just value using an objective approach over an emotional approach when processing information to make a decision.
And – as with EVERY type – the outcomes are merely indicators of our preferences. It doesn’t mean we’re incapable of behaving contrary to those preferences if needed, or that because we test at one side of the spectrum that we’re incapable of understanding the other. In fact, most of us can swing between them to a degree… but will have a preferred ‘comfort zone’ (which determines our preferences).
Many years ago I decided that either the test was scoring me inaccurately (it’s not) or I was in the wrong profession (I’m not.)
We may certainly have a lot of us who lean towards careers in science, engineering and programming… but that’s not to say we can’t be successful in anything we put our mind to
Up0JohnTranter, post: 185637 wrote:I guess all the S’s are out there doing the work whilst we’re here talking about how to do it 😮That’s why they make great managers and we make great entrepreneurs. We have the vision, they manage the details.
Up0sam_leader, post: 185615 wrote:An interesting aside: not one respondent here is more S than N, i.e. Sensing (absorbed in practical matters) over intuitive (absorbed in ideas).Is that a soloist thing, do you think?
I find it interesting how many NFPs there are! But yes, I had noticed a distinct lack of Ss so far.
Up0People move on. That’s life.
They’ll find someone to replace you, even if they’re sad to see you go.
Meanwhile, my story is somewhat long and complex… but the Reader’s Digest version:
- First launched in 2005 while unable to work a “normal” job due to health constraints, having spent previous years in graphic design / branding agencies.
- Got my health sorted (PVR – finally!) then got a ‘real’ job to pay the mortgage.
- It became clear the company I was working for wouldn’t be operating for much longer, so I took a preemptive strike and relaunched in 2010.
- Haven’t looked back and haven’t been happier.
Up0flower-child, post: 185586 wrote:Here is what Google was showing as the homepage description. I think this could be refined more to reflect an online store/call to action.
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Flower Child Baby Boutique Shop Glebe and Collaroy stores stock a range of sustainable/eco-friendly baby products and toys as well as the best range of Baltic..One wonders why the many companies in the past haven’t addressed this!
Most likely because the SEO tech people come at title tags very differently to marketing people. They’re probably trying to optimise of a specific set of keywords, whereas from a marketing angle, you’d be more focused on a specific call-to-action. Either way, the tag is way too long and needs to be condensed and refined. This is a fab tool for ensuring meta titles and snippets comply with character restrictions.
Also, the title tags are sometimes lifted from the copy already on the page (and may appear truncated), other times it’s lifted from the customised tags depending on what is most relevant to the query. That’s another reason it’s important to have well-structured copy on your pages which is relevant to what people are searching for.
Up0This may be a little off topic – or bang on.
Just came across this post in one of my LinkedIn groups:
I am doing SEO for [SITE] in Australia. Besides, optimizing onpage SEO, I do not know how to build links and spread content, link social. Can everyone help for me
~”Online Marketing Manager”
Now this is an offshore service provider (and I use that term loosely), but it’s no wonder the industry has gained such a poor reputation with clowns like this thinking they can manage client projects when they have no idea what they’re doing.
Not sure if he’s done any work on the site yet, but certainly none of the basics have been done. And I’m pretty damned sure he wouldn’t have a clue what current best SEO practices are since it’s clear he doesn’t know how to Google!
