Visibility is a challenge for most entrepreneurs, but it can be especially difficult for introverts.
Being seen and heard is key to making your business successful, but it’s not always easy for us introverts to put ourselves out there.
This guide will help you understand what visibility is, and how you can achieve it as an introverted entrepreneur.
You’ll learn how to make the most of your natural strengths and discover tips to help you increase your visibility as an introverted entrepreneur. So read on, and start getting out there in a way that aligns with you.
What Does Visibility Mean?
For many introverts and quiet personalities, the idea of being visible, of standing out in the spotlight, is terrifying.
In the past, I would shy away from so many opportunities because of this.
Be a guest on a podcast? No, thanks. Go live on Facebook? No chance.
However, we quiet types have a lot to offer the world. And keeping to ourselves is a disservice to those we can help.
When most people think of entrepreneurs, they picture outgoing, charismatic people who are comfortable ‘working the room’ and networking with strangers.
But for introverts, it’s very different.
The thing to remember is, visibility does not mean being the center of attention.
It’s about sharing your ideas and expertise with the world in a way that is authentic and genuine.
You don’t need to shout the loudest to make a positive impact in the world.
The Importance of Visibility for Introverts
You may be hesitant to put yourself out there, but visibility is essential to the success of your business.
Over the last decade, we have become much more savvy buyers.
We now seek products and services that align with our values and beliefs. We want to know the people behind the product or service, and be sure they care about the same things we do.
This has led to a huge shift in marketing. There is now an emphasis on authenticity; on being real, genuine, and showing you are human.
Here are three reasons why it’s important to be visible:
1. Visibility helps you attract clients you love working with
Ever had a client you just didn’t like? That’s probably because they had very different values, ethics, and beliefs. When you show people what you stand for and believe in, you’ll attract clients that resonate with you.
2. Visibility helps you build deeper connections
By allowing people to get to know the real you, you’ll build trust and develop much deeper relationships. This could lead to more opportunities; such as partnerships and collaborations.
3. Visibility helps you make change happen
We are deep introspective thinkers, but it’s often too easy to keep our ideas to ourselves. Sometimes you need to share your message with others to help make a difference in the world.
So, how do you start being visible when you hate the spotlight?
Tips for Increasing Your Visibility as an Introverted Entrepreneur
In a world that seems to be designed for extroverts, it can be difficult to find ways to increase your visibility without compromising your introverted nature. However, there are several strategies you can use to get your name and ideas out into the world without having to be someone you’re not.
1. Work to your strengths
Understanding your strengths as an introvert will help you get visible in a way that feels more comfortable.
Here are three introvert strengths that will help you get visible:
a. Introverts are deep thinkers
The ability to think deeply and creatively is one of our greatest strengths as introverts. We can look at old problems in new ways and come up with original ideas and solutions.
With the power of introspection and deep thinking, you’ll bring fresh perspectives and well-thought-out ideas to the world.
b. Introverts are great observers
Introverts tend to be more attuned to our surroundings and take everything in.
As an introverted entrepreneur, you can use this to your advantage by getting to know your ideal clients better. Pay attention to how they respond to different ideas and what they’re really looking for in a product or service.
By taking the time to observe your clients, you’ll be able to create a business that truly meets their needs.
c. Introverts are great planners
Introverts tend to be well-prepared and organized, qualities that are essential in business. We are more likely to take the time to think through actions and create a well-crafted plan. This attention to detail can help introverts shine when it comes to visibility.
2. Build a strong online presence
Creating a strong online presence is critical for any business owner today, as this is often where potential customers or clients will find you.
Having a website is essential for showcasing how you help your clients and giving them a way to contact you.
Social media is a great way for introverts to share their ideas and connect with their audience without feeling overwhelmed or drained. Tip: Stick to one social platform and master it.
Introverts can also use visibility strategies like speaking on online summits, guest interviewing on podcast shows, or adding value to existing communities with masterclasses and trainings to reach a wider audience.
3. Connect one-to-one when you can
So, maybe you’re not the most talkative person, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a great communicator.
Introverts have a unique ability to connect with others on a deeper level. We enjoy getting to know people and having deep conversations.
Leverage this to make meaningful connections and build strong relationships with people.
[In the Interview Method, Josh Elledge, shares how you can connect with high ticket clients one to one]
4. Know your energy limits
For introverts, understanding your limits is essential to showing up. You need to know what drains your energy.
Make a list of all the promotional tasks you do and rate them on a scale of 1 (Doesn’t Drain Me) to 10 (Extremely Draining).
Then, use this to help you decide when to focus on each task. Do the least draining when you have low energy and the most draining when you have high energy.
Don’t push yourself to do things when your energy is low. Recharge by doing things you enjoy, such as take a quiet nature walk.
5. Experiment and find what works for you
One thing I wish I’d known early on in business, is that everyone is making it up as they go along.
They try new things; some work, some don’t. And that’s how you should approach things too. Take small steps out of your comfort zone, experiment, and try new things before you decide if they work for you or not.
The important thing is to find the method of marketing that works best for you and that feels comfortable for you as an introvert.
How to Make the Most of Your Time When it Comes to Visibility
For us introverts, our energy is a valuable resource. So we need to be sure we’re making the most of the time and energy we spend on visibility.
While I believe it’s important to experiment, you should still consider what platforms and activities will work best for you. If you’re not comfortable with public speaking, for example, don’t force yourself to do it.
Instead, focus on platforms that allow you to share your message in a way that feels authentic to you.
Second, create a schedule and stick to it. It’s important to be consistent when it comes to visibility, so make sure you’re carving out time each week to work on building your platform.
Finally, don’t forget to take breaks. Being visible can be exhausting, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself both mentally and physically.
Conclusion
Visibility is key for any business. As an introverted entrepreneur, it’s important that you find ways to increase your visibility in order to connect with the people you want to help.
The good news is that there are plenty of strategies that you can use. We’ve covered a few of the best tips in this guide, but the most important thing to do is experiment until you find what works best for you.
