Can an introvert succeed in IM?

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I've been thinking about this notion that if you are an outgoing person, and someone who can easily begin a conversation without breaking a sweat, you have the most probability of succeeding in IM. Besides people I think need to talk to people to promote their products and services.

How about those guys (me included) who are used to being alone and silent all the time? Is their a way we too could succeed in IM? I would love to see guys like me that are successful right now.

Any thoughts are highly appreciated.
  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    IM was created by and for shy introverts, a significant proportion of whom are probably high-functioning autistic individuals (eg Bill Gates).
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  • Profile picture of the author ronaldmd
    Of course. IM is not about talking to people and selling products. If you want to do less talking, create forum or something, get members, let them talk and monetise your forum with adsense.
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  • Profile picture of the author JoeUK
    Definitely, I would probably be classed as an introvert and it's exactly why I'm going down the adsense route! No colleagues, no customers, no phone calls, no selling -luurverly!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lloyd Buchinski
    When I first ran into forums online, I thought I was quiet when I had nothing to say. Then I learned I was a 'lurker.' (sigh)

    About a year ago, Marcia Yudkin started a topic in the war room section about marketing to introverts. She mentioned her qualifications as an introvert. The op included an especially pleasant mp3. She seems to do very well.

    It was about grade 3 when I noticed that one person who talked more, seemed to think less. The social butterfly stuff has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aviator Joe
    "If You Think You Can, or You Think You Can't - You're Right"

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  • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
    Some of the best actors in the world are introverts.
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  • Profile picture of the author pjwenterprise
    Isn't there an introvert in all of us at some point in our life, year, week or day?

    Surely IM is ideal for introverts.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      As above, I'm sure there are many IMers who class themselves as introverts having their heads buried in computers all day.
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  • Profile picture of the author buckeyes09
    Introversion and extroversion doesn't mean one is social or anti-social; it refers to where one gets his or her energy and motivation. I'm an extrovert and get energy from others, but also am not particularly social (I can't do constructive work and socialize -- it's an "either-or" because I get distracted around others).

    I'd almost believe that introverts may be more successful because they don't need to be around people as much (yes, you're communicating online, but you're not actually in the same room). I've spoken with my mom about this and she makes a good point that she couldn't work online because she wants to be around people. I like to work by myself (again, less distracted), but I need to be around people because I get bored if I'm by myself for too long.

    For what it's worth, I'm an MBTI ENTJ, which is apparently one of the least social, but most extroverted, extroverts.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jun Balona
      Originally Posted by Aviator Joe View Post

      "If You Think You Can, or You Think You Can't - You're Right"

      What's your personality type? Check out the MBTI personality test, that helped me find a lot about myself
      Thanks for the tip Joe. I would check that out in my free time.

      Originally Posted by buckeyes09 View Post

      Introversion and extroversion doesn't mean one is social or anti-social; it refers to where one gets his or her energy and motivation. I'm an extrovert and get energy from others, but also am not particularly social (I can't do constructive work and socialize -- it's an "either-or" because I get distracted around others).

      I'd almost believe that introverts may be more successful because they don't need to be around people as much (yes, you're communicating online, but you're not actually in the same room). I've spoken with my mom about this and she makes a good point that she couldn't work online because she wants to be around people. I like to work by myself (again, less distracted), but I need to be around people because I get bored if I'm by myself for too long.

      For what it's worth, I'm an MBTI ENTJ, which is apparently one of the least social, but most extroverted, extroverts.
      I always thought that being an extrovert is the same as being social too, but according to you it's not always the case. Thanks for the insight Christian.
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      • Profile picture of the author buckeyes09
        Originally Posted by Jun Balona View Post

        I always thought that being an extrovert is the same as being social too, but according to you it's not always the case. Thanks for the insight Christian.
        Yeah, I'll suffer from some social anxiety, especially if I'm unfamiliar with something. But I'm as social as anyone if I'm comfortable (which may take five minutes or five hours, or if I care how people perceive me). But from the psychological definition, I'm very extroverted.
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  • Profile picture of the author shanegarrison
    I'm a introvert, In fact it is ironic as I just wrote about this the other day. I think internet marketing is perfect for a introvert. We like alone time and really get into our own space. I've been making money online off and on for 4 years and in the past 6 months I rearranged my business model to where I do not have to talk to anyone unless I feel like it. :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Im sold on you Jun, heck , make a product and I will buy it. There you made money on the internet.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jun Balona
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Im sold on you Jun, heck , make a product and I will buy it. There you made money on the internet.
      Coming from you sir I consider that as a compliment.

      I was saving a fraction of my work pay here to get me some good PC before I actually do make a product (I don't have one for now). But I could work something out just to get it done.

      Your grandkid in your avatar is cute btw.
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  • Profile picture of the author albertosm
    i'd say why not.
    IM is for every one
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    <snip> Listening is much more important than talking in sales.<snip>
    That is for sure. Any sales style that resembles that stereotype of the pushy salesman is not a viable long-term sales strategy. I saw that kind of salesman caricature in the 1962 film adaptation of "The Music Man". It may be as old as the hills, but it really is a joke.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    Introverts can learn the sales process as well as extroverts, sometimes better. Listening is much more important than talking in sales. Knowing your market is much more important than flashy websites in IM.
    Someone here gets it. Your target market and individual prospects will tell you exactly what they will buy from you if you just pay attention.
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  • Profile picture of the author affmemo
    I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering from anyone else who sees this, what do you think of the OPs question?

    I also consider myself an introvert as well. And as such, with the current shift in the level of transparency that prospects want these days, it's tricky on how to engage one's audience.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by affmemo View Post

      I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering from anyone else who sees this, what do you think of the OPs question?

      I also consider myself an introvert as well. And as such, with the current shift in the level of transparency that prospects want these days, it's tricky on how to engage one's audience.
      Affmemo,

      If you have trouble engaging your audience then chances are you are talking to the wrong audience, or you arent being YOU loudly enough.

      In this day and age the beauty of the internet is that you attract the audience that responds to YOU, and so you dont have to be anything but yourself. Just focus on being you and attract the audience that responds to THAT tone.

      Go spread your message, your way, and the people who are wired for responding to that particular vibe will come. Dont try to be anything to anyone, just be what you are, and attract people who love THAT.

      They key is to go out and be what you are to the MAX, and dont hold back.

      -John Durham
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  • Profile picture of the author SandraLarkin
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    Yes. If you can drive traffic to a site, you can succeed in IM. Introverts can do that.
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