Applying Introvert Strengths to Digital Creative Roles

Being an introvert in college made me think I'd never build a strong network. Yet today, almost every big opportunity I’ve got came through it. Here are 5 simple strategies that helped me! 📌Stop trying to be someone else. Instead of forcing small talk, I started asking genuine questions about people's work and actually listening to their answers. Turns out, most people love talking about their passion projects when someone genuinely cares. 📌Use your preparation superpower. As introverts, we naturally research and prepare. I started looking up attendees beforehand, identifying 2-3 people I actually wanted to meet, and having real questions ready about their work or company. 📌Quality over quantity. While others collected 20 business cards, I focused on having 2-3 meaningful conversations. Those deeper connections led to actual opportunities, not just LinkedIn connections. 📌Follow-up is your secret weapon. Introverts excel at thoughtful, written communication. A personalised follow-up email referencing something specific from our conversation always stood out. 📌LinkedIn is your playground. Networking isn't just about events. I started reaching out to professionals whose work genuinely interested me, not asking for jobs but sharing insights about their recent posts or asking thoughtful questions about industry trends. Most people appreciate genuine curiosity. 📌Leverage your listening skills. In group conversations, I became the person who asked follow-up questions and remembered details others missed. People started seeking me out because I made them feel heard. The breakthrough moment came when a senior manager told me after an event, "You ask the best questions. Most students just talk about themselves." The genuine connections I built through this approach helped me land my first internship, find my co-founder, connect with early clients, and unlock countless other opportunities I never could have imagined.💛 All because I stopped trying to network like an extrovert and started leveraging my introvert strengths instead. What's your biggest challenge as an introvert? 💬

Recently a friend commented ‘you’re an introvert, how come you’re LinkedIn Top Voice’ in a sarcastic humorous way. That got me thinking what most people assume & think is true; social media is for extroverts. The logic seems to be, if you’re naturally chatty, outgoing, & the kind of person who actually enjoys networking events, then this is your territory. However there are others who can hit 4's and 6's when no one’s watching! Time & again I have found people sending DM's, especially the introverts who find solace, curiosity, at times pride in the fact that somebody from their cohort is doing well on a platform like LinkedIn. The Q.s usually are…how come, how well, how so? However there’s this classic introvert trait of overthinking; should i post ? Is this perfect? Too much…too less...a total mind saga 😁 When I first started sharing on LinkedIn, I hesitated. A lot. I’d draft something, read it a few times & then convince myself it was safer not to post at all. But then, one day, I hit “post.” And instead of silence or judgment, I got responses. A few people resonated. A few sent messages saying, “Thanks for putting this out.” So, contrary to popular belief, research says introverts do well on social platforms. Why? 1) Depth over Noise : Extroverts may thrive on rapid updates, but introverts prefer depth. 2) Control over Exposure: Offline, conversations can be draining because there’s no “pause” button. Online, there’s the choice of when to show up, when to step back. 3) Writing as a Strength: Most introverts are more comfortable expressing themselves in writing than in small talks or group conversations. 4) Authenticity: While extroverts might lean on charisma, introverts often come across as reflective & real. 5) Smaller circles, Stronger bonds : Introverts may not build massive audiences overnight, but can often create close knit, loyal communities & meaningful connections. What motivates introverts to keep showing up online? 1. The ability to reflect before hitting “send”. 2. The encouragement that comes from one thoughtful comment or message. 3. The sense of purpose; sharing because it might help or inspire someone. 4. The creative outlet that platforms provide. If you’ve ever wondered how to build your presence without feeling like you’re pretending to be someone else, here’s what works: 1. Lean into long-form, thoughtful content. 2. Share stories or reflections, not just facts. 3. Engage meaningfully; comment in a way that adds value. 4. Show vulnerability in small, safe doses. 5. Focus on building your own community, not chasing numbers So if you’ve ever stopped yourself from posting because you thought, I’m not extroverted enough for this, here’s a gentle reminder; your introversion isn’t a hurdle. It’s your unfair advantage. And who knows; someday, when you’re the one people look up to online, someone might ask you the same question. You’ll just smile, shrug, and say, “Well… because I’m an introvert.”

Biggest myth: Introverts cannot be successful creators. ❌ I have got countless DMs from creators in 2023 that: - I’m camera-shy. I cannot record videos. - People will judge me. - My ideas aren't unique enough. - I'm not good at self-promotion or networking. Well, I'm here to say that's not true! Introverts can bring some unique qualities to the creator's table. Here are three reasons introverts can be great creators: 1- Deep Thinkers: Introverts are good at thinking deeply about stuff. This means they can create original, meaningful, and super-engaging content. 2- Keen Observers: Introverts are excellent at noticing even the tiniest details that others might miss. This skill helps them create content full of exciting insights and fresh perspectives. 3- Expressing Themselves: Creating content gives introverts a fantastic way to express themselves. It's their chance to share their thoughts, connect with people who get them, and make a real impact. So, if you're an introvert with fantastic ideas, don't let anyone tell you you can't be a creator. Your introverted nature is your strength. Embrace it, use your talents, and let your creativity shine. In a world entirely of noise, introverts can create content that stands out. Do you have any myths that are stopping you from creating content? Let me know if you need any help! #creators #introverts #contentcreation