We live in a time when extroverts seem to get all the glory and attention.
In fact, even the education system and our workplaces put a premium on people who are gregarious, outgoing, and comfortable working in large groups. Certainly, the media likes extroverts.
Those of us who are more introverted and like to spend time alone, or in smaller gatherings, have become the outsiders.
If you are a freelancer, and also an introvert, you might feel you are at something of a disadvantage. After all, the limelight seems to shine on those freelancers who have websites filled with their photos and video clips. They hold court at conferences, and do well in large client meetings.
But what about the rest of us, who are more quietly spoken, are happy spending hours at a time reading alone, thinking alone, and coming up with our own ideas?
To jump straight to the good stuff, watch the video below.
You’ll learn from Susan Cain that some of the most creative minds and successful leaders are, and always have been introverts.
And here is a quote from the video I really like: “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
Extroverted freelancers may make the most noise, but introverted freelancers can be better thinkers, have better ideas, and do better work for their clients.
Ultimately, it’s that quality of work that builds your reputation and brings you success.
If you enjoyed the video, you might like Susan Cain’s manifesto for introverts.
About the author: Nick Usborne is an online writer, copywriter, author and coach. Read more…
I’m not an introvert myself. But I find myself respecting the opinions of introverts more than the extroverts. It’s always the quiet ones that have something brillant to say. Maybe it has something to do with knowing WHEN to speak up.
Nice to hear introversion celebrated for what it is. Oftentimes people seem to conflate it with shyness/timidity/lack of confidence. For the record, it is perfectly possible to be quietly confident. And preferring to be alone does not necessarily mean one is shy or timid.