Introverts are often associated to shyness and solitude. Of course, this is not necessarily true. The assumptions don't define a person as much as their preferences or tendencies. Digital marketers know using social media successfully has a lot more to do with just being social. If we take a closer look at introvert-like behaviors on social platforms, we see there are several reasons to be more "introverted." Introverts own "social" media? Irony Alert!
1. Deep Digging in Content
Introverts delve a bit deeper into content, so a mere "That's awesome!" or "Great blog post!" just won't do. But, using quotes, from within the post, shows that more time was spent on another person's content.
The first tweet echoes thoughts of the author; however, it (only) takes seconds to hit the tweet button on the article, producing a generic tweet.
2. Observing Versus Seeking
It's not that introverts don't want attention; they just don't seek it out like extroverts. Introverts are observers rather than attention seekers, which is very useful in making people feel heard...like commenting on their blog post.
3. Pulling Others Up
Introverts pay attention to their emotions by nature, but what's so powerful about that tendency is not forgetting how others feel too.
The industry of digital marketing is populated, with many 'experts' and 'novices' seeking attention for work, yet introverts are great at thinking about others too. There are tons of online opportunities (this taken from Moz's Q&A section) online to help others. No question is 'too amateur' for introverts, who remember what it's like to be a 'beginner.'
4. Making Connections Versus Networking
Again, introverts are not as shy as they emotionally exhausted by social settings. Actually, introverts are likely more comfortable addressing a room full of people than mingling afterward. Zeph Snapp was a community speaker at this year's Mozcon. What I liked most about his success (and his post-event words) was his offered humility and ability to make us share his experience.
Introverts don't have to be the external 'bull,' yet they express lion-sized hearts by making lasting impressions on people. Making a splash is not as important as making an impression.
5. The Consumer Is Always...
Introverts are naturally passionate, opting to be an expert in one area rather than just average in several. When it comes to customer service, passion (about the consumer - whether right or wrong in a situation) takes precedence and makes customers 'feel' heard. Gary 'V' is a self-diagnosed passionate being, whose popularity is largely contingent on his ability to pay attention to consumers, peers, students of media, and the world at large. Whether Gary agrees or disagrees, he embraces others' perspectives and engages.
6. Content is All Around Them
Mark Traphagen mentions in a Whiteboard post how photographers are trained (through nature or nurture) to see the potential for pictures all around them. (Notice how I remembered Marks observation?) Introverts need time to themselves, yet their minds are always at work. Introverts exercise creativity whether they want to or not, making them great content opportunists. Content never sleeps!
7. There's Always Time
Extraverts are associated with a 'go-get'em' mentality, relentlessly focused on work, which is great for impressing your boss and others who have a bottomless stomach for success. Yet, studies show working harder does not mean you're working smarter, and introverts, who must make time for themselves, conserve energy for business and pleasure. While extraverts find their time 'limited' and always seem 'busy,' introverts know there's always time for work and personal endeavors, and often, it's beneficial when the two meet.