Does Introvert Extrovert Mean To You (Huh???)

Extroverts say, "Let's agree". While I, an introvert say, "I respect your point. Now I'll go and make my own decision."

Does "introvert-extrovert" mean anything to you? People often mistakenly consider introverts shy and extroverts sociable. This psychological analysis was first introduced by Carl Jung in 1921. It may sound pretty much that way - the introvert is thoughtful while the extrovert (or often called "extravert") is energetic. The extrovert is interested in joining the activities of the world while the introvert is not so. But the over the past century, the theory's been studied and discussed in many ways and interpreted in the way we all understand it today.

Broadly speaking, introverts are people who recharge their energy by spending time alone, whereas extroverts recharge themselves by socialising more.

Are You an Introvert, an Extrovert, or...?

And there are an "introverted extrovert", "extroverted introvert", otherwise known as an "ambivert". Carl Jung said that everyone has both sides with one being more dominant than the other. You may have seen or tried some of those "which one are you" tests online, the results of which vary with different terminologies. I mean, those tests are all made up using quiz generator software that's driven by a point system. So they can either be spot on or awfully inaccurate, depending on how the creator allocated the points to each answer, depending on how each question is worded, and how you interpret it.

Nonetheless, your perspective on life is not going to be revolutionised by the discovery via those which-one-are-you tests. The infographic below may provide tips on how to deal with each type of person.

How To Care For Introverts

1. Respect their need for privacy.
2. Never embarrass them in public.
3. Let them observe first in new situations.
4. Give them time to think. Don't demand instant answers.
5. Don't interrupt them.
6. Give them advance notice of expected changes in their lives.
7. Give them 15 minute warnings to finish whatever they are doing.
8. Reprimand them privately.
9. Teach them new skills privately.
10. Enable them to find one best friend who has similar interests and abilities.
11. Don't push them to make lots of friends.
12. Respect their introversion. Don't try to remake them into extroverts.

How To Care For Extroverts

1. Respect their independence.
2. Compliment them in the company of others.
3. Accept and encourage their enthusiasm.
4. Allow them to explore and talk things out.
5. Thoughtfully surprise them.
6. Understand when they are busy.
7. Let them dive right in.
8. Offer them options.
9. Make physical and verbal gestures of affection.
10. Let them SHINE.

How Useful Is This Information?

When I first browsed through the lists, my first reaction was;

• Introvert No. 2- "Never embarrass them in public" - Well, never embarrass anyone in public!
• Extrovert No. 1 - "Respect their independence" - When do we not respect anyone's independence?
• Extrovert No. 6 - "Understand when they are busy" - You need to fix your problem first if you don't understand when anyone is busy.

Well, we are all different. Some are naturally good at ridiculing others in public and turning it into a decent joke. Some think that they're helping you when they're actually disrupting your work. So some of the items in that list that don't make sense to you can actually help you accept the behaviours of others that you don't normally understand.

You may find one side more relatable to you than the other. I find the left-hand side more relatable, making me close to an introvert. I don't fully understand the rationale behind some of the points of the extroverts, such as "compliment them in the company of others". So what can I do? There is little else to do other than to remember these are the things you can do to make extroverts feel special.

So what's it all to do with a blogging business?

Blogging Business: Think Before Speak, Write Rather Than To Talk

One of the greatest things about being an introvert is writing. Introverts prefer to think before they speak and prefer to write than to talk. I dislike discussing for the sake of discussions. I'd rather enjoy finding out the conclusion to complex topics. It sounds like online marketing is the perfect job for us introverts. But does that mean the job is not suitable for extroverts?

"Does It Sound Stupid?"

Of course, online marketing is suitable for extroverts too. They take a different approach and the effect is fantastic. Extroverts are great at spontaneity, therefore can write many articles freely as their imaginations flow out. Webinars and video introductions are also easier for them to take on, and it is one of the most effective ways to engage with the visitors.

Whereas we introverts are more careful in expressing ourselves - we hate to contradict ourselves, don't want to state something obvious or write "anything stupid". Therefore I think introverts have a great ability in creating written quality articles too.

Power of Small Talk

You would normally start a conversation with small talk. Simple, open-ended questions would always lead from one topic to another. Again extroverts are good at constantly throwing small talk when interacting with others.

Just like good stand-up comedians change their subject flawlessly on stage, playing a game of "small talk ping-pong" enables you to show that you're friendly and open-minded, it can also involve everyone in the conversation.

Using this technique in writing - making small talk here & there - is effective when blogging, as it allows you to find many different paths, therefore more topics to write about. However, introverts may see small talk as superficial and pointless sometimes. They find it hard to "just write something", and they'd rather want to know a valid reason for it.

Introverts Dislike Interruption

In the infographic above at No. 5, it says "Don't Interrupt Introverts". I think that's true! I am a great listener rather than a talker. I need to understand what the person says and what he/she really means by that. I always wait until that person finishes the sentence before I can open my mouth. The answer that I follow must relate to the whole sentence, you see?

Equally, when someone interrupts me while talking, it really shuts me up. They're not listening to me, so what's the point in giving my words to them?

"Think before speak, write rather than to talk" applies here again. Without anyone's interruption, a blog will allow me to outline and express the subject in my own way. So I think a web space is a perfect environment for introverts.

Socialising - Energised by People

However social connection is important in blogging and, you don't necessarily sell your story by writing everything at your own pace and measurement.

So introverts have to find a point where they can communicate at an adequate level. Whereas extroverts are energised by people, therefore they naturally know how to broaden their social space. They're capable to make constant multiple communications.

But again this doesn't mean all introverts reluctantly attempt to join social spaces because they have to - they appreciate and value their followers who share the same point of view and they also love to understand people with different opinions... At their own pace!

Does Introvert Extrovert Mean To You?

It may not mean anything to you in general. As I mentioned earlier, by finding out whether you or other bloggers are introverts or extroverts, you'll be unlikely to change your social attitude. But I feel the theory helps me in a great deal when I hit the wall. Why am I struggling with something that others seem to do easy & well? Because I'm an introvert!

So the theory makes it easy for you to admit your weaknesses, and work against your weaknesses. I hope it helps you improve your online marketing strategy, to a certain level at least.

And try understanding others!