In this case: selling online as a trainer/teacher.
This is just some personal advice, based on my own experience, from one introvert to another. Your question really caught my eye.
Years ago, I had started telemarketing sales for a coupon book. I really struggled being successful at it. A couple years later, I took a job an in-bound telemarketing job for student loan consolidation (before Direct Loans took over), and I was outrageously successful.
My key take aways from the experiences shaped my successeses for the restimate of my life. As introverts; we tend to be more sensitive to the body language and feelings of other people, have less confidence in our abilities and knowledge in a social setting, and must have a clear understanding and good reason for doing so, before acting. It wasn't until I was selling something, I knew would truly benefit the customer, that I became successful with what I was doing. The more I learned about my product and it's benefits, the more I sold. The underlying kicker is..... that I became PASSIONATE.
For us, passion is an absolute must for success in sales. Since you are selling your own knowledge, you are already well educated in your product. If you feel any of the setbacks above factor into what you feel is holding you back, then shape your approach to overcome it. Lack in total confidence? We tend to be more realistic and fact based than extroverts. No amount of self-reassurance can change that for us, so fill those gaps with more research and don't stop learning entirely, ever. Fill those gaps until you truly believe YOU are the best solution for a customer, and that in not choosing your service, they are at an unrealized disadvantage. Have a clear understanding (actually map out) the benefits of what you are teaching the customer and the advantages in choosing you (what can you bring to the table?).
That is where you will find your confidence, your success, and your passion.
As an extra take-away, I have found, that shaping your situation to reflect the best qualities and advantages of your self, leads to greater success in life, rather than seeking to change what you feel is a disadvantage. (Of course, bad habits and negative traits aside) It's like this... Someone that trains their lack of musical ability will never be as great as another who trains the musical ability they were born with. :)
Feel free to call me if you are interested in talking more about our type in business. I'll send you my VIP link for a free call. You will be my first on clarity!
Great question. Training your brain to act differently takes time and repetition. An excellent starting point that I'd recommend from personal experience is the book, "The Greatest Salesman in the World" (Amazon: >1000 reviews, 83% 5 stars).
It presents important learnings in a format that is specifically structured to help you change how you think / act, all in an extremely positive way, not in a "stereotypical salesman" way. Each chapter is somewhat short, but they're meant to be read over and over for several days before continuing to the next chapter. This helps you actually change your brain and behavior (again, all in a very positive way).
Btw, I'm a neuroscientist, so I know a thing or two about how the brain learns. Let me know if you'd like to do a call for more specific advice related to your particular goals.
all the best,
Lee
Introverts can be the best sales people...because selling is a process and as long as you follow the steps, you can sell. It is just learning the steps, creating your "pitch" and then, doing it over and over again. The "pitch" can be via social media so it can be done from the quiet of your home or office...
Leverage being an introvert instead of trying to convert into an extrovert. Differentiate yourself. Hearing is one of your greatest assets. Capture and understand your clients and customers needs and wants, listening them well. That is what you need to solve their problems and provide them with plans and solutions
Hiya, I love this question. Let's talk about it! So from my sales trainer eyes, it highlights a little story you've been telling yourself...a common tale..."I can't be a good salesperson because I'm introverted."
Well the great news is this: that's just a story.
You can change that story whenever you wish.
I, with my massive authority as a trainer, published author on the topic, and various other chest-beating thunderclaps, will now tell you that introverts make excellent salespeople because they LISTEN.
(Or, if you don't need to hear it from any authority position, you're free to simply tell the truth to yourself: that YOU CAN be a fantastic salesperson, ethical and effective, just as you are. You don't need to be anyone else.)
Sales is NOT about fast-talking, "baffle 'em with BS", bamboozling prospects by continuously bowling them over.
Sales is about matchmaking. And someone who isn't talking can be listening, and listening well. Listening for that match. Listening for the prospect who's sharing their pain.
If you'd like to discuss an honest, ethical, and effective way of selling that is likely a great fit for you compared to the pushy, aggressive, features & benefits-based, super extrovert style of old, let me know.
The fact is that most great salespeople are introverts. Introverts listen more than they talk. And, they internalize all incoming data before they speak.
Embrace your introversion and realize that you may be among the best!
As an introvert, I struggled early in my career because I was being coached by a bunch of super outgoing trainers. I tried my best to follow their scripts, body language, and tone of voice. I failed miserably. For me, the key was to be myself. I connect with people in a different way than extroverts. Marry your natural communication style with solid sales principles and you will become unstoppable! Read every sales book you can find. Practice with others. And make a tone of calls! You'll see improvements very quickly.
