We live in a time when extroverts seem to get all the glory and attention.

Why Are You So Quiet?

Have you ever been asked this before? As an introvert, I’ve been asked this numerous times in my life.

First off, that’s a horrible question to ever ask someone. It comes off as degrading and you feel like you’re better or above the other person. 

Growing up in school and college I was always told that you need to be an extrovert to succeed. Or that on average extroverts were more successful or made the most money.

Extroverts are always the focal point of group conversations and because of that, they stand out. 

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 outsiders.

If you are a coach, consultant or small business owner, and also an introvert, you might feel you are at something of a disadvantage.

After all, the limelight seems to shine on those coaches, consultants or small business owners 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, and are happy spending hours at a time reading alone, thinking alone, and coming up with our own ideas?

“There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.” – Susan Cain

Extroverted coaches, consultants or small business owners 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.