What is authenticity? Just why does this Go-Giver law help free the introvert in business to be themself? When it seems like most of the world is made up of extroverts you might find yourself struggling with being authentic. I mean really; come on. An introvert who is successful? Are you kidding? Do you know many? If you are tired of trying to be like an extrovert in what you do, then I hope you can and will join me in listening to Bob Burg Thursday, Nov 12 to hear about the Five Stratospheric Laws of Success; short of being there, at least read further to discover how authenticity and go-giving work together. Yep; I love the lessons of The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann.
The Go-Giver law number 4 is The Law of Authenticity:
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
Do you ever feel shallow in your networking efforts? Clients often ask me, “Do I have to network? Isn’t there another way I can get my product and service out there?” My first reply, sometimes in my direct, no-nonsense style, is that the first problem is not the networking but the focus of your networking. Get over yourself for heavens sake! Sales and marketing is more about a solution to a problem that your prospect customer has. And if you don’t have that solution then just move on.
I think being true to my introvert style makes networking easy for me. Aren’t you amazed when you network, how incredibly interested in themselves people are? The furthest thing from my mind is to gobble up the conversation about myself. I don’t even know you on first meeting after all! So instead, being true to my nature, I PREPARE with questions to ask, I LISTEN so I can use those questions, I welcome the pauses and silence so I can THINK MORE deeply and get to that creative idea that might help someone else. And I SELF-DISCLOSE only enough information to get someone’s curiosity up so they ask, “Well how do you do that?” That’s enough going on already.
I find if I am not myself, when I try to be like my best extrovert friends in my marketing, in particular networking, well, truthfully I exhaust myself. “When you are real in your music, people know it and they feel your authenticity.” Wynonna Judd. And not only that, your dog, or your neighbor’s dog wags their tail more. That’s always a good sign you are being authentic because no one loves the true you better than your dog.
Those successful introverts being true to themselves? You are in good company with introverts like Bill Gates, Jackie Kennedy, my Italian relatives like Robert De Niro (well he’s Italian and so am I!) and more people than you might think. They’ve managed, being true to themselves as introverts. Can you be authentic?
To learn more about all of The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success you can take one of two actions at least:
One, read the book which you can buy through Amazon or possibly find at your library; and then two,
Join me in listening to Bob Burg Thursday, Nov 12 and then IMMEDIATELY put any one of the Five Stratospheric Laws of Success into action with online speed networking. It could be just what you need to help you and your business results!
How have you been true to your introvert self in business? I’d love to hear from you.
I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts.
Another good post. Being yourself gives you substance. When we are afraid to be ourselves, and we all are to some extent, we make ourselves invisible… oh, and than reminds me of a pun.
An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either.#pun
I like your idea of having questions ready to ask… I need to do that more diligently.
Other good advice for introverts: Bloom where you are planted. ~ Unknown
What an awesome expression; Bloom where you are planted. I found there is actually a song about it:
Bloom where you’re planted;
Show what you’re worth.
God has his flowers all over the earth.
Bloom where you’re planted and if you’re sincere,
You can get anywhere on earth from here.
Bloom where you’re planted
And become a part
Of God’s lovely garden – the pride of his heart.
Bloom where you’re planted and if you’re sincere,
You can get anywhere on earth from here.
I suppose the bottom line of this IS be the best you that you can be and go (grow) from there.
Thanks Jim.