Top 9 Predictions for the introvert in 2010

With at least a dozen books and ebooks about the introvert just released in 2009, can there be any doubt we are in the limelight? It doesn’t have to be glaring or uncomfortable at all. We are being called and we are needed more than ever, just as we are, in our world now. While I believe it’s a sure bet there will be more recognition on the way through blogs, videos and more books that shine a positive light on the introvert preference, what does this mean for 2010?

1. Social online networking, already prevails with introverts. One MBTI provider reported albeit and unscientific survey of about 286 people that Introverts, INFP’s and INTJ’s dominate Twitter. ESFP’s are all under-represented in the Twitter Community. In 2010 we will see this prevalence evolve online to smaller and more intimate groups where the introvert has a more comfortable feeling.

2. Collaborations will bigger just begging for the introvert natural creativity. Entrepreneurs in the USA, likely the world, will step up to the task of bringing their best ideas to the market. Why? So they can contribute to bailing out massive government debts. Someone has to do it. There will be more and better networking both in-person and online. What we’ll see more of is collaboration – across borders. People will come together with ideas and will rapidly take them to the market in 2010. While the speed may require the more extroverted, a successful collaboration requiring attention to personally engaging relationships, is something at which introverts excel.

3. More connecting opportunities will be created with social media. This will take research and planning so who better than to do the work than introverts? This will be the perfect type of project or continuing work for the introvert to apply for so dust off your social skills.

4. Since old cookie-cutter type models aren’t working in business, particularly in marketing, 2010 will need creativity. This introvert strength is something small, medium and large business alike can harness with properly balanced brainstorming sessions. While we often appear quiet, that’s usually an indication that we have an idea brewing. It’s a time for new approaches and fresh ideas.

5. There is continued growth in outsourcing via Virtual Assistants. Small to large businesses will want people who have the ability to work efficiently possibly in isolation. We all know that an introvert is the best person for working independently.

6. “I believe that children are our future; teach them well and let them lead the way,” are lyrics to a song by Whitney Houston. Just change it a bit to, “I believe that introverts are our future,” and I think that is the truth for 2010. Add in an introvert who knows the value of solitude and introspection and you have the makings for creative and authentic expression in a world spinning tirelessly.

7. The economy will rebound, ever so slowly. That means with still more time to turn a big ship around, more time for solitude of introspection can be the propellers. Many believe we were due for a wake-up call, so many things, and so little thinking. But guess who can help with a different perspective on life?

8. With so many more possibilities it’s going to be easy for the introvert in business to get overwhelmed. If you are on a team or working solo, while “bright shiny object” opportunities abound, those latest things or distractions that actually sabotage your efforts. Stay true to yourself and continue to be curious, research for yourself and then focus your efforts.

9. 2010 can be created anew. Give an introvert the time and room for exploring ideas and they can clearly express most creatively. Then, give them a structure for those ideas and they will be ready to get into action on their role. This is a double win: better outcomes for all and more confidence for introverts.

There are undoubtedly more 2010 predictions that would bode well for the introvert to be the one selected, the best person for the work or the best choice to get a task done. From where I sit, this only means the potential contribution factor for the introvert is ours to take.

Are you ready? What are you predicting for the introvert in 2010?