I think the Internet is one of the best things that has ever happened for introverts! Never before has it been possible for an introvert to comfortably approach a person or group of people and say “Hi, I’m an introvert, and this is how I feel about it…” There are so many websites, blogs, and discussion groups online that there’s really no need for any of us to feel misunderstood. Now we just need to get extraverts to “get” us!

On her blog Don’t Be Shy, Dee has written a number of articles discussing the difference between introversion and shyness. One which really caught my eye is Introverts don’t like small talk and other interesting facts. It’s a quick and easy read, and perfect to share with your extraverted friends and family members who just don’t understand you. Be sure to bookmark the site (or add it to your RSS feed) so you’ll remember to go back and read some more – I know I will!

I am constantly coming across blogs related in some way to introversion. There must be something about the nature of blogging that appeals to us introverts. We can stand up and say what we think without having to actually stand up and say what we think!

My latest discovery is Power Networking for Introverts which has the tagline “A blog by an introvert for introverts.” Written by Marcy Phelps of Phelps Research, it provides lots of tips and helpful resources, including book reviews. While I was poking around, it brought me to an article on another blog called 25 articles on networking for shy people which should give you plenty to read over the next while!

Last fall I wrote about business communication coach Nancy Ancowitz, who offers a course called “Self-Promotion for Introverts.” I’ve just found out that she has a new course coming up in March, called Presentation Skills for Introverts. Sure makes me wish I was closer to New York City! I’ve been asked to speak to a number of groups since launching my business, and although it’s become less painful the more I do it, I could sure use some tips to present my ideas “with confidence and passion” as well as “body language, vocal variety, managing jitters, and staying attuned to [my] audience.”

Despite what your mother told you about not talking to strangers, when you’re trying to promote a business, networking is a necessary evil, and one that is particularly challenging for when you’re an introvert. If this is something you can relate to, you’ll want to check out Patty Dost’s blog post, Do you get butterflies when you go to networking events?

Many people, when introduced to the concept of introversion, automatically think of “shyness.” Although it’s true that many introverts are shy, not all introverts are shy, and extraverts can be shy as well.

In her book “The Introvert Advantage” Marti Olsen Laney defines introversion as:

… a healthy capacity to tune into your inner world… a constructive and creative quality

and shyness as:

…social anxiety, an extreme self-consciousness when one is around people… lack of confidence in social situations… fear of what others think of you

She goes on to explain that introversion is who you are, and that shyness is what you think other people think you are.

I am definitely introverted, but I don’t think I am shy. Some people considered me shy as a child, but I now think they just didn’t recognize or understand introversion, as others called me gregarious. In fact I appear quite reserved, but once I start talking, I usually won’t stop until interrupted. And as I’ve mentioned before, I am not usually reluctant to share personal information if I’m asked a direct question.

Since starting my own business, it’s become necessary for me to step out of my comfort zone and act like an extravert on more occasions, such as when attending networking events, and as a result, those situations are not as difficult for me as they were in the past. What has not changed, however, is my introversion. I still enjoy working alone, can focus on a task for long periods of time, and prefer communicating by email over using the telephone, and those traits are not likely to change, ever.