Leverage Your Introversion, Grow Your Business

The Introvert’s Edge Video Podcast: Discover the Strategies and Tactics of Introverted Global Business Leaders

For an introvert, it must be all but impossible to stay calm before and during a presentation in front of hundreds or thousands of people…right? That’s what makes the insight and experience of my next guest so important. I first met friend and founder of Digital Marketer, Ryan Deiss, just before he spoke onstage at Small Business Festival – and he was as relaxed as they come. As a speaker myself, I was so impressed with how collected he was, and the easy command he took of the stage as I watched him present his keynote to the crowd. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I wish I was that charismatic…what it would be like to have such a natural speaking ability?” (You may also know that Ryan founded, hosts and often speaks at Traffic and Conversion Summit, which attracts an audience of thousands every year.) Imagine my surprise to discover that Ryan Deiss, the face of the global Digital Marketer brand, is, in fact, an introvert. Running a Successful Business as an Introvert When Ryan started his first online business as a University of Texas student, he loved that he could hide behind his computer, not talk to anyone, and still make money. But as his multiple businesses grew and his entrepreneurial spirit developed, he discovered he’d have to push through everything he disliked as an introvert – not just public speaking – in order to achieve the level of success he desired. Ryan explains why you can’t run away from the elements of business you don’t enjoy if you expect to achieve success. For introverts, this can include things like being the public face of the company, hosting and attending events, presenting in public, and following up with clients and leads. But self-reflection and analytical thinking, two strengths of introverts, help us to understand that we’ve got no choice, at least until the first hires come along. Scaling Your Business by Harnessing Your Introversion Just because you have to do the business tasks you dislike at first, that doesn’t mean you have to do them forever. Ryan explains the qualities he looks for in his core team members, who balance his introversion and allow everyone to complement each other’s strengths. And the best part? Once you have those team members in place, you can delegate to them and stick to what you love. Some Questions I Ask: How did your introversion help or hinder you on your journey to where you are today? (1:26) How did you create your company culture? (5:39) How do you use your introversion as a strength? (5:48) What qualities do you look for in your core team of employees? (8:28) How can introverts feel comfortable getting on video? (13:51) In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Ryan went from a college student with an online side gig to the founder of Digital Marketer (1:45) The huge role Ryan’s introversion played in his first business decisions Why Ryan surrounds himself with extroverts at work (6:25) The difference between leadership and management, and why introverts should care (7:45) Why you should be careful hiring people who seem just like you (10:40) You’re not a slave to your default setting, whether introvert or extrovert (11:40) Why you can’t use your introversion as an excuse (12:13) Resources Mentioned in the Show: Digital Marketer Traffic and Conversion Summit Part two of this episode Thanks for taking the time to listen!