Do you like quiet space, down time, the space and time to think things through? Do you dislike making small talk, cold calls and “talking yourself up?” If so, you are probably an introvert.

Notice I didn’t mention the word “shy.” Introversion and shyness are not the same. Although both can be worked with when it comes to marketing, in this post I want to talk about marketing for introverts.

Many massage therapists are introverts. Although introversion is sometimes considered a liability when it comes to promoting a bodywork business, that’s not really true. Introverts truly love relating to others one-on-one. That’s why they make such great bodyworkers. And if they understand themselves, they can make use of that trait and others to market their business in a way that works well for them and makes others feel good, too.

Networking: an introvert’s dream
Believe it or not, networking is one of the best ways for an introvert to get her name passed around. Here’s what LMT Amanda Braun said about her experience with her networking group:
I remembered one of my coworkers from the store said her business networking group was useful. So I went, but it was very scary. Deep down, I like quiet and one-on-one contact. At the group, I had to stand in a room of strangers and tell them why I was so wonderful and then whirl around and ask them why they were wonderful. The networking group helped me summarize my business and what I did.

Listen up, introverts. The networking group was scary, but it gave Amanda the opportunity to do something she does well — experience one-on-one contact with people she didn’t know. Now she recommends it to other therapists.
(For more on networking groups, read this article.)

Tips to make it easier
1. Practice simple opening lines, such as your own “elevator speech” or simple, open-ended questions like “Why are you here?” Practice out loud by yourself or with a friend. Even something as simple as this will get you ready to have a conversation that is deeper than chit-chat, and experience that good feeling you like to share with others.
2. Once at an event, look for people with a friendly expression to introduce yourself to. Express a sincere interest in them (you’re good at that) and state how you help others simply and directly (your elevator speech.)

You never know, you may start to like networking — what could be better than meeting friendly people and talking about what you do best?