Fun from from Socionics…
According to Jung’s theory of Psychological Types, we are all different in in fundamental ways. One’s ability to process different information is limited by their particular type. These types are sixteen.
Among them: Extroverts or Introverts, depending on the direction of their activities…Compare:
Extroverts
- are interested in what is happening around them
- are open and often talkative
- compare their own opinions with the opinions of others
- like action and initiative
- easily make new friends or adapt to a new group
- say what they think
- are interested in new people
- easily break unwanted relations
Introverts
- are interested in their own thoughts and feelings
- need to have own territory
- often appear reserved, quiet and thoughtful
- usually do not have many friends
- have difficulties in making new contacts
- like concentration and quiet
- do not like unexpected visits and therefore do not make them
- work well alone
More types here from Socionics
Do you think extroverts make better network marketers than introverts?
Results so far here.
As a former psychotherapist, I think there are qualities in both of these categories that are great, & some from both that are not so great in building a NWM business. I would qualify my vote (if I could) by including things typical of introverts – like thoughfulness, with qualities of extroverts – like loving to meet new people. Certainly coachability is important, so someone who thinks they know it all, or want to re-invent the wheel, usually does not do well.
I’m equivocating….you think???
NPugh
http://www.MyHealthyWebsite.com
The best networker will be the person who LISTENS freely and without an agenda.
Both types are capable of doing this although the introvert may need to move outside his/her comfort zone to initiate conversation to begin with!
EXPECT Success!
Jackie Ulmer
MLM WAHM Training BLOG
Kim, that’s a loaded question! I think it depends on a lot of things….like if the extrovert knows when to SHUT UP! (ok…I’m guilty of that) …and if they have “systems” to do most of the work…I think nowadays, honestly, ANYONE that WANTS to succeed in Network Marketing… Can!
Whether you think you can or can’t… You’re right! Who said that? I know credit is due somewhere…. Happy Holidays!
Carrie Gebbie, MS
http://HopeAndAbundance.com
Hi Kim,
Don’t know if extrovert are better than introverts, because I have found very few innie’s that would even consider what we do.
Of the few that I have met, they try to do this business with total automation and no belly to belly. Even had one just post on a yahoo group yesterday. Seems he had a bite on his auto-responder and was all bothered about the “right” thing to do: call or email.
You know me. I told him, “For Pete’s sake man, pick up the phone!” Just kidding, Robin.
People who need people…..
Tom Doiron
A main difference between “E-s” and “I-s” is where they get their energy from.
The Extrovert type will do well in groups (like conventions and home parties). They are the ones that will be the last to leave a social event because they are so energized by them.
The Introvert’s energy is drained by such events but work well with one-on-ones.
Both can do well with Network Marketing – and life – if they focus on their own personality strengths and not try to be someone else (like their upline).
Carol (ENFP)
Kim,
Just a quit thought on the subject.
Mr. Rich Dad/Poor Dad got me thinking with one of his books about this very thing: what type of personality is best for our business?
I don’t often lead with the opportunity out in public, but here is one thing I have fun with. I live in a very busy metro area where everyone is not “smelling the roses”. When I approach a public door and a person stops ahead of me to hold it for me, this is a red flag for me. After I say thank you, I ask them if they have ever thought about having their own business?
I haven’t hooked a champ yet this way, but I like the external evidence of a caring person. An extrovert most likely?
Watch that door,
Tom Doiron
I’m an introvert, but I feel good in network marketing. Espesially when I use the Internet to build my organization.
I studied birth order and how it determines temperament as well as Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types in college.
Both Introverts and Extroverts have qualities and characteristics that are desirable in order to achieve success. The key is to find your strengths and use them to achieve success while minimizing your so-called weaknesses and over come them.
By the way, most of our Presidents are first born. And most people who are first born are introverts.
Paul Eilers
http://www.PurpleGreenPops.com
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick an extrovert.
(My husband is an introvert). If he is any indication….not sure that he is…but IF he is….I choose extroverts hands down.
Having said this, it is noted that the introverts I have in my organization (once they get it) seem to be more loyal than their counterparts.
Kim based on the differences you listed for extroverts and introverts it would seem like extroverts would make better networkers. I have to disagree based on me.
I am an introvert.
For me this means I think before talking instead of thinking by talking. I’m very independent, levelheaded, refined, and sensitive to others. I don’t get much out of lots of small talk. My feelings and values show in my words. I do enjoy being around people but I enjoy my place in the country with my nearest neighbors being the critters that wonder up from the woods. My alone time is precious. I don’t need a television on or music all the time.
Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shy people are anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings; introverts generally are not.
My younger sister is an extrovert. I love her but her endless appetite for talk and attention tires me. Extroverts also dominate social life, so they tend to set expectations. In our extrovertist society, being outgoing is considered normal and therefore desirable, a mark of happiness, confidence, leadership. Extroverts are seen as bighearted, vibrant, warm, and empathic. “People person” is a compliment. Introverts are wrongly described with words like “guarded,” “loner,” “reserved” “taciturn,” “self-contained,” “private”—narrow, ungenerous words, words that suggest emotional parsimony and smallness of personality.
It takes both kinds of people for balance. I’m comfortable with who I am. I’m not shy. I have lifelong friends. I don’t try to be friends with everyone I meet but I am interested in new people. I don’t always say what I think, I listen to what others think. I don’t compare my opinions with the opinions of others, depending on who (my in-laws) I’m comparing to it could turn bad so I let everyone have their own opinions.
How does being an introvert affect my network marketing? It makes very little difference. Because I think before speaking I have more time to listen. I connect with others on a deeper more nurturing level. It’s not all business for me and this shows. I’m patient with others.
Oh, and Tom you are too funny with your “For Pete’s Sake” line.
Robin
I say Extrovert, because people like to be led by Extroverts.
Walter Reade (from Wisconsin)
Kim
I think both have somthing to contribute. The strength from both is what makes the industry works for anyone.
I feel a person can get balance out of networkmarketing. You can have a Extrovert personality but once you apply the correct principles of listening and putting the needs of others first, this can take your wonderful outgoing personnality to a new level.
The person who is has a Introvert personality will start to feel more comfortable as they talk to more people. People tend to trust them already, they just have to talk to more people. This will take their soft caring personality to a new level.
No matter which personality you are, I feel the key is learning to get a little balance along the way without trying to become someone you are not, but using the strength of who you are and enhancing it to build your business, and helping others.
http://www.NetworkmarketingBizInfo.com
Kim
After reading the comments here and seeing the results Yes:80% No:20% it’s apparent the introverts are very misunderstood. With all the different ROM there’s many things that any type of networker can use effectively while staying in their comfort zone. I’m an introvert but still acquired over 25 customers from just NMC in less than a year. I have lots of friends here. I did this by being me.
Thankfully a few people know the strength of introverts. I love extroverts but like I said in my earlier post sometimes they tire me, like my sister does.
Robin
I agree that one huge difference between the two (introverts and extroverts) is ‘where they get their energy from’ to quote Carol Raynor above. I’m an introvert who used to think she was an extrovert, for I am very social, not shy and very much a people person, have plenty of friends, and am comfortable public speaking. However, with that said, I also enjoy conventions but do tend to get drained by them, don’t like being surrounded by people 24-7, so need to get out of the fray now and them and recharge with some time alone, for that is how I restore my energy and focus … and I believe THAT to be the heart of an introvert.
Walter, I disagree about the tendancy for introverts to want to be led by extroverts – if I want to be led by anyone at all, it would simply be by someone I trust, not necessarily an extrovert.
Maybe this is similar to the right brain/left brain concept – that we all have a dominant area in one side or the other but rarely is anyone 100% one or the other.
the left brained introvert