You may or may not know by now that I am extremely shy and introverted, and that it wasn’t until I started really forcing myself to put myself out there that I really saw any internet marketing success. Having to overcome shyness makes it hard to share things about yourself and what you’re doing because you are also trying very hard not to be seen, and not to be called on in any meaningful way, because you’re terrified to deal with people you don’t know.
One of the ways I found to start overcoming was to focus on helping others. It’s one of the reasons I started as a VA, because it was easier to deal with people if I was doing something for them and not having to talk much about myself.
Here are my 8 tips to help you overcome shyness:
Tip #1 – Offer to Help
When you realize that you have a skill that can help others, looking around to find those who need your help will help remove your nerves about yourself because when you’re helping, you’re not thinking of yourself.
Tip #2 – Share Your Knowledge
What if keeping what you know to yourself was selfish? You have knowledge of something that others need. Is keeping it to yourself due to your discomfort really fair to those who need this knowledge? Opening up to share what you know is one of the best ways I’ve found to overcome shyness.
Tip #3 – Don’t Tell the World You’re Shy
Easier said that done, but labels stick. Don’t give them more power. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your personality and let go of anything you see as a negative.
This falls into a don’t do what I do – I lead with my shyness and introversion a lot because I’ve found that this is one way that helps me to overcome shyness, and it also puts other introverted and shy people at my live events at ease because they know I’m not going to force them to talk.
Tip #4 – Kick Self-Sabotage Out the Door
Oh boy… I could write a book about this one! It is so easy to let negative self-talk get in the way of your future if you let it. Instead, avoid self-sabotage by accepting what you’re good at, learning more about what you’re lacking, and find help when you can.
Stay tuned for a future blog series on this topic!
Tip #5 – Play to Your Strengths
When you feel unsure about anything, instead of placing any focus on your weaknesses, learn to play to your strengths. That way you can tell yourself and others what you’re good at when you’re feeling less than confident instead of telling yourself anything bad.
Tip #6 – Stick to the Facts
When you do say something positive about yourself or your business, ensure it’s based on facts. That way you never have to feel bad about anything good you say about yourself or your business because it’s all real. When it’s true, it’s a lot easier to say and easier for your audience to accept it, too.
Tip #7 – Own Your Success
When you’re shy, it’s natural to downplay your successes to avoid drawing attention to yourself. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to claim your successes, and let others know how you’ve helped.
Tip # 8 – Give and Accept Compliments
Another trait of shy people is the uncomfortable feeling whenever anyone gives you a compliment. One way to overcome that is by giving out compliments to others. Ensure that the things you say are sincere and not overblown but do lavish praise on others who deserve it. It’s going to make it that much easier for you to take and accept compliments.
When you focus on helping others, you can overcome shyness because you’re making others the centre of your attention instead of worrying about your own feelings. And it works! I’m living proof that even whey you’re shy and introverted, you can help others and be a success in your own right.