So you like my post title, huh? Does it intrigue you to want to read my post? Yes? Great! I’m glad I got your attention!
I’m writing today to give a shout-out to my favorite Facebook group called the “Virtual Networking Community for Introvert-preneurs”. Without the encouragement and attention I have received from its members and especially the founder of this group, Kim Gray, I don’t believe I would be where I am right now in my business! Since I have been more active in this community over the past few months, I have been more engaged in the conversations, the monthly calls and the challenges offered. Even with my busy work schedule, I have taken the time to interact as much as I can on a daily basis. And I’m glad I did. It has made a difference in how I approach my office each morning. It wasn’t that long ago I was having second thoughts about continuing in my virtual practice, but with some encouraging words from some of my colleagues and from Kim and the other VNCI members, I no longer feel defeated. I feel recharged and I’m ready to be back on my game again! I feel I have a purpose again! Now don’t get me wrong…I still have days I have no motivation, but those are few and far between, unlike a few months ago.
I will say that I am a bit saddened that our little group of “Introvert-preneurs” will not have Kim at the helm after this month because she will be on medical recovery and working on her own business venture, but I completely understand her priorities. She will be missed! But I hope that we will be able to continue to have some interaction or maybe someone would like to take over the lead for this group. I had a brief thought that perhaps I could take over the group and keep it running, but those are some big shoes to fill! Plus, I’m at a point in my own business that I need to focus more on my own marketing. If you had read my previous post, I already mentioned I needed to promote myself more. Who knows…if things go as planned and I’ve filled my practice back to full capacity, I may revisit the idea.
One of the things Kim taught us was one of the ways to gain visibility is to offer your advice or lead a group in Q&A sessions. You can even offer your time as a volunteer so you can share your expertise. You would be surprised that there are folks out there that would look at you as a leader in your or their industry and they are in need of your services! I know this from experience. It works!
I will never forget the challenges in our group that had me step out of my comfort zone either! Boy oh boy! Who would have thought that I would host my own FB live session back in January, given I am an introvert! If you didn’t get to see me in action from my January post, you can see it here: https://www.alethadmcmanama.com/facebook-live-session-how-i-gain-clients-without-networking/. And I had a chance to be interviewed by Kim in February, discussing my passion to serve my clients. She recorded the interview on Zoom and the video can be found here (11:42 in length): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifFPKSc-7mU. Feel free to watch if you have the time.
So why am I telling you all this? Because you are not alone in being an entrepreneur. There are many, many others out there that face the same struggles as you do. I encourage you to find a mentor or a group of like-minded individuals that will help you in your journey as a business owner. No one can do it alone! Behind every successful entrepreneur, there is someone who helped them along the way. You can either invest into a business coach or mentor, requiring you to budget this into your business expenses or you can find someone or a group like I found to guide you along the way. I’m glad I did. I caution you to focus on one or two groups that you know will make a difference and not subscribe to a lot of groups that will not be of benefit to you. And make sure you invest a little of your time daily to engage and interact. Make sure you ask questions and be sure to answer questions that you may have answers. It’s a great way to get a meaningful conversation started.
Feel free to share what your favorite mentor or groups are in the comments section below. I would love to hear all about it!
Another group I didn’t mention above…The Ultimate Blog Challenge! I wouldn’t be writing this post if it wasn’t for the 30-day challenge! Yay for my Day 2 post!
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It really can be challenging, as an Introvert, to put myself out there in the ways you’ve mentioned. I have done FB lives, for instance, but it isn’t really my preference.
You are so right, Jeanine! I honestly haven’t had another live since then, but I would like to give it another try soon.
Oh I have to check this group out. It sounds right up my street. Happy to have found you through UBC!
Thanks, Karen! I believe you have been approved to join the group today! Welcome aboard! 🙂
Great post. I’m an extrovert, with some introvert thrown in. When it comes to promoting my VA business I was more aggressive, but now I’m doing Grief Coaching, and I’ve become an introvert. Mainly, I guess, I don’t want to look like an “ambulance chaser”. Perhaps, I’ll look into the FB group you speak of. Thanks for the heads up.
You are welcome, Eydie! Interesting how you can be an extrovert and move into being an introvert. I’ve heard people can be both. Nothing wrong with either one! 🙂
Sounds like a few great groups. I started my business in 1967 and hubby and I recently semi-retired. Wishing you the best in your business and the UBC, this is my favorite challenge!
Thank you, Martha! You have been in business for a long time! That’s awesome! 🙂
Introvert-preneur is my new favorite word, and this taps on all my concerns about assisting my authors. I’ll be back….
I love that word too! Working with other introvert clients can be challenging if you are not one, but rewarding too! Look forward to having you stop by again soon, Rob! 🙂
Aletha, it is my honor to have you as my friend and a constant supporter in our group of introvert entrepreneurs. It is members such as yourself who make being a group admin worthwhile. Your sage advice is so spot on especially the part about being active in a few groups versus being inactive in many. Otherwise, why join the group?
Thank you, my sweet friend and supporter! I couldn’t think of a better time to feature our wonderful group than blog about it. And, yes, you gained a new member in the process! Win win! 🙂
I’m going to check out y oh ur group and join because I’m introverted too.
Thanks!
That’s great, Mary! Would love to have you! 🙂