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Were they to think about it, do you think people mistake you for an extrovert when you're working?

themodelplumber 10y ago
Well, there's no difference. When I'm working with people, I'm intentionally extroverting myself. We all do that thousands of times a day; the original concept of extr(a)version is rooted around the idea of object over subject, as opposed to just people time vs. quiet time. Since I'm focusing so much on the object, be it a person in question, an issue in question, whatever, I am by definition a (temporary) extrovert. Now, do people think I'm an extrovert _all the time_? Some probably do, I don't know. I carry a basic certification in psychometrics, and really enjoy this topic. When I'm working with someone who's really introverted and they "ignore the we," I consider changing my approach a bit, but first, I decide whether it's worth my time. Some introverts have developed a healthy approach to the object, so the fact that I'm selling something is just another information portal in their mind. They know it's healthy to be open to brand new ideas, to some reasonable point where they have understood the factual properties of those ideas. Others are so subjective that all they can think about is how what I'm selling reminds them of their uncle and his failed business, and the fact that he was a dangerous driver, or something. As a fellow introvert, that's sad to me because such a characteristic feeds directly into the concept of personal development. Any strength so magnified, starts to become a liability if not balanced.
wccrawford 10y ago
I am definitely an introvert, and I know for a fact that people are surprised by this. I am not currently in sales, but I worked what was basically a sales job (without the commission, etc) and I had repeat customers who would actually leave and come back later if I wasn't working that day. To me, this was because I was completely interested in their needs, and didn't care about the company's needs. I told them the best deals and gave them the straight info while being pleasant to talk to. In short, yes, I think introvert salespeople come off as extroverts to their customers.

Well, there's no difference. When I'm working with people, I'm intentionally extroverting myself. We all do that thousands of times a day; the original concept of extr(a)version is rooted around the idea of object over subject, as opposed to just people time vs. quiet time. Since I'm focusing so much on the object, be it a person in question, an issue in question, whatever, I am by definition a (temporary) extrovert. Now, do people think I'm an extrovert _all the time_? Some probably do, I don't know. I carry a basic certification in psychometrics, and really enjoy this topic. When I'm working with someone who's really introverted and they "ignore the we," I consider changing my approach a bit, but first, I decide whether it's worth my time. Some introverts have developed a healthy approach to the object, so the fact that I'm selling something is just another information portal in their mind. They know it's healthy to be open to brand new ideas, to some reasonable point where they have understood the factual properties of those ideas. Others are so subjective that all they can think about is how what I'm selling reminds them of their uncle and his failed business, and the fact that he was a dangerous driver, or something. As a fellow introvert, that's sad to me because such a characteristic feeds directly into the concept of personal development. Any strength so magnified, starts to become a liability if not balanced.

wccrawford 10y ago

I am definitely an introvert, and I know for a fact that people are surprised by this. I am not currently in sales, but I worked what was basically a sales job (without the commission, etc) and I had repeat customers who would actually leave and come back later if I wasn't working that day. To me, this was because I was completely interested in their needs, and didn't care about the company's needs. I told them the best deals and gave them the straight info while being pleasant to talk to. In short, yes, I think introvert salespeople come off as extroverts to their customers.