While extraverts get lots of energy from interacting with others, introverts tend to need time alone so they can recharge their batteries. Our team has found that many introverts are wary of striking out on their own because they feel overwhelmed by the thought of networking events and cold outreaches. And this begs the question: do the words freelance and introvert go together?
On one hand, freelancing is a perfect career path for introverts. You get to work from wherever you’d like (home, anyone?), you don’t have to go to an office, and there’s no risk of random drop-bys from coworkers.
And on the other hand, a freelance introvert has a big challenge to overcome. It’s an unavoidable fact that you’ll have to make new connections all the time. You may be able to do the work all alone, but you definitely need to interact with clients if you want to get paid!
Now, don’t panic, but I’m going to up the ante here.
The very best way to make sure you have enough work (and money) coming in is to pitch. Yes, that means reaching out to strangers!
Take a deep breath with me here! I promise, it’s not nearly as scary as you think. And actually, the way we teach pitching is the perfect way for introverts to build a career! Here’s why.
First, we teach our students to email potential clients with value-packed, enthusiastic pitches. These emails are not pushy or aggressive. Instead, clients often welcome the emails because they add so much value!
Secondly, our method means you never have to speak to anyone until they have already indicated they’re interested in your services. Freelance introverts never have to have awkward “Please! Hire me!” conversations. Rather, you get to make a one-on-one connection with someone who needs the very thing you offer.
(Still worried about that conversation? We have a training for that in our course, too!)
All freelancers—yes, even freelance introverts!—need to have clients in order to make money.
And if you prospect for clients the way we recommend, it’s a painless process.
Will you get nervous before sending those pitches? Many students do, at least the first few times. Extraverts and ambiverts included. But that nervousness doesn’t last long.
Do you remember the first time you drove a car? Or the first time you went swimming without floaties? Most of us were extremely apprehensive because we’d never done it before.
Don’t let the anxiety stop you! Keep pitching regularly, and eventually you won’t give it a second thought.
Freelance introverts are not mystical unicorns. In fact, freelancing can be a perfect career for people who love alone time.
As long as you commit to reaching out to prospective clients, you can succeed. The key is continuing to take action. Because every moment that passes you by while you indulge your worries means one less moment you can invest in mastering a new skill.
Your turn! Are there other concerns I haven’t addressed? Or are you willing to take the plunge and get started? Let me know in the comments below.
Last Updated on July 1, 2023.
