Talking to Strangers
It is a very interesting article and worth taking the time to read.
One of the key takeaways for me is "introverts and extroverts alike feel better when they act like extroverts." It goes on to say, "Maybe introverts would be more exhausted after acting extroverted? It turns out that everyone gets tired after being social, the same way everyone gets tired after going for a run."
Research conducted with a group of over 30,000 people found that "people are happier when they are more social. Even if they consider themselves introverts. Even if they fear that reaching out to another person will be embarrassing."
As I said in an earlier post, I am very extroverted and outgoing, but that's only when I'm around people. When I'm solo, I'm completely the opposite. I faked it until I made it. Now it's my more natural state. You may disagree, but I think being an extrovert when you're selling will help you make more sales than staying introverted. Try it, and let me know what you think.
#artsales
"Technically" speaking (Myers-Briggs) an "extrovert" is someone who gets their energy from social interactions and external stimulation. Whereas an "introvert" recharges by relying spending time alone and often prefers solitary activities.
As a true introvert, I forced myself to do sales 40 years ago to overcome my shyness. It was painful, but as Michael has pointed out before, being an extrovert doesn't mean being the life of the party. It does mean truly enjoying social interaction. And I've learned that by being CURIOUS about other people, without being intrusive, and then listening and observing them as they respond was the way I made a very good living as a salesperson.
The awkwardness for me came from feeling that I have to "sell my art" which feels a lot different than selling a service or product that isn't a part of my soul. LOL
So I've had to relearn and recapture my curiosity about other people, being genuine in my questions, and paying attention to their answers instead of worrying about what they think about me or my art. Ultimately, for me, I've found that poor sales comes from when I'm focused on myself instead of being genuinely interested in the person I'm speaking with. Once I do that, and my ego is out of the way, magic happens. Then I go home and collapse! I need 2-3 days for myself for each day that I'm at an art fair to recharge my introvert batteries.
@Mary Planding Thank you for posting such a thoughtful and insightful comment.
A pleasure.