Online Business Strategies for Introverts: Do You Still Have to Talk to Customers?

The Introvert’s Edge Video Podcast: Discover the Strategies and Tactics of Introverted Global Business Leaders

In the last episode of the Introvert’s Edge, Ryan Deiss shared with us how he went from a college student selling baby food recipes online, to the founder and CEO of Digital Marketer, the world’s premier digital marketing company, and how he sees introversion as a strength, not an excuse. In this episode, it’s time for some tough love, as Ryan tells it as it is. Introverted or extroverted, there are going to be times when you don’t enjoy certain elements of the work involved in building a business. The key is to be purposeful, self-aware, willing to learn, committed to pushing through, understanding what really matters – and letting go of the rest. Getting More Customers in an Online World In the digital age of websites, eCommerce stores, payment gateways, and purchases made without speaking to a soul, are introverts finally free to stop worrying about learning a sales process? The clear answer is “no.” Ryan explains why it’s actually more important than ever to get face-to-face with your customers. The Easiest, Fastest, Cheapest Way to Do Market Research for Your Small Business Forget analytics, A/B testing, and heat maps; at least at first. The most effective way to test your products and your market is by getting out there and talking to people. Find out how Ryan spent one single day – instead of months on end – learning exactly what his customers want. Some Questions I Ask: You say you’re not really all that humble, but you do come across that way. What do you attribute that to? (0:40) What are your thoughts on the contradiction between the need for validation and the desire to be out of the spotlight? (2:42) What did you do to become better at the business tasks you don’t enjoy or aren’t especially good at? (10:06) Is it possible, in our online world, to avoid learning the processes and systems behind selling? (17:22) You have a lot people trying to get to you directly; how do you decide who to prioritize and what items to action? (26:20) What’s your introvert’s edge? (30:33) In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Ryan purposefully structured Digital Marketer so that he doesn’t have to be the person out front (0:50) The important question you need to ask yourself about motivation (2:56) Why “making a difference” can’t be your primary driver (3:15) You can’t just become the team owner; you’ve got to be the athlete first (4:40) Why making money should be front-and-center for any business owner or entrepreneur (7:50) A simple formula for effective networking (10:40) The mindset shift that makes public speaking easier (13:57) Why you have to learn effective sales strategies, and talk to actual people, even if you have an online-based business (17:33) How to cut your marketing and sales research from several months to a single day (18:42) Ryan’s #1 rule for launching a new product (23:04) Ryan’s secret to business success in any industry (24:20) How to balance work, family, and taking time to help others – without getting overwhelmed (28:30) When apathy is a good thing (30:44) Resources Mentioned in the Show: Ryan Deiss Part 1 Digital Marketer Traffic and Conversion Summit Thanks for taking the time to listen!