Getting found in a noisy world
Ep 71: Freelancing for introverts with Carmel Finnan
Happy Tuesday!
I started writing to you on Friday, but the sunshine was calling…
(Incidentally, I’d also been thinking about posting podcast episodes and newsletters on different days, so I can include some of the thoughtful insights and ideas from early listeners and avoid Louise-bombing your social feeds. What do you think?)
Here’s me modelling flexible freelancing, experimentation in newsletter timing, and a cap that my husband says makes me look like a Floridian Lady Golfer:
But back to business.
In episode 70, rebel-rouser Advita Patel encouraged us to be bold, be brave and unleash our inner rebels to create the businesses, communities and projects we want to see. This might seem like something that would require us to be loud. To be ON and OUT THERE.
Not necessarily.
Being curious, challenging the status quo and finding a business path that suits our personality is a form of rebellion too.
That’s why I was excited to follow my conversation with Advita with a chat with Dr Carmel Finnan about how to succeed as a quiet freelancer in a noisy world.
In a business world built for big personalities and big businesses, thriving as an introvert calls for a different approach.
As freelancers, we’re often told we must keep putting ourselves out there, connecting with people, promoting our services and being available for opportunities.
But if you’re someone who is quiet, thoughtful, and maybe a little shy, then self-promotion can be exhausting and uncomfortable at times.
If you’re an introvert (or an ambivert, like me), rebellion might look like thinking strategically about what works for you when it comes to being visible and attracting clients.
Thoughtful blog posts over daily reels. Set times for social media engagement rather than a constant drip of energy-sucking notifications. Meaningful 1:1 conversations with potential leads instead of speed-dating around an oversubscribed networking event.
Quality over quantity.
So this one's for the freelancers who like a little peace and quiet 🤫
Today’s episode: Running a freelance business as an introvert with Carmel Finnan
Carmel is a freelance conscious communications consultant, and in this episode of 15 Minute Freelancer, she shares her thoughts on being found by the right clients when your bandwidth for being visible is limited.
Our conversation includes:
What do we actually mean by the term introvert (and why Carmel doesn’t use that term)
The introvert advantage
How to build a business that fits your personality and energy
Alternative ways to promote your business as an introvert (using the 80/20 principle)
Positioning yourself to be seen, heard and found.
Listen here »
This episode seemed to resonate with listeners. Makes sense, since working for yourself is an attractive proposition for those of us who enjoy our own company! Check out this mind map summary of the episode by Michael Keating:
🧠 Insight: Being an introvert/quiet/sensitive isn’t something that needs fixed.
➡️ 15 Minute Action: Consider your own working style. Are you trying to force yourself to show up in a way that doesn’t suit your personality? Are there tweaks you could make to the way you run your business that would better protect your energy? Some ideas to kick things off:
Let yourself off the hook for not posting and replying to comments every day
Offer phone calls instead of video calls
Put a note on your website explaining that you prefer asynchronous communication (and explain how that benefits the client)
Consider which marketing channels work best for you, applying the 80/20 principle. Maybe blogging, podcasting or targeted outreach could be a better fit than daily social media?
Have a peaceful day 🙏
Louise xx
Oh, one more thing – 15 Minute Freelancer will be sponsoring Magazine Street, a brand new conference celebrating the world of magazine publishing. If you’re a freelancer who works in magazine publishing, you’ll definitely want to check this out. Takes place in Edinburgh on 29 September. I’m hoping to record a live episode at the event (eek!), so watch this space for that. Get tickets and details.