Carnation WA · Member since 2021 · 27 posts · 12 votes
Im really curious to learn more about successful individuals in the world of investing that are naturally introverted, and how they overcame or leveraged those tendencies. As a point of clarification: I think most people view natural introverts as either being shy, aloof, or possibly even rude. But at least for me, its none of those things. The best description Ive encountered is that most people GET energy from interactions with other people, where by introverts have to USE up a lot of mental energy when interacting with people.
It's awesome that you're self-aware and are looking ahead to what this might mean for you in the future.
My first thought is that you're seeing maybe a lot of people on social media talking on camera talking about their successful real estate endeavors. Don't get caught up in the idea that all successful people are on social media talking about their experiences. There are more investors out there who aren't doing that and who are just as if not more successful as social media influencers. Simply put, extroversion is directly correlated to success.
With that being said, real estate is a people business so you will need to make a few strong connections with key people that you will need while investing.
If you are trying to run a syndication, that is a bit different. You will need to partner with someone who is willing to get out in front of people and kiss babies.
I am naturally introverted as well and I really don't see it as a negative attribute.
It's awesome that you're self-aware and are looking ahead to what this might mean for you in the future.
My first thought is that you're seeing maybe a lot of people on social media talking on camera talking about their successful real estate endeavors. Don't get caught up in the idea that all successful people are on social media talking about their experiences. There are more investors out there who aren't doing that and who are just as if not more successful as social media influencers. Simply put, extroversion is directly correlated to success.
With that being said, real estate is a people business so you will need to make a few strong connections with key people that you will need while investing.
If you are trying to run a syndication, that is a bit different. You will need to partner with someone who is willing to get out in front of people and kiss babies.
I am naturally introverted as well and I really don't see it as a negative attribute.
This is a great question and definitely big hurdle to overcome. Attending networking events where you don't know anyone can be intimidating. Especially when you are just starting out. I remember my first few networking events, I was extremely nervous. But just like anything else, repetition helps. Just start attending more events and you'll naturally get used to it.
I'm an omni-vert, and my husband is a hardcore introvert. The best thing I think you can do, is go to the local REI meetings, and figure out who you want to talk to in advance-- check out their profiles, and maybe ask for their business card. Follow up with an email, asking them if you can take them out to lunch, so then it's a 1/1. Don't focus on a lot of relationships, but just maybe a few important ones. Be genuinely interested in them!
Being an introvert is kind of a like a superpower, because when it comes to showings, I know I don't want to talk that much, so I do a full flyer with all the questions potential tenants may ask, but it allows me to really focus on body language. I'm not focused on talking (of course I do, I have a script!), but I focus on watching, observing, listening, and analyzing the potential tenant's behaviors. Not saying extroverts can't do it, but introverts do it way better because they prefer not talking and watching.
The more comfortable you become in your own skin, the better.
Its really not about being nervous or intimated for me. And, yes I agree that meet ups are probably one of the best tools for this sort of networking. In fact, besides my already established investment goals for the rest of 2022. Networking is now my #1 priority for growth as an investor.
My primary interest with this post is just hearing from, and hopefully learning from, others that have been successful with natural introverted tendencies. And how he/she used that to their advantage or overcame certain limitations.