When head hunting for your marketing team, consider an Introvert

Introverts notice details normal people will not. It’s about this processing thing. They are analytical. They observe behaviors, they collect data and notice human interaction that is not obvious. This is a valuable tool. That means they know how humans behave toward what they like or dislike. They know when someone is engaged or disengaged. They center their creativity and inspiration around others. While others are fast to make a quick comment, Introverts are still seeking to understand.

From a brand’s perspective, Introverts can bring a brand to a higher level. Think about what brand should be doing. The focus should be on the values of a brand, rather then to sell a product. As we learned, we draw the customer in, provide safety, take away the fear and the risk, and build that relationship with the intension of providing a “zen” moment for the consumer.We know brands have learned there is more power in consumer engagement than marketing techniques. This takes reflecting and they are good at that. So what does introverts know others do not?

Introverts understand that they are not a salesman, they can’t sell products, they spin tales and sell experiences, while building relationships.This is more important in building a brand. They seek to understand how connections are made between a brand and the customer. They consider how a customer will influence the brand and in turn, the company will know how to serve the customers. This is what companies aspire to, so they can create a product to benefit their customers. It is this vary loyalty that makes a brand sustainable.

Focus on authenticity. Consumers know when they see good value for the long haul and they will know if it works. People know fancy gadgets will not replace their security of a reliable brand. They can trust the brand will not fail and if they do, the brand will do their best to make it right.

Introverts look at the bigger picture. They know marketing doesn’t live in a vacuum and all areas such as the television, periodicals, social media and all online activities can contribute to target the market. They diversify their strategies to reach a wider audience. They are not the biggest fans of social media, but they understand the behavior of people on social media. Everyone wants to be heard, they want to be valued and this is a form of feedback from our customers. Consumers are revealing themselves through this venue and it must be examined. They tell us what they eat, what they wear and how they want to be treated. Introverts learn fast technology is necessary to reach the customer base because this is the medium they are choosing to use and feedback is vital for brand growth.

Introverts would rather be an expert at one thing than try to be experts on everything. They know when a strategy works and modify to fit the customer needs. They find what the brand does well and work that angle. It is good to reinvent, but only do so, if the integrity of the brand is being challenged and the need to regroup is necessary to stay relevant. They know a good strategy is understanding the competitive advantage. Do the brand provide customers with the most benefit?  What service is novel and has not been done? What is important now? These are the questions  they constantly ask and is the core of the company’s value. This goes back to building that relationship and creating the brand around customer lifestyle.

Don’t underestimate the power of reflection. Just because something doesn’t work, doesn’t mean there is a rush to make anything work to add to the bottom line. Preserving the brand is more important than having a fancy product to sell. Consider an alternative plan and brainstorm instead of settling for mediocrity. Every brand has an off day, but companies encourage feedback and people always tell companies what they are doing right or wrong.

When headhunting, my advice to go talk to the quiet person listening, because they are collecting data about you. They might have the best competitive strategy for your brand.