In this engaging conversation, Goldie Chan, a brand and storytelling expert, discusses the nuances of introversion, personal branding, and the dynamics between introverts and extroverts. She shares insights from her new book, ‘Personal Branding for Introverts,’ and emphasizes the importance of networking, small talk, and setting expectations in professional environments. Goldie also draws parallels between historical figures like Cleopatra and modern branding strategies, while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique identities and take risks in their careers. 

I’ve noticed that the younger generation doesn’t like it when you call them on the phone out of the blue – but is that maybe an introvert thing? 

“So, I think it is both introversion and generational because there’s also members of the older generation that don’t like phone calls, right? And I think that that is introversion, but I do agree with you that for the younger generation – I’m part of the millennial generation – for millennial and younger, the rule of thumb is text first; and then get approval to call; and then call. And also definitely don’t do Facebook audio or Facebook voice. I have been assaulted by those things before, and I don’t appreciate getting the Facebook call or the Facebook video. Just personally as both an introvert and someone of the millennial generation, I would rather get personally a text beforehand.” 

There is an irony in the fact that you are an introvert and here you are on a podcast and you’re probably going to be talking to a ton of people to help sell this book. 

“I think that this is so funny because I’m an introvert. I’m truly an introvert trying to sell a book about introverts to other introverts. And if you ask me what the magic bullet is, I, I truly do not know. But as somebody who’s not a sales pro, I have to say that it’s a numbers game I’m realizing. I think the more people that you reach, the higher your chances are of selling something.” 

You delve into the spectrum of introversion which can include introverts who are kind of loud. 

“I wanted to specifically write a book that did not have the word quiet in the title. I didn’t want to say that the only kinds of introverts that exist are quiet, because I think that we so often minimize all introverts to one characteristic of quiet. And then also maybe crying in the corner, which I’ll do later, so you know – it’s probably pretty accurate. I could do an entire book on this and that’s the loud introvert. I think that so many introverts get really loud and passionate and excited when they’re talking about something that they care about. And I’m sure you’ve seen this too, when you’ve seen introverts that you’ve worked with, especially young introverts, when they finally have a voice.” 

Photo Credit: Mercedes Zapata