How Being an Ambivert Can Skyrocket Freelance Success
Many freelancers are introverts and this makes marketing harder. But you may actually be an ambivert: a blend of introvert and extrovert that makes freelance success easier.
I used to be an introvert—or at least I thought I was. When I was a kid, I was so shy that I would hide behind my mom when people came to visit us—even people who I knew. I like to be around people, but I don’t need or want to do this too often. I get energy from working alone on things I care about. And I go out of my way to avoid conflict.
These are all classic characteristics of introverts.
But I’m also assertive and willing to take risks. And I make decisions quickly.
These are all classic characteristics of extroverts.
So it turns out I’m actually an ambivert.
You probably are too—because there are more ambiverts than introverts or extroverts.
What’s an Ambivert?
Ambiverts are part introvert and part extrovert. We’ve been around for a long time, but have only recently become widely recognized, thanks to research by people like Adam Grant, PhD, a professor of psychology at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and Susan Cain, author of The New York Times bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and host of the Quiet Life Community and Audible series.
Grant found that two-thirds of people don’t strongly identify as introverts or extroverts. These people are called ambiverts, who have characteristics of both introverts and extroverts. “If you are an ambivert, it’s much easier to be a successful entrepreneur alone.” Many successful entrepreneurs and effective leaders are probably ambiverts, say Grant and others.
Even psychologist Carl Jung, who developed the concept of extroverts and introverts back in 1921, said that people aren’t purely extroverted or introverted. Another psychologist, Hans Eysenck,, came up with the term “ambivert” in 1941. Eysenck, said that ambiverts offer a balance between the hypersensitive nature of some introverts and the domineering attitude of some extroverts.
Freelance Success Comes Easier to Ambiverts
Ambiverts are flexible and adaptable. We know when to talk and when to listen, unlike extroverts who tend to dominate conversations and introverts who are too quiet. These characteristics help us succeed in freelancing.
One of the greatest advantages of being an ambivert, says Grant based on his research, is the ability to shift between showing the strengths of an introvert to showing the strengths of an extrovert. And we can do this at the right time.
In research on salespeople, Grant found that ambiverts outperformed both introverts and extroverts. Ambiverts pulled in:
- 24% more revenue than introverts
- 32 percent more revenue than extroverts.
“The ambivert advantage stems from the tendency to be assertive and enthusiastic enough to persuade and close, but at the same time, listening carefully to customers and avoiding the appearance of being overly confident or excited,” Grant said.
Marketing for Introverts and Ambiverts
Being an introvert—or thinking that you’re an introvert—makes marketing your freelance business harder. Freelancers often tell me things like:
- “I don’t like putting myself out there”
- “I hate selling myself.”
- “I’m an introvert so I’m not comfortable with marketing.”
But if you’re actually an ambivert like most people—and not an introvert—then you already have characteristics that will make marketing easier. You just need to recognize this!
Find Out Your Personality Type
Are You An Introvert or An Extrovert (And Why Does it Matter)?
If you are an introvert, shifting your attitude from “I hate marketing” to “I can do this” will help—a lot!
Marketing for Freelancers
Whether you’re an introvert or an ambivert, effective marketing for freelancers doesn’t require you to “sell yourself.” If you have a client-focused Linked profile and website, clients will already know a lot about you before they contact you. And direct email, one of the most effective ways to get high-paying clients, is comfortable for introverts and ambiverts.
In networking, focusing on giving more than you take, or helping others without expecting anything in return, is much easier—and much more effective—than trying to sell your services. And volunteering for professional associations let you make key contacts and get more referrals without having to make small talk with strangers.
What Are You?
It doesn’t matter that you’re an introvert or an ambivert (or possibly an extrovert). What does matters is knowing your personality—because you’ll do your best work when you can draw strength from your personality instead of fighting it.
Stretch Your Personality
Once you know what you are, figure out ways to tap into your strengths. And know that you can stretch your personality, like Cain and I have.
Learn More About Ambiverts
Are You An Introvert or An Extrovert (And Why Does it Matter)?, quiz from Susan Cain
Healthline, 5 Signs That You May Be an Ambivert
Larry Kim, Why Ambiverts Are More Successful and Influential Than Extroverts
BBC. Why ambiverts are better leaders.
Mighty Marketer Content
The Ultimate LinkedIn Profile for Freelance Success This Year, with free profile checklist
How to Win More Clients with Your Freelance Website and Do Less Marketing
How to Get Steady, High-Paying Clients with Direct Email
What Happens When Freelancers Play Nice (Are Givers, Not Takers)