Online...Are You an Extrovert, Ambivert or Introvert?

Being an Extrovert in person I sometimes have a hard time understanding why people have a difficult time with being social in person.

From what I have observed, and heard from introverted people there can be a variety of reasons.

• Striking up a conversation with a total stranger can be awkward
• Small-talk is not always easy to come by
• As children we were taught that strangers can be scary
• Why bother, you’ll probably never see them again
• Fear of the unknown
• What’s the point of learning more

In Person

I've always found it extremely easy to talk with people in person and online, personally and professionally. This ranges from introducing myself, asking questions, or just small talk. I've always been inquisitive! This should be no surprise to those who know me. Early on in my career the only other local people up as early as me, that realized the benefits of using Social Media...was the Media. In the early morning hours years ago I often started Twitter chats with Vineeta Sawkar , Jason DeRusha , Jamie Yuccas , even if just to answer or support a Tweet they put out, or to say "Good Morning!" to get the conversation rolling. Over the years I enjoyed meeting them, and many others, in person, and getting to know more about them personally and professionally. Fun fact: very early on I tagged each of the news stations accounts in one "Good Morning" Tweet every morning and asked who was going to reply back first with a "Good Morning" response. It was fun to see who replied first, and eventually a couple of them sent a Tweet to me first in the mornings. Part of it was me teaching them that it was important to be social on Social, to communication with the people who follow them.

As my business evolved, and I started helping others learn more about using their Social Media accounts I created Java952 with Sarah M. Manley, MA . We met once a month with whomever wanted to chat over java about how their use of social media has been, and what questions they had, and changes in the social world that could impact them.

I really enjoyed being a member of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, and found great support in connecting with Angie Whitcomb, IOM . The events the chamber organized were great to meet other people, and learn more about local businesses. After one event in particular a guy walked up to me afterward and said "Hey, are you Social Net Nanny from Twitter?" I smiled and replied yes! I loved that Mike Lynner was not too shy to ask. I asked him what his Twitter ID was and when he replied with "it might be Mike" I thought, wow, the guys doesn't know his Twitter ID? No, that IS his Twitter ID LOL I really appreciated meeting him in person after months of connecting on Twitter only.

Online

Personally - Over the years I've learned that online I am probably more of an Ambivert with my personal accounts. I used to be an Extrovert online, but things change, people change.

Professionally - I'm definitely an Extrovert. I still have no issues talking with anyone, asking questions, getting to know more about people and businesses.

You already know if you are more of an extrovert, introvert or ambivert in person, but what about online?

• Yes - Open up, because you are in the comfort of your own home or office, and you don’t have to be face to face with anyone
• No - Shy away from talking with others, answering questions, making comments
• Maybe - Come-and-go with your level of wanting to participate, and the topic of conversation

Over the years I’ve seen the extremes online. I've witnessed the once-shy people finding their voices, as they have time to ponder the response, don't have to worry about their physical emotions and reactions overcoming their ability to respond, and can respond online from anywhere they are. And on the opposite end there are the enthusiastic, over-the-top energetic people being more quiet online, having used up their social energy (face-to-face, mobile, e-meetings), and needing to go online to find solitude in just observing, taking it all in silently.

What is your personality type, in person and online?

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