Why socially awkward extroverts are the best PR Consultants
One thing that I'm not, is an introvert. I can stand up and speak in front of thousands of people; I can call a President out on his nonsense (respectfully of course); I can advise an experienced board on strategic marketing-communications that will add value to their bottom line; and if I really have to, I can throw an uglier tantrum than the child doing so.
But I am also socially awkward because I am over-analytical. If I am at a social event, you'll spot me from a mile away. I'll be the one with the puzzled look on my face trying to think what to say next.
1. As the MD of PR Worx, my job demands me to understand my target audience. What do they like, what don't they like, who do they like, what drives them, how do they make decisions, when do they make their selection, who impacts their preferences, when do they decide to do what, how do they make choices, how long does it take them to make up their minds... So if I take a bit long to respond to your conversation, it's because my brain is filtering through all of these points and I'm trying not to question you as if you were part of one of my focus- or research groups. ??
2. I spend a lot of time planning and developing the right messaging or the right narrative that will help a brand to resonate with a specific audience. I can quickly assess what you'll like or won't like so instead of just giving you an opinion, I think twice before I respond to filter my professional views from my personal ones. Trust me, the unfiltered version can be brutally honest, which helps tremendously in crisis communications but not much when you're building new relationships. ??
3. I am a fixer-mixed-analyst-mixed-marketer-mixed-communicator and I assure you, I can conceive some pretty accurate hypothetical situations. I deal with crisis communications almost daily so I will always have a Plan A, B, C and D should any of the first ones fail. If you tell me about a challenge you're experiencing and I don't respond quickly, it's because I'm sifting through the different solutions I've already crafted for you mentally. If I hesitate to reply, it's because I know that there's nothing worse than unsolicited advice. ??
If this message does not resonate with you, know that I'm brilliant at my job but crap at social or soft conversations, unless I know you. If you want the job done, I'm your go-to-person. If you want to socialise, pick one of my colleagues instead! ??
If my post sounds too familiar or close to home, consider this, YOU might just be Sheldon Cooper! Bazinga! ??????
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Public Relations Practitioner
4 年I can definitely relate ??
Management Coach | Coach of 3000+ managers | MD of Merit Business Institute
4 年Love it Madelain. I find myself in the same boat - awkward in a social group larger than four people. But put me in front of a group of managers or salespeople and you would think that I am the ultimate extrovert! So we wear masks for the occasion, but when people see my other side they become confused. If I see any people that are on my training course, in Pick n Pay for example, I avoid any contact with them. So I suppose that one can say that in my job I am outgoing, gregarious, friendly etc. But in my private life I am withdrawn and a loner. Confusing? For some maybe. For me? Comforting. Knowing, understanding and accepting my two sides allows me to explore and enjoy them, rather than be afraid of them. Terribly philosophical I know! But you know what I mean.
PR Account Manager | BA Strategic Corporate Communications
4 年I found myself agreeing with almost every point made, thinking "ah, that's me!" and "I do that too". After reading this, I also consider myself a socially awkward extrovert. :)?