As a fellow introvert and small business owner, having an online presence is a perfect solution for connecting with my present and future clients. I especially like blogs and some of the discussions in my LinkedIn groups because they give me the opportunity to think deeply about certain questions and learn from others, too.

I refuse to chat aimlessly online, however, and I have completely resisted participating in Twitter because I just don’t get it. But I have been reading more and more articles recently about how effective Twitter is at building relationships–and business–so I set up an account about two weeks ago and plunged in.

I must admit, it is fun to have access to some really amazing people and to be able to follow their links to blogs and other sources of information. But I still don’t get the attraction of one vacuous entry after another.

In any case, all of this can be overwhelming. And it takes a LOT of time.

Using The Law of Pure Potentiality there is no “should”. There are infinite possibilities and one chooses what they want in a moment of time. Create the vision and hold the dream. This is fun. It is all about the journey and the process of whatever we say we want being detached from the results only moving toward it. Sometimes it is about timing. We also have the right to change our minds and take a new path or direction, or come back to complete something we started. I am glad I found this small group. I like quality over quantity too. Love, Saquina

@Marti
Hi, and welcome. I can relate to having energy challenges and struggling with visibility.

I find that I treat Twitter like a little dose of inspiration I can tap into when I want to. I follow a bunch of really cool people and I open it to see what they are up to – mostly following links to their blogs. I don’t ever leave it on to pop up on my screen. When I do go on I always find cool things to read. But I only do that for like 1/2 an hour every week or something on average. It’s a very rich source of stimulation, but then I’m done! So I just use it for that, and to post links to my own blog posts. I don’t really use it to socialize. But I do like it for what I do get out of it.

And no worries about Mark. I have several of his books and read his blog regularly. I just don’t always agree on everything. =)

I just wanted to say that I identify with what both of you have said. How does an introvert come up with a public persona EVERY DAY that doesn’t feel fake? People say I should be blogging, but…consistently?? My e-zine says it’s more-or-less monthly, and it’s mostly less.

I too have struggled with the issues of visibility and vulnerability, as a private person. I am coming to terms with knowing that if my business is not seen, it can’t thrive. So, little by little, I’m putting it “out there” and trying on higher levels of visibility (and vulnerability).

Meanwhile, I have time and energy challenges, too, so it’s really been a little at a time. And the whole idea of Twitter freaks me out. I hate flashing things popping up on my screen and superficial “sound bites”.

I think that what’s making a difference for me is gaining confidence at the same time as I’m deeply aware of the service that my business can provide. And if I come at it from loving service, my ego and all its conniption fits becomes less of an issue. Then I more naturally say what I have to offer as I am guided, and it seems to be OK.

As a disclaimer, I have been one of Mark’s students and continue to get a lot out of what he has been offering.

I have an illness that affects my energy level and I blame it on that but I think the psychological part is as active as the physical in my case.

I hope you find the balance you are looking for. As for me, I just go in and out of the public eye in random patterns. And I can’t do Twitter, hardly ever – exhausting just to look at it.