Shelley,

I don't know if one has to be an extrovert to have success using social media, but it can't hurt. The name social media implies that we are outgoing, people-centric and put the who (people) before the what (profits, products and services).

My take isn't that we have to be extroverted to be successful; but that those of us adopting and adapting social media are extroverted.

I am a bona fide enfp, so I resemble that remark. However, I don't think you have to be one to be successful. In fact, you have to like the electronic version of meet and greet as much as the face-to-face.

I think I am just excited about the possibilities, which apparently comes across.

Be able to create effective generic content !

Shelley,
Once you open yourself to a social media atmosphere you have to be ready for responses that are simply beyond your control. Does it help to be current, personable and resilient to criticism? Absolutely, this is why social media is not for everyone. Whether you are extroverted or introverted you still need the right mix of projecting yourself in a way that effectively leverages your time and efforts so that the experience of utilizing social marketing techniques doesn’t result in a waste of time and money. That being said, I do believe companies/individuals that are extroverted in nature will gravitate towards social media and will experience greater success in the emerging marketplace.

"I think I am just excited about the possibilities, which apparently comes across."

I think this is the key. We all use these tools everyday and see their enormous potential. Which as Kami said, makes it easy to be excited about where we are headed!

Interesting question, Shelley: What kind of person really digs social media?

I'm not so sure about the extrovert part... then again, I'm an INTP, and I love social media tools.

I like what Michael said, "Once you open yourself to a social media atmosphere you have to be ready for responses that are simply beyond your control. Does it help to be current, personable and resilient to criticism? Absolutely, this is why social media is not for everyone."

My takeaway is that people who dig social media do like connecting -- whether in person or online. But even more so, they are curious souls who enjoy the give and take social media affords and requires.

Shelley -- I think that when somebody is in this (or any other) space and they have an internal fire and passion for the content, it manifests itself as extroversion. They want to spread the message and get other people to be excited. I consider myself normally introverted, but the passion for what I do comes out and I've had people tell me I am extroverted.

"Matt isn't extroverted -- but he plays one on his blog."

I suspect you get a lot of introverted types who are more comfortable interacting from a distance-- isn't that the charm of social media, that it allows you to interact without physically interacting?

I am an introvert if there ever was one and I thoroughly enjoy certain aspects of social media. I can do without the social networking sites but blogging is the perfect tool for someone like myself. The ability to take my time and put my thoughts down for others to comment on is much more desirable than any live networking event or conference.

Shelley,

I don't consider myself an extrovert but I do enjoy interacting with others via the social media. As business people, our job is to deliver a message, whether it's a sales message, a marketing message, or any other type of information.

The more ways I have to get the message out, the more likely it is that the right people will see it.

Betting, Kami, that the F in your ENFP isn't extreme -- you did too good a job talking about ROI and social media! There's some T in there somewhere. :)

In agreement with the rest of you, too. Extroversion helps. But when you're passionate about the subject, even introverts (Ann, really??) can extro their verts without restraint. I'm experiencing that now as I visit a blog frenzy about the Next Iron Chef America.

http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007/11/next-iron-che-1.html#comments

People are funny!

Hi Shelley:

As versatile as the Internet itself, the different elements of social media can appeal to both types of people. For some introverts, written or "safe" computer interaction is easier than in-person socializing. Extroverts may enjoy the large selection of outlets and many conversation streams found through social media.

Like Kami, I'm excited about all the possibilities to increase communication and can't wait to see where the future is headed!

For me, the excitement lies in the great results I have already achieved, and the great hope it offers for not only communications results, but a better business environment in general. Corporations have a hard time hiding unethical behavior out here.

This in turn has ignited a fire in me like I've never felt before. The future is indeed bright and exciting now. I'm a believer, and cannot be swayed differently now.

Mike, Jeff, I think I consider myself more of an introvert than I used to, primarily because I've been working from home for so long. (People? You mean there are *people* out there?) Social media tools that are truly conversational help me overcome that feeling of isolation a bit. But as thoughtful as I try to behave, I still manage to stick my cyberfoot in my mouth now and then!

Chris, Geoff, I agree about getting a rush from the results of connecting with people -- and making business feel personal when you're the "voice" of that business. Achieving that can be a real kick. :)

Shelley; I think I feel a little T coming on. You are right of course, I do tend toward the center on the F/T scale. For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about, just suffice it to say I am a bit of a geek. A fun and extroverted geek (of course).

I have to agree that social media has a lot to offer introverts as well. It is a great way to be with people without actually having to be with them, if you get my drift. And for those of us that like more interaction, there is always the phone or conferences.

I love Kami's quote here: "It is a great way to be with people without actually having to be with them, if you get my drift."

...which reminds me of the Charles Shultz quote: "I love mankind; it's people I can't stand."

Kami, regarding the whole Myers-Briggs personality scales... I used to have a boss that was certified in that, and he used the tests in team-building exercises. We could always count on him to say to somebody, "Your P-ness is showing!"

Shelley
I find the question really interesting. I'm not sure what a "marketer in social media" really is - it may have some meaning today but I don't think there new attributes required just because of social media.

For me two of the key attributes that I have observed over the years amongst successful marketers are CURIOSITY and PASSION.

If you are open to new ideas you will probably have been naturally drawn to social media - if only to understand what all the fuss is about and to form your own opinion.

And when you discover that this is not so much about technology but more about human traits of openness, trust, sharing, learning etc it is highly likely that you'll get passionate about this - particularly if these are values that you already share or aspire to. And if you're passionate about something you can't help that excitement showing through.

I don't think it's about Introvert versus Extrovert. Introverts have insights too (!) and social media provides a great platform for all to have an equal voice. However, introverts are rather less likely to want to stand on the conference platform...

Shelley
I find the question really interesting. I'm not sure what a "marketer in social media" really is - it may have some meaning today but I don't think there new attributes required just because of social media.

For me two of the key attributes that I have observed over the years amongst successful marketers are CURIOSITY and PASSION.

If you are open to new ideas you will probably have been naturally drawn to social media - if only to understand what all the fuss is about and to form your own opinion.

And when you discover that this is not so much about technology but more about human traits of openness, trust, sharing, learning etc it is highly likely that you'll get passionate about this - particularly if these are values that you already share or aspire to. And if you're passionate about something you can't help that excitement showing through.

I don't think it's about Introvert versus Extrovert. Introverts have insights too (!) and social media provides a great platform for all to have an equal voice. However, introverts are rather less likely to want to stand on the conference platform...