How to Love Networking and Marketing Yourself As An Introvert with Brenda Meller

Don't let being an "introvert" keep you from getting visible and marketing your business. News flash: it's a self-limiting belief that's stopping you from greater opportunities.

The good news is that many standout women experts and entrepreneurs are highly successful, and this doesn't stop them, including Brenda Meller, founder of Meller Marketing.

Join host Michelle B Griffin as Brenda shares her story of "owning her lane" and how she successfully markets and grows her LinkedIn coaching and training business as a self-described "introvert."

We'll share actionable tips for getting out there and leveraging your unique strengths to become visible while marketing yourself and your business.

LINKS
Connect With Brenda Meller on LinkedIn
Meller Marketing

Ready to Own Your Lane? - The Brand Leaders® Podcast

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Transcript

Michelle B. Griffin: Welcome to the Standout Women Podcast. I'm your host, Michelle B. Griffin, and founder of Standout Women Media. As an author, speaker, and certified personal brand and PR strategist, I'm here to empower and elevate women just like you to get visible, build your personal brand, and own your lane as a visible brand authority and thought leader in your space.

I'm super excited you're here. Now let's get going with today's show.

Welcome, everybody, to this week's episode of the Standout Women Show. I am your host, Michelle B. Griffin. Today, our guest is someone I've known for several years now, and I was just sitting in the green room wondering how she hasn't been on the show before. But today’s a special topic because she truly exemplifies what we're going to talk about—being an introvert, or as she calls herself, a self-proclaimed introvert.

It’s not anything negative, and it’s not a label. I see so many people—clients and connections on LinkedIn—saying, “I’m an introvert, so I can’t do X, Y, Z,” and I feel like that’s such a self-limiting belief. So, who better to show us exactly how to navigate this than the rock star herself, Brenda Meller. Welcome to the show!

Brenda Meller: Hey, Michelle. I'm delighted to be here. Thank you so much for having me. It does seem kind of crazy that we haven’t done this before, but we’ve been on podcasts together, LinkedIn Lives, and done various things, so I’m thrilled to be on your show today. Thank you for including me.

Michelle: Absolutely. When I first met you years ago, you were just about to release your first book, Social Media Pie, and I think I even ordered a copy before we actually met. That’s the power of LinkedIn and not letting being an introvert hold you back. You were incredible in how you got your book out there. We eventually met, did the LinkedIn trifecta talks together, and even met in person earlier this year.

But one thing that always stuck with me is how you identify as an introvert. There's nothing wrong with that label, but some people use it as a block. I invited you along today because not only are you a marketing whiz, but you also have some valuable insights on this topic. Tell everyone who hasn’t met you yet about what you do with your marketing.

Brenda: Thank you for that, Michelle. I come from a corporate marketing background, and now I help people as an independent consultant, LinkedIn trainer, and coach. I work one-on-one with clients for LinkedIn coaching, profile optimization for executives, and I train teams on social selling techniques on LinkedIn. I also have online courses for job seekers and solopreneurs on how to use LinkedIn effectively.

One of my catchphrases is, “I help people get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie.” Another thing I often say is, “LinkedIn is confusing, and that’s why I have a job—I help make it less confusing for you.”

Michelle: Mellor Marketing has been around for what, six, seven, eight years now?

Brenda: Yes, I started it as a side hustle in 2016 while I was still working in corporate marketing. Then, when the universe nudged me forward in 2017, I leaned into Mellor Marketing full-time, and by January 2018, I was fully committed. So, it's been about six years now, and it's been a fun ride.

Michelle: I love how you've positioned yourself as a LinkedIn trainer and coach, especially around marketing. You’ve really owned your lane. I’ve seen you embrace marketing, which is so important when you have your own business. But, I cannot tell you how many times people say, “But I'm an introvert.” You know, my whole core is helping women put themselves out there, get visible, and build their authority. You can’t do that if you see being an introvert as a self-limiting belief. So, tell us, as an introvert, how do you step aside from that and not let it stop you?

Brenda: The first thing to understand is that being an introvert is not a lack of something; it’s simply how you think about where you get your energy and how you recharge. For me, being around other introverts actually energizes me. It’s not that I can’t be around extroverts, but after being around a lot of people—whether introverts or extroverts—I need some downtime.

After a webinar or speaking event, I usually go for a walk with my dog and not talk to anyone, or if I’m at a conference, I’ll take some quiet time with a cup of coffee. It’s about recharging. Being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t be a keynote speaker or workshop leader. Some people think introverts are shy or nervous in front of groups, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Michelle: That’s a great way to reframe it. So, as an introvert who’s also a national speaker, workshop facilitator, and LinkedIn expert, you’re showing that none of those self-limiting beliefs are true. I’ve even heard introverts say that getting online is easier than being in person. Do you find that to be true?

Brenda: For me, it is. When social media first became a thing, I wasn’t interested in connecting with people from high school or old acquaintances on Facebook. But then LinkedIn came along, and a respected colleague introduced me to it. I realized it was a way to connect with people professionally without the anxiety of in-person networking events.

Posting on LinkedIn didn’t intimidate me the way walking up to someone at an event did. So, if you’re an introvert, you can embrace a platform like LinkedIn to get more comfortable with those uncomfortable scenarios. It’s about interacting in a way that feels less intimidating.

Michelle: That’s a great point. I’m very extroverted, but when I decided to get full force on LinkedIn in 2021, I felt like an online introvert. Sometimes, LinkedIn can feel limiting to me because it’s a professional space, but it all comes down to mindset and beliefs. You’re really busting through those barriers.

Brenda: LinkedIn is more comfortable for many of us because it’s a professional platform, not like the wild, wild west of TikTok or Instagram. On LinkedIn, we’re networking professionally, which feels safer. It’s interesting that as an extrovert, you find LinkedIn limiting because extroverts thrive on in-person interaction. I can do in-person events, but I need to recharge afterward.

Michelle: Exactly! During the pandemic, I felt drained because I wasn’t getting that in-person connection. It dawned on me that I needed to get out more. But, you’re right, it has to be strategic. Now, for those who use being an introvert as a block to getting more visible, what other ways can they start loving and marketing their business?

Brenda: It really depends on your goals—whether you’re job seeking, looking to grow your business, or something else. But as an introvert, getting out to a networking event once a week or at least two to three times a month is important. Set a goal to meet one new person at each event, and don’t focus on selling, just on making a connection.

As introverts, our inclination is to stick with people we know, but challenge yourself to meet someone new. And if you don’t know anyone, find someone who looks like they’re also new and introduce yourself. These small steps can help you overcome that initial intimidation.

Michelle: Great tips! It’s about setting small, manageable goals and being strategic. Having a strong introduction and feeling confident in how you present yourself is key too, right?

Brenda: Absolutely. A strong, enthusiastic introduction is crucial. You need to sound excited about what you do, even if you’re not entirely happy with your job or business. Practice your introduction until it becomes second nature. Tailor it to the event or context you’re in to make it more engaging and memorable.

Michelle: That’s so true. Enthusiasm and a well-prepared introduction make a huge difference. What other final tips do you have for introverts trying to market themselves?

Brenda: Don’t be afraid to embrace your introverted nature. It’s not a character flaw; it’s just part of who you are. Practice getting out of your comfort zone, whether it’s attending networking events or getting more active online. And always be prepared with a strong, enthusiastic introduction that reflects your passion for what you do.

Michelle: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Brenda. Where can listeners connect with you?

Brenda: You can find me on my website, mellermarketing.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn at Brenda Meller. If you follow me, I’ll look at your profile and might connect with you. Or you can click the “More” button on my profile to send a personalized invite.

Michelle: Perfect! And don’t forget to check out Brenda’s podcast, Enthusiastically Self-Employed. Thank you again, Brenda, for joining us today.

Brenda: Thank you, Michelle. It was a pleasure!

Michelle: That’s all for today. Are you ready to grow your visibility, personal brand, and thought leadership? Head on over to michellebgriffin.com for free resources to get started today. Thanks for listening, and until next time, keep putting yourself out