Mark Zuckerberg was already known to millions worldwide as the Harvard dropout who started the world’s largest social network in his tiny dorm room.
Today, his persona has expanded to epic proportions as Facebook’s IPO has made him the third wealthiest tech entrepreneur in the United States (and among the top 30 richest people in the world, population 7 billion).
People who have followed Facebook and Zuckerberg’s meteoric rise know that Zuckerberg is an introvert. And he’s not one of these closet introverts who looks like an extrovert to anyone who doesn’t know it. His introversion is fairly obvious and well-documented.
The good news for Zuck (that’s his Facebook username, so I trust I can be that cozy) is that introvert sentiment is on the upswing. It’s almost hip to be an introvert and to be who you are, in all of your introvert glory.
So here are a few “introvert, honor thyself” thoughts for you, Zuck, to consider as the spotlight goes from bright to blinding.
I’ve never had a problem with dining alone, especially if I have something to read. It’s actually a pleasant way to recharge, be intentional about enjoying my food, people watch and eavesdrop (shhh!). The only sucky part about dining alone is the greeter who says, “Only one of you today?” while looking at me with upraised eyebrows that hint at a touch of pity.
But those days are over, thanks to “Invite for a Bite”! The launch of this new site provoked some serious conversation on Facebook, as well as inspired a few tips for people who see “Table for One” as the kiss of death.
“If you want it done right, do it yourself.”
The words of an introvert, me thinks!
Introverts and independence go hand-in-hand. It doesn’t mean that other people aren’t important to us; we simply are more deliberate and even cautious about who we invite into our inner world. A recent conversation with a professional singer and self-professed introvert reminded me of why we will sometimes do *anything* to find a solution to a challenge, other than ask another person for help.
Ever since I put a stake in the ground as The Introvert Entrepreneur, I’ve wondered if anyone would create anything along the lines of The Extrovert Entrepreneur.
Well, grab your noise-cancelling headphones, because I’ve found something close to it!! Did you know there’s a “full-service healthcare agency” called “Extrovertic”?
Fascinating!
Everyone who works there is an extrovert (at least according to their bios). Each bio starts with the phrase, “I know I’m an extrovert because…”
Inspired and curious, I posted the following on Facebook: “How would you finish the sentence, ‘I know I’m an introvert because…’??”
The topic of introversion is enjoying some major buzz, and can I just say, it’s about time? 
One of the most interesting conversations is happening around The New York Times opinion piece penned by Susan Cain, titled “The Rise of the New Groupthink.” Here are my thoughts on that piece, as well as some tips for putting the “I” in “Team.”
