Summary

The article discusses strategies for introverted bloggers to build authentic connections and community engagement on platforms like Medium without succumbing to social anxiety.

Abstract

The author, an introverted blogger, empathizes with the challenges of networking and community building in the writing space, particularly for those who experience social anxiety. Drawing from personal experience and advice from Mia, the owner of "She Dreams All Day," the author outlines three key strategies: engaging with like-minded writers to minimize social stress, gradually building online confidence through consistent writing and community support, and fostering one-on-one relationships with mentors and peers. The article emphasizes that introverts can make a significant impact online and that gaining confidence is not exclusive to extroverts. It also suggests alternative platforms for those who prefer minimal engagement, such as NewsBreak.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the anxiety and self-doubt introverted writers may face when sharing their work publicly and engaging with the online community.
Engagement with other writers should be enjoyable and not overwhelming, suggesting a strategic approach to social interaction.
Online confidence is attainable for introverts through consistent expression and the support of a writing community.
The author values the importance of mentorship and personal connections in the writing journey, despite a preference for solitude and independence.
There is an acceptance that not all feedback will be positive, and the author advises on handling negative comments constructively.
The article offers a practical solution for those averse to group interactions by suggesting the development of individual friendships within the writing community.
The author provides a pragmatic alternative for writers who wish to avoid engagement altogether, highlighting platforms where the focus is solely on writing and publishing content.

3 Strategies That Help Me Build Authentic Connections as an Introverted Blogger

How it is possible to network and build a community without having a social anxiety-induced breakdown

https://www.freepik.com/author/cookie-studio

I know what it feels like to be introverted and shy. It’s not easy because more times than not it feels like a fish out of water when thrust into a social situation.

I don’t know about you but it can be seriously anxiety-inducing for me.

Do you feel the same way too as a writer on this platform?

Do you lurk on posts, opinions brimming in that writerly head of yours yet refusing to spill over and out onto the comments section? In other words, do you shy away from engagement?

I hear you.

It’s one thing to share your ideas and voice online but the constant engagement and interaction that is can be especially draining. And there are these other doubts that threaten to overwhelm👇:

👉Is it for me, you wonder?

👉As an introvert, I don’t think I have the confidence required to share my stories on such a public platform.

👉What if the trolls come out to play? I really don’t think I can bear to read a nasty comment — it could put me off writing forever!

💡Here’s the thing I’ve learned: The above reasons are very valid reasons but what you don’t understand is that extroverted writers struggle with the same thoughts as well!

And I find answers to the above questions from introvert blogger and owner of She Dreams All Day, Mia.

🌸For example, if you have difficulty with regards to interacting with other writers then I hope you find inspiration in what she has to say: “You get to make a difference in the world and on the internet. The size of the potential audience you can reach with your message is limitless.”

If that 👆is not motivation enough, I don’t know what is. But in order to do that, you need to get noticed — so why not start small by committing to read, clap and comment on at least a couple of articles a day?

🌸There is a line from Mia that jumped out at me regarding the feeling that our extroverted counterparts have a distinct advantage over us: “Gaining online confidence is not just a job for the extroverts.”

If that 👆 is not a great equalizer then I don’t know what is.

🌸If you are like me and are not interested in drama, the idea of nasty comments popping up can be off-putting but Mia has the perfect explanation for that as well: “Remember that you cannot change other people and their opinion of you. It’s simply impossible. You’re not going to be for everyone, and that’s okay.”

It’s good to keep in mind that all these are part and parcel of writing on a social media platform. In time you learn how to handle those comments. Or you simply ignore or block.

Yes, it can be daunting at first but I would suggest taking the plunge slowly and making sure to check in regularly with yourself to see whether you need to take a step back or take it up a notch.

3 strategies that help me build authentic connections as an introverted blogger on Medium

I wanted to talk about 3 strategies covered by Mia of She Dreams All Day that have helped me in my writing journey thus far.

Engagement does not need to have a high transaction cost

The trick here, in my experience, is to know how to spread your social energy so that you are not overwhelmed. And the key to making this fun while minimizing the stress is to connect with like-minded writers.

For example, I started by reading (and lurking) articles of writers who wrote personal stories that resonated with me. One day, I discovered I could give 50 claps (it costs nothing) and also found the courage to leave a comment.

Guess what happened?

The writer not only responded but also reciprocated! And thus began a lovely friendship that continues today.

Gaining online confidence does not happen overnight

I am the perfect example of this situation. If you would look at my earlier articles, I neither have a style of writing nor a strong author’s voice. But if you look at my articles over time, you can clearly see how I have evolved.

There is a pattern and that is, the more I expressed myself through my writing, the more my confidence grew.

However, that is not all. There is another key factor involved and that is community. The support and love shown to me by my fellow writers have been a big confidence booster.

https://www.freepik.com/author/lookstudio

I doubt I would have made it this far if not for my community. So, my advice would also be don’t pass up opportunities to engage with writers who connect with your content.

If groups are not your thing, try to develop one on one friendships with like-minded writers

I like to work alone and I like my space. But I am practical-minded as well. I know the importance of having mentors, advisors, and writers I can talk shop with.

What I have realized is that behind many a success story is a team.

It could be your partner, your family, or friends whom you have never met in person but who believe in you and are generous with their time and advice in helping you achieve your goals.

Guess which one of the above is my team?

I am grateful for them and for both the friendships that happened organically on this platform as well as those that resulted when more experienced writers decided to take me under their wing.

And if none of the above strategies appeal to you, you can choose to write on a platform that requires no engagement, say, for example, NewsBreak where you only need to write, post, and get paid.

Here are 3 reads I enjoyed this week:

Victoria Gregg: https://readmedium.com/do-any-of-us-really-know-what-we-are-doing-e7281bf4b699

Walter Pop Matthews IV: https://readmedium.com/does-the-invisible-get-seen-do-the-voiceless-get-heard-a12d1d181e5e

Jennifer Barrios Tettay: https://readmedium.com/i-want-you-to-be-honest-and-authentic-just-please-leave-your-insults-at-home-44255bd17c72

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