Welcome to our Introvert Interviews series (back from a hiatus!), where I talk to introverts from all walks of life about their experiences and their introversion.
Meet Semonna McNeil. Semonna is a List Building Mentor who works with introverts and shy entrepreneurs.
Are you reading any interesting books right now?
Leveraging the Universe by Mike Dooley, Trust by Iyanla Vanzant and Everybody Writes by Ann Handley.
What’s your favorite self-care activity?
Listening to music. I used to think that self-care had to be a big drawn out event or process but now I know better. I use music to help manage my mood, embrace my playful self and express myself. It’s pretty powerful.
On Twitter you describe yourself as a “List Building Mentor for freedom-seeking introverts and shy entrepreneurs.” What is a List Building Mentor?
As a list building mentor, I help freedom-seeking, introverted or shy coaches and service providers leverage digital strategies + email marketing so they can grow big(ger), more responsive email lists, have greater impact and make more money online.
Each custom digital marketing plan takes a holistic approach to list building, focusing on five pillars to create a magnetic client attraction strategy: email marketing, website optimization, analytics, landing pages, and virtual events.
What do you like the most about working with introverts and shy entrepreneurs?
You’ve heard the saying like attracts like. This is so true for my business. I often work with women who are either exactly where I’ve been or just behind me on this ever evolving journey. I love being there to be of service, offer accountability and help them move past their blocks.
Working with me, my clients have increased their list size by thousands, gained greater visibility by hosting their first webinars/telesummits and filled their online programs to capacity.
How much of an effect do you think being an introvert has had on your career?
My introversion hasn’t hindered my career; it’s helped it. As an introvert, I am an exceptional listener and this trait alone has helped me build amazing relationships.
I work well independently which has helped me excel in various virtual positions, and trading in many Friday evenings and weekends for books versus hanging out with the girls has served me well. 🙂
What was your reaction when you first learned you were an introvert?
The heavens opened and birds began to sing. lol. Not really but it was a big ah-ha for me. I first took the Myers Briggs assessment in middle school and I guess you could say learning I was an introvert was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I loved knowing the characteristics of an introvert. It all resonated. However, sometimes I used my introversion as a crutch and fell back on the stereotypes/myths about introverts. Some times I even feared being/doing anything but that which would be deemed typical of an introvert.
It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized that I had confused introversion with shyness (or dare I say it…Fear) and I’ve been taking steps to move past those shyness blocks ever since.
If you were able to travel back in time, is there any advice you would give to your younger introverted self?
Here’s a draft of a blog post I started that answers this question.
