How to Act Social If You’re and Introvert: Interview with UpJourney

“Be More Social”

We’ve all heard that advice. Phrases like: “People do business with people.” “People need to like you before they’ll buy from you.” These phrases and sayings tend to permeate the business environment, healthcare and rehabilitation included.

How many private practices feel that they would just get more referrals if they had a better relationship with their referring physicians and providers? Even if you’re providing holistic, biopsychosocial treatment, if patient’s aren’t coming in the doors, you’re out of luck.

But I get it. It can be awkward to network, especially when it comes to business. There’s this unspoken tension. Two people in a room; one person feels they have to sell. The other doesn’t want to be sold. So how do you get around that? The key is in genuinely building relationships: Being social. Take a real interest in the person you are speaking with. Even if you’re “networking” or “building business relationships”, a lot of that awkwardness goes away if you simply take the time to make conversation with the other person.

But what if you’re an introvert?

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the good folks at UpJourney to talk a little bit about just that. You can read the whole article and other interviews here, or check out the excerpt below.

Excerpt:

I think a big reason introverted people feel uncomfortable in social situations is that they simply don’t want to have to think about making conversation with strangers.

What do you say? What topics do you choose to talk about? How long should you talk about it?

These questions can begin to build and cause anxiety in someone who considers themselves an introvert. One of the best ways to combat this is to simply focus the conversation of the person you are speaking with.

Ask them what they do for work, interesting projects they are involved in, their last trip or vacation. As you engage with more and more people, it will become painfully apparent to you that most people love to talk about themselves -not in an egotistical, self-centered way.

People just tend to find it easy to talk about what they’re involved in, their passion projects, life events, etc.

If you can get your conversation partner talking about something meaningful to them, 2 things happen:

1. The conversation begins to flow much more naturally than if you were picking random topics or questions from the latest self-help article.
2. The person you are speaking with will generally make a real connection with you. They will feel appreciated, engaged, and will enjoy talking with you.

Read the rest of the article here!

Have you tried to make changes to act more sociable and extroverted? Share any additional resources that you found helpful in the comments below!

For more informational reads, check out our Blog to see all the articles we’ve published to date. Click here to head over to our resources section and check out our variety of clinical and professional resources aimed at increasing your knowledge and skills. If you’d like to make some changes in your clinic or health center, and would like some help, check out our consulting and advisement services or contact us to see how we can help you break out of the norm and provide a truly impactful patient experience.

Rafael E. Salazar II, MHS, OTR/L is the president and CEO of Rehab U Practice Solutions. He has experience in a variety of rehab settings, working with patients recovering from a variety of injuries and surgeries. He worked as the lead clinician in an outpatient specialty clinic at his local VA Medical center. He also has experience as an adjunct faculty instructor at Augusta University’s Occupational Therapy Program, as a Licensed Board Member on the GA State OT Board, has served on several committees for the national OT Board (NBCOT), and as a consultant for the State of Georgia. He is also on the Board of Directors for NBCOT.

Read his full bio Here. Read about Rehab U Here.

Sign up to get the latest articles and resources!

You’ll also receive clinical bonuses not posted to the site!

Leave this field empty if you're human: