The Sincere Introvert: Sincerity and Vulnerability in the Age of Personal Branding

As host of the PI Window on Business Show, I have had the opportunity to speak with The Twittering Granny, Canada's Trade Minister, Maine's gubernatorial candidate Matt Jacobson, bestselling authors too numerous to list and industry thought leaders. Suffice to say each one provided invaluable knowledge, insight and great entertainment for all of us. However, and even with this great constellation of guests, in a world in which personal branding is the key element of building one's profile and establishing an enduring presence, Jennifer Allan caught my attention! Perhaps it was the fact that she is an admitted introvert? Or maybe it was the simple yet powerful expression of her belief that "the secret of success for real estate agents (Jennifer is a former top producing real estate broker), and other entrepreneurs is not in aggressive marketing techniques or hard-core sales pitches, but rather in being competent in one’s craft." A quiet competency if you will that establishes confidence in those with whom she seeks to connect and serve. A published author, a speaker and a trainer, Jennifer has written five books about the business of selling real estate, including her flagship book: Sell with Soul: Creating an Extraordinary Career in Real Estate without Losing Your Friends, Your Principles or Your Self-Respect. Jennifer also has a new book that is scheduled for release in early 2010 entitled “If You’re Not Having Fun Selling Real Estate, You're Not Doing it Right!” In the context of the old saying "I can't hear what you are saying because your actions are speaking too loud," I cannot help but think that this champion of the "quiet" brand is perhaps on to something in what is the fast-paced world of social media and social networking. I am of course pleased to be joined by Jennifer Allan on today's show to talk about her version of building an effective personal brand.