Episode 504: Online marketing for extraverts

Even though I’m always open about the fact that I’m an extravert, I know most of my podcasts aim to reassure and support the introverts in my audience. I’m all about inclusion, and I want everyone to feel seen, especially since a lot of the online business space is built with introverts in mind. But in this episode of the Heart-Centred Business Podcast, I want to speak directly to my fellow extraverts. I don’t think people realise just how hard working online can be for us – especially when connection is what gives us energy.

If being around people is your number one battery charger, suddenly working alone from home can be so draining. That’s what I want to talk about today: how extraverts can thrive in online marketing, even when most of the advice out there comes from introverts – and often, for introverts.

Let’s dive in!

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Why Most Online Business Advice Is Made for Introverts

I’ve noticed something: so many of the most well-known online business owners are happy, successful introverts. In Australia, we have Denise Duffield-Thomas, Leonie Dawson, Tina Tower, Emily Osmond, and Julie Parker – all introverts. In the US, there’s Rachel Rodgers, Marie Forleo, Amy Porterfield. Honestly, it’s hard to think of extraverted women who are prolific in the online space.

A lot of times, people are surprised to find out that folks like Denise are actually introverts because they’re such prolific content creators. But the truth is, the structure of online business – where you can create content from your couch and connect with people digitally – tends to be much more introvert-friendly. You don’t have to be “on” with a crowd of people all day; interaction can be curated and limited.

Because of this, it’s easy for extraverts to accidentally build their businesses in an introvert-friendly way, simply because that’s what’s being modeled for them. Suddenly, you realise you’re isolated, feeling low on energy, and missing that face-to-face contact.

My Experience as an Extravert Online

When I first started my business, all the advice out there was introvert-centred. I really struggled with the quiet. Making friends on the internet didn’t come naturally to me – I used to use Facebook to keep in touch with people I knew in real life, not to make new friends based on shared interests.

So, if you’re feeling lonely or disconnected as you try to build your business online, you are not alone. I’ve been there too.

My Top Four Tips for Extraverts in Online Marketing:

1. Don’t Limit Connection to Only Paying Clients

If connection with others is what energises you, don’t fall into the trap of thinking your free audience can’t interact with you! There’s a tendency in the online world to say, “Only paying clients get my time,” but if I followed that advice, I would never have built a business. My energy would have been completely depleted.

When I started, I’d see someone in a Facebook group struggling, and instead of going back and forth with long message threads, I’d just say, “Want to jump on a Zoom or Skype? Let me help!” I was having several one-on-one calls a day – for free. Coaches at the time thought I was nuts. But here’s the thing: it filled me up, and it actually led to my first big-ticket clients. For instance, just helping someone fix a MailChimp issue for free would lead to them saying, “How do I pay you? This is exactly what I need!” That’s how I had my first $2,500 sales.

Nowadays, a lot of business mentors will tell you to automate everything, or only interact with people once they pay. But for extraverts, removing all the free connection totally drains your business. So, get involved in masterminds early, go to in-person events, offer live webinars, make space for those quick introductory Zooms – don’t hide this part of yourself behind a paywall.

2. Separate “Advanced” from “Automated”

There’s this big lie in online business that says, “To be advanced, you must automate everything.” Not true! Advanced can just mean more skilled, more considered, more connected – it doesn’t have to mean less human.

For example, I keep my follow-ups manual. I tried out those automated “Great to work with you!” emails, but they felt impersonal. My clients appreciate the realness and the tailored touch of a quick personal check-in. Even when I was sick and only able to work 5 hours a week, I still made time for manual follow-up – because it’s my zone of genius and results in better conversions and happy clients.

Same thing with webinars. Years ago, everyone was obsessed with automated “pretend live” webinars. I was in a mastermind where everyone did them, but my two live webinars every quarter brought in more sales than their automated ones, even with smaller audiences. Being live, answering questions in real time, connecting genuinely – that’s what moves the needle.

So, don’t force yourself to automate everything just because someone said it’s “the next level.” Keep the parts that light you up as connected as you want.

3. Make Clear, Loving Boundaries

Just because you’re open to connection doesn’t mean you have to be “on call” 24/7, or allow people to drain your energy. I live by the “open, soft heart, big solid fence” motto. I’m open to meeting and connecting with tons of people, but I’ve learned to set strong boundaries.

At one point, I was getting loads of people asking business questions via my website’s contact form. I didn’t want to remove it completely, because the connections were amazing, and I learned so much from those questions. Instead, I just added a note that said, “Free business coaching via email is not a thing. But if you have a question about my podcast or a product, pop it in here instead.” Just that tweak – along with my energetic intention to keep my heart open but have a solid boundary – changed everything. People started self-identifying as leads more readily, questions got more respectful, and connection stayed strong.

Setting boundaries can feel awkward, but being flooded with endless requests for free support doesn’t feel any better. It’s a case of choosing your discomfort. I’m so glad I didn’t just shut things down, but got clear on my boundaries instead.

4. Not All Connection Is Good Connection

Just because you’re energised by people doesn’t mean every group, program, or relationship is right for you. I’ve learned this one the hard way!

In the past, I’ve stayed in masterminds, business relationships, and even friendships just because I craved human contact, even when those spaces weren’t positive for me. I’ve held on to misaligned clients, or kept team members long after I should have let them go, simply for the connection.

One hard lesson was with a friend I’d had since my teens. She wanted to peek into my Take Off program, so I let her in for free, thinking she just wanted to see what business was about. This turned into constant questions – sometimes three or four nights a week, on Skype and Messenger. Then, she joined someone else’s much more expensive program, never paid for mine, but kept picking my brain for weeks. When I finally set a boundary and said I couldn’t continue coaching for free, she blocked me – after decades of friendship.

It sucks, but these are lessons that taught me to be discerning about where I contribute my energy. If I make mistakes, I’d rather make them by being open and figuring it out, than shutting myself off completely. But each time, I get better at stating and holding boundaries and choosing rooms and relationships that energise and support me, not just “any” connection.

Big Picture: Owning Connection As Your Superpower

If you’re an extravert, connection is your edge. So many people out there automate everything – they forget about the magic that comes from real-time interaction and conversation. Don’t push away your superpower because of someone else’s business model. Your conversion rates, the quality of your offers, and your business growth all benefit when you stay connected – not just with paying clients, but your whole community.

And if you’re looking for new, meaningful ways to connect, come check out the Heart-Centred Business Conference. I offer both in-person and virtual events focused on real, heart-centred networking – with speed networking, group chats, spotlights, and plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded business owners.

Check out Virtual Conference (10-11 February 2026): tashcorbin.com/virtualconference
Check out Noosa Conference (2-3 September 2026): tashcorbin.com/conference

So, don’t hide your need for connection. It’s not a flaw, it’s your strength. Build your business in a way that works with your energy, not against it.

Until next time, I cannot WAIT to see you SHINE.