How Ambiverts Can Thrive in Sales: 3 Sales Tips for Ambiverts
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read
Introversion, extroversion, and ambiversion carry different characteristics that can define how a person behaves. Understanding your personality type can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your sales techniques.
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What Is an Ambivert?
An ambivert is a person who shows a balance between the introvert and extrovert personality types. There are three main personality types: the introvert, a quiet person who prefers solitude, the extrovert, an outgoing person that likes socializing, and the ambivert, a person with a combination of introverted and extroverted traits. Many ambiverts can dial into specific personality traits when necessary. For instance, some extroverted ambiverts can handle being the center of attention, attending major social events, or making small talk in social situations. Introverted ambiverts can handle more alone time and need more recovery after being the life of the party.
What Are the Characteristics of an Ambivert?
An ambivert’s personality traits tend to be less extreme than either side of the introvert/extrovert spectrum. Some common characteristics of an ambivert include:
- Balanced: The ambivert advantage is that they contain both introverted and extroverted traits. This balance makes ambiverts good listeners while maintaining energetic engagement, which means ambiverts can be particularly effective persuaders.
- Flexible: Ambiverts are better at mood regulation than other personality types and can dial into their various traits when necessary. Self-regulating emotion is a unique trait that allows ambiverts to pivot to whatever emotion the work situation calls for. They can have conversations with their co-workers while also understanding the value of quiet time. They can work well alone or collaborate successfully in a team setting. Ambiverts are like chameleons and can be highly adaptable in either business or social situations.
- Confident: Ambiverts have the necessary confidence to become effective at sales without coming across as arrogant or bossy. Ambiverts can use their introverted side to analyze a situation and appeal to a customer’s emotions while using their extroverted traits to persuade them towards a sale.
3 Sales Tips for Ambiverts
Ambiverts possess well-rounded traits that make them ideal sales professionals. There are a few best practices ambiverts should follow throughout their sales careers, such as:
- 1. Maintain balance. Balanced engagement is where ambiverts shine. They possess the analytical, thoughtful processes of an introvert and can combine that with a more effective and confident extroverted side. Maintain this balance and regulate your moods when dealing with customers and colleagues with differing personality types.
- 2. Tailor your technique. Ambiverts should pay special attention to which of their personality traits they should use during the sales process. If dealing with an introverted customer, you may need to try a more reserved and thoughtful approach. Conversely, if you’re dealing with an extroverted customer, you may need to match their energy and stay on their wavelength to hold their interest throughout a sales call.
- 3. Be mindful of burnout. Ambiverts always toe the line between extroversion and introversion. This balancing act can sometimes result in ambiverts getting burned out twice as quickly, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental health or performance. Be mindful of your energy, and take time off to recharge at home when your energy levels lower.
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