<p>I'm considering majoring in marketing but I'm not a naturally great speaker or take charge kind of person. Can I be successful without being extroverted or "loud". I can lead a team but not in the traditional "bossy" sense. </p>
<p>I would say that being assertive is a plus, but not necessarily aggressive. It really depends on the company and people you work for and whether they recognize and appreciate your worth. </p>
<p>A good leader is someone who can effectively and positively influence their teams to move in the right direction, be proactive in their efforts, and attain desired results. Strong public speaking skills, to include persuasive skills, will be important. This does not mean that you must be “loud” or extroverted. Loud bosses can be abrasive and cause their teams to sit back and listen (or daydream) without bothering to contribute anything themselves. Knowing when to speak and what to say to direct the team in the way you want is much more important than speaking the most, or the loudest, or speaking just for the sake of having the attention on yourself.</p>
<p>Knowing the strengths and opportunities of your team and how to leverage those qualities is important. Introverts think internally, and are very perceptive to these observations. You can be a good public speaker and leader but still be a true introvert. </p>
<p>Who you work for can matter a lot. I am an introvert but I lead teams everyday. I worked for a company where the managers did not value people who were quieter than them, or who didn’t go out to the local bars with them after work to socialize and share their whole lives’ stories. The company I work for now recognizes that although I don’t speak often, when I <em>do</em> speak I have something worth saying and they listen. I find that I have a powerful influence in this way. </p>
<p>So yes, you can be a successful introvert if you are willing to learn and play the game a little. There are resources out there specifically tailored toward introverts and how to self-market, network, and lead teams effectively.</p>
<p>Assertive or silver tongued. I can do both well myself. if you need to be the boss think to yourself “if they dont like me screw them” (sorry for the rude language lol)</p>
<p>Read the book “Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain</p>
<p>No way. You don’t have to be outgoing to be successful in marketing. You just have to have a mind that can understand what the customer wants to hear. I’d actually say its better if you are more intuitive. Then you can come up with some better ideas, possibly.</p>
<p>You don’t need to be loud or aggressive.
You do need to learn how to present your ideas in a thoughtful, logical, persuasive way…good communication skills (both oral and written) are a must.
Definitely take classes in public speaking and negotiation–no matter what career you pursue, in business or elsewhere, you will need these skills.
Also, become expert in understanding and working with statistics and analysis–both in understanding information you will be given or will be working with, or in being able to communicate your positions and ideas in ways that "make the case’ to your audience.</p>