Introverts are not always the best at communicating with others. They can be less outgoing and social than other people, which is a problem when running a small business. The good news is that introverted entrepreneurs have their own set of skills to fall back on.
It may seem like introverted business owners simply don’t have the skills required for running a company successfully just because they are quiet in nature. That isn't necessarily true. Introverts actually possess some unique talents that make them great entrepreneurs. Here are some examples of these special capabilities:
The ability to concentrate deeply without distractions. Introverted small business owners tend not want constant activity all around them, so this gives them more focus when needed.
The capacity to enjoy solitude. Solitude is something that introverted entrepreneurs appreciate, and this gives them a chance to produce creative ideas.
The ability to listen carefully. Introverts are good listeners as they tend not to rush too quickly into conversations. This makes it easier for them to hear what customers or clients want from their company.
An appreciation for nature. There’s no denying the fact that many introverted people enjoy spending time surrounded by trees and flowers rather than other people at parties.
In this article, we will discuss how introverted small business owners can still run an effective company despite being more reserved in nature.
Tips For Introverted Small Business Owners
Recognize Your Introversion and Embrace It
The first thing you should do as an introverted business owner is to embrace your introversion. There is no need to change who you are. If you enjoy being alone, don't force yourself into social situations if they aren't your cup of tea.
Focus on the work that needs done, not what people might think. You can try and follow behind others' lead but never forget where you stand with your customers by focusing on them first before anything else matters.
Learn To Be Uncomfortable
If you are an introvert and want to be a successful entrepreneur, you need to become more comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable. Doing the things, you are uncomfortable doing is a sure way for growth as long as it's not at your own expense or discomfort of others around you.
Don't Shy Away from Networking
Being an introvert doesn't mean that social situations aren't enjoyable. However, they can be draining if too many people seem demanding on your time and attention so keep them short-lived by attending events with prearranged one-on-one meetings instead of interacting in large groups.
This balance works well whether you're looking for business opportunities or just wanting to stay connected within your industry circle without feeling overwhelmed.
Start A Business That's More Introvert-Friendly
Consider a business that necessitates networking and cold-calling. Introverts do very well with email marketing and social media, allowing them to consider their message before sending it. Some of the fields you may be successful include accounting, design, writing, engineering, social media marketing, and mental health.
Find Partners Who Can Complement You AS a great listener and communicator, you may find it difficult to build rapport with some personality types. It's important that you choose partners who will complement your skillset so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Create The Business You Want
If you're working for someone else, then think creatively to see if there's a way that you can create an environment more conducive to your personality. For example, if you prefer to use written communication rather than having one-on-one conversations, consider having your company operate entirely remotely with all of its workers working from home.
Find a Strong Mentor
If you're feeling stuck and don't know where to turn next, consider finding a mentor. A strong introvert can be just as successful in building their business as an extroverted entrepreneur if they have the right advice along the way.
Look into joining an organization that offers mentorship opportunities for small businesses owners such as yourself so that you stay on track, toward reaching your goals, while meeting other entrepreneurs along the way too. Connecting with others is really the key to your success as an introverted business owner, but make sure you're doing it in moderation and not at the expense of your own energy levels.
Use online networking and interaction tools
Taking a more active role in networking can be overwhelming, especially if you're an introvert who prefers to do things on your own terms. Instead of attending networking events, for example, you may conduct the bulk of your networking over social media. You can mostly rely on emails and instant messages for communication and save in-person encounters for when they're really required.
Conclusion
While owning a business does require some socializing, you don't have to completely change your quiet ways of being if you're an introvert. In fact, letting your true self shine through can be very helpful when working alongside others on projects.
Don't force yourself into social situations just because they are expected from an entrepreneur such as yourself. You have the option to say no even though many may think otherwise when it comes down to being true to who you really are which makes all the difference without a doubt.
- Kristie
Owner/Designer of BloomiDesign
It may seem like introverted business owners simply don’t have the skills required for running a company successfully just because they are quiet in nature. That isn't necessarily true. Introverts actually possess some unique talents that make them great entrepreneurs. Here are some examples of these special capabilities:
The ability to concentrate deeply without distractions. Introverted small business owners tend not want constant activity all around them, so this gives them more focus when needed.
The capacity to enjoy solitude. Solitude is something that introverted entrepreneurs appreciate, and this gives them a chance to produce creative ideas.
The ability to listen carefully. Introverts are good listeners as they tend not to rush too quickly into conversations. This makes it easier for them to hear what customers or clients want from their company.
An appreciation for nature. There’s no denying the fact that many introverted people enjoy spending time surrounded by trees and flowers rather than other people at parties.
In this article, we will discuss how introverted small business owners can still run an effective company despite being more reserved in nature.
Tips For Introverted Small Business Owners
Recognize Your Introversion and Embrace It
The first thing you should do as an introverted business owner is to embrace your introversion. There is no need to change who you are. If you enjoy being alone, don't force yourself into social situations if they aren't your cup of tea.
Focus on the work that needs done, not what people might think. You can try and follow behind others' lead but never forget where you stand with your customers by focusing on them first before anything else matters.
Learn To Be Uncomfortable
If you are an introvert and want to be a successful entrepreneur, you need to become more comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable. Doing the things, you are uncomfortable doing is a sure way for growth as long as it's not at your own expense or discomfort of others around you.
Don't Shy Away from Networking
Being an introvert doesn't mean that social situations aren't enjoyable. However, they can be draining if too many people seem demanding on your time and attention so keep them short-lived by attending events with prearranged one-on-one meetings instead of interacting in large groups.
This balance works well whether you're looking for business opportunities or just wanting to stay connected within your industry circle without feeling overwhelmed.
Start A Business That's More Introvert-Friendly
Consider a business that necessitates networking and cold-calling. Introverts do very well with email marketing and social media, allowing them to consider their message before sending it. Some of the fields you may be successful include accounting, design, writing, engineering, social media marketing, and mental health.
Find Partners Who Can Complement You AS a great listener and communicator, you may find it difficult to build rapport with some personality types. It's important that you choose partners who will complement your skillset so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Create The Business You Want
If you're working for someone else, then think creatively to see if there's a way that you can create an environment more conducive to your personality. For example, if you prefer to use written communication rather than having one-on-one conversations, consider having your company operate entirely remotely with all of its workers working from home.
Find a Strong Mentor
If you're feeling stuck and don't know where to turn next, consider finding a mentor. A strong introvert can be just as successful in building their business as an extroverted entrepreneur if they have the right advice along the way.
Look into joining an organization that offers mentorship opportunities for small businesses owners such as yourself so that you stay on track, toward reaching your goals, while meeting other entrepreneurs along the way too. Connecting with others is really the key to your success as an introverted business owner, but make sure you're doing it in moderation and not at the expense of your own energy levels.
Use online networking and interaction tools
Taking a more active role in networking can be overwhelming, especially if you're an introvert who prefers to do things on your own terms. Instead of attending networking events, for example, you may conduct the bulk of your networking over social media. You can mostly rely on emails and instant messages for communication and save in-person encounters for when they're really required.
Conclusion
While owning a business does require some socializing, you don't have to completely change your quiet ways of being if you're an introvert. In fact, letting your true self shine through can be very helpful when working alongside others on projects.
Don't force yourself into social situations just because they are expected from an entrepreneur such as yourself. You have the option to say no even though many may think otherwise when it comes down to being true to who you really are which makes all the difference without a doubt.
- Kristie
Owner/Designer of BloomiDesign