Introverts Can Be Successful Entrepreneurs

"Introverts live in two worlds: We visit the world of people, but solitude and the inner world will always be our home." ― Jenn Granneman

Introverts are Shy and Anti-social

This is a most common but erroneous myth about introverts. Yes, many introverts are shy, but that does not mean they are anti-social. In fact, introverts can be very social when they want to be. They prefer to spend their time with a small group of close friends rather than a large group. They generally need time to recharge after socializing, which is why they may seem anti-social.

I've been reserved but definitely not shy as I loved talking with strangers even as a little girl; and since I was nine years old, I've done numerous presentations in front of small groups and up to almost 1,000 people.

Here's the difference. After an eight-hour day of interaction with large groups of people, I rarely go out to eat or socialize when I attend conferences, seminars, and events. I need solitude or at least being surrounded by fewer people in order to recover and recharge my energy.

Introverts Don't Like People 

Just because introverts prefer to spend their time alone or with a small group does not mean they don't like people. In fact, introverts are often exceptionally good at reading people and understanding their needs.

Introverts generally spend a lot of their time observing people and their behaviors. One downside to this is they can often see beyond the mask and feel another's pain more readily. This allows them to show empathy and compassion, two vital qualities in showing kindness.

Introverts Don't Make Good Leaders

There is a massive difference between one who is aggressive and one who is assertive. To be a business owner who shows up as a leader does not require someone to be aggressive. Rather, being confident in your knowledge and truth will allow you to be assertive when you need to be.

In fact, being described as an aggressive leader is not an admirable description. "The very aggressive leader is characterized by a style that seeks to control, compete, criticize and achieve impossible performance standards." Introverts are often very thoughtful and considerate and tend to listen more than they talk. This can be a strength, not a weakness, when it comes to leading a team, being a coach, or simply being a leader.

Introverts Are Not Good at Sales 

Being an introvert won't stop you from being good at sales. On the contrary, introverts can succeed in sales if given the right tools and strategies. They are excellent at building relationships, which is the foundation for business success. My mantra, and something I believe and know for sure, is that when you focus on relationships, the money will follow.

Introverts Cannot Be Successful Entrepreneurs

Many successful entrepreneurs are introverts. The key is to find a business that suits your personality and to use your introverted strengths to your advantage.

Several of the most successful business owners and entrepreneurs are reportedly introverts. These include Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Tom Hanks.

Believe in Yourself

As an introverted entrepreneur, doubting yourself and your abilities can be easy. However, confidence is key to success in any field, including entrepreneurship. An effective way to boost your confidence is to simply believe in yourself. This means understanding your worth and accepting that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. This self-belief will act as a powerful motivator to take action, confident in the knowledge that you have the ability to bring value to others.

Know Your Stuff

You must know your stuff. This means being well-informed about your industry and your business. Make sure you value lifelong learning and growing as an entrepreneur, and then take action! Secure in the knowledge you've gained that you can bring to your market and niche, you will exude confidence.

Get Organized

Learning to become organized helps to boost your confidence. This means having a clear plan and goals for your business and staying on top of all the little details.

Lack of organization creates chaos. Chaos results when there is too much clutter and no system in place. Clutter in your mind, desk, or office can lead to chaos and contribute to a lack of confidence. When you're organized, you'll feel more in control and confident in your ability to run your business successfully.

Delegate and Outsource

Another way to boost confidence is to delegate and outsource tasks that you don't enjoy or aren't your strong suit. Delegating frees you up your time to focus on the things you're good at and enjoy, and it will also help you feel more confident in your ability to run your business.

For example, shortly after coming online, I was told it was essential to have an Opt-in or Landing Page. I spent hours learning to create one from scratch, which still looked homemade. Fortunately, my mentor had someone who designed the most beautiful Landing Pages in HTML and I was delighted to use his affordable services as well.

Build a Support Network

As an introverted entrepreneur, it's crucial to build a support network of family, friends, and other business professionals. This network can provide you with the emotional support you need to feel confident in your ability to succeed. Knowing that you have a group of professionals who can support you in sharing ideas or getting your questions answered will give you the confidence to take action.

I know this to be true because shortly after I first started my online business in 2008, I learned the importance of content creation. I began creating products like e-books and short courses but did not release them because I feared they were not good enough. That belief was a combination of perfectionism and a lack of confidence in adjusting to the online world. Becoming a part of a small group of entrepreneurs and getting their feedback confirmed that my work was valuable. It built my confidence to move forward and grow.

I am Yvonne A Jones, Personal Business Coach/Client Relations Specialist. I get to work with Mature Female Entrepreneurs to create a lucrative business from wherever they are in the world by building strong relationships and creating WoW experiences for their existing and future customers, and do this with courage and confidence. If getting organized and dealing with clutter is a challenge for you, you may like my Free e-book, "Clear the Chaos to Maximize Productivity and Profit"