Introvert Entrepreneurs Is An Oxymoron You Say? Think Again

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The image of an entrepreneur fits the characteristics of an individual who’s highly energetic, outgoing, right-from-the-shoulder talker, and the life of the party.

So, they’re also probably good at socializing and being the people’s person. They can make good… no, great leaders, yes?

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Not necessarily. The opposites or the Introverts can be better, or say, the best entrepreneurs and leaders.

Extroverts And Introverts: Who's Who

Extroverts and introverts are hyped as two distinct identities that are formed by the presence of characteristic traits respective to each type.

Each is believed to have a mindset and a particular behavior, which is somewhat exaggerated in terms of their exhibition and limitedness.

However, the most fascinating idea behind both these types is that the truest of these are rare, or even, exceptional when most of the world is a hybrid of them both.

But since the perception for two personality traits has been hardwired in the society for decades, extroverts are favored for entrepreneurship as blue is for boys and pink is for girls.

To understand entrepreneurship better, the CEO Genome Project identified the attributes highest performing CEOs exhibit. This 10-year-long study recognized 4 main behaviors:

  • Decision with speed and conviction
  • Engagement for impact
  • Proactive adaptation
  • Ability to deliver reliably

It’s not necessary that each CEO will exhibit all the characteristics mentioned above, but none of these skills are put to the test for extroversion or introversion, which makes entrepreneurship a free zone. In fact, introverts make better communicators because of their inherent abilities.

Entrepreneurship For Introverts

Sure, introverts have their plights when being alone in the crowd. What does being an entrepreneur mean to them? Should they be stepping out of the solitude bubble? Should they compel themselves to quit their alone time? Entrepreneurship is all about making connections and developing networks, so how will an introvert survive, lest not thrive?

Today, we bust the myth with some explosive examples of introvert entrepreneurs who are big-time success. The deal-making success factor? Their introversive skills. We’ll discuss some reasons as well as tips and tools on how to grasp entrepreneurship better as a hermit.

Reasons Why Introverts Make Great Entrepreneurs

To begin with, here are the reasons due to which introverts advance over extroverts as entrepreneurs and leaders.

  • Contemplative And Level-Head Intellectuals

Leaders when introvert exude wisdom, critical thinking, and a focusing attitude. In a room full of vexed and frustrated business executives, you’ll find an introvert waist deep in thought, thinking about how to reach the root of a cause or how to strengthen the heart of a strategy.

Contrary to the popular belief, introvert entrepreneurs love to communicate their message and thoughts within their circle of like-minded people. Need an example? Take Warren Buffett – the oracle of Omaha.

Warren has been one of the wealthiest people in the world and a prominent investment figure. When it comes to leading a top business in the world, he’s an introvert with high intellect and introspective entrepreneurial strength.

  • Self-Propellers

It’s generally noted that extroverted entrepreneurs find inspiration from their surroundings; introverts tend to extract their energy from their solitude. Due to their intellectual property and their ability to think through complex situations, they tend to drive the motivation from within.

Nothing speaks more than an excelled introvert entrepreneur finding introversion as a key strength. Bill Gates explains an introvert’s way of getting around entrepreneurship. Of course, Bill’s an introvert as well and here’s his response to a Lifehacker interview.

“Well, I think introverts can do quite well. If you’re clever you can learn to get the benefits of being an introvert, which might be, say, being willing to go off for a few days and think about a tough problem, read everything you can, push yourself very hard to think out on the edge of that area.”

  • Relationship Masters

Be it Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg, introvert entrepreneurs exhibit a pattern of charismatic relationship building. Like their thought process, they’re keen on building relationships that matter. They may appear shy and reserved to the people they don’t know, but that doesn’t mean they’ll bite. They’re warm once they’re conversed with.

Moving on, these leaders prefer deep meaningful conversations to shallow small talk. In the right setting and with the right people, introverts can be mind-stirring conversationalist.

During their entrepreneurial journey, they can opt for the communication and socialization channel to redirect their business spirit and attain a more charismatic appeal.

  • Listeners And Observers

When it comes to climbing the staircase of success, communication becomes the strength. As compared to speaking, listening tends to be the forte of introverts, to whom this prized attribute comes effortlessly.

On a relative note, listening is sometimes an overlooked trait among leaders. However, when practiced correctly, it encourages proactivity among the workforce, especially when the employees are extroverts who can voice out their concerns to their introvert leader.

In turn, the leader lets them feel valued while processing the information to contribute to a greater good to the company and the workforce. Besides good listeners, the introvert entrepreneurs are good at observing others and learning from them. It allows them to comprehend the behaviors of other leaders in the industry and devise their set of success goals.

Practices That Take An Introvert Entrepreneur To The Next Level

Being an entrepreneur might not seem easy for many introverts because of the preconceived notions about the introvert’s fear of interacting with public and their lack of confidence. Such, however, isn’t true.

There are certain practices that can help an introvert seek the guide they need. Some of these are listed below:

  • Prioritize Your Strengths

As an introvert, going out for business and interacting with people can be a bit of overwhelming, but that doesn’t necessarily has to be your fate. If you’re stepping into entrepreneurship for the first time, you may want to monetize your strengths – the ones that pique your interest.

Whether you like to write or are good at mentoring, you can utilize your strengths in a variety of business settings. You can still sit at home and run your business at your own pace.

Just remember to prioritize your strength as an asset than an obligation. It’s going to help you in the long run.

  • Take Some Time To Refuel

As mentioned before, introverts find solace in their alone time. It helps them inspire their creative side and stimulate their ideas. you may even feel good around people with whom you have a fluent communication, but too much social interaction can feel overwhelming – adding burnout as the next process in your list.

If you’re stuck with something, take some time out for yourself. If you need flexibility, be your own boss and thrive in the flexibility you want for yourself.

Eke Out Your Weaknesses

An introvert has weaknesses, among which lack of confidence could be the one barring the prospects. Moreover, communicating with people for business might drag them out of the comfort zone. At this point, allow yourself to contemplate over you weaknesses and combine your weakness with a skill or resource that complements it well.

Though you like to live inside your own mind and are shy, you must make up for the shortcomings in the business approach. For instance, if you’re developing a project based around engagement, you might outsource it, so you don’t hurt your overall personality and still have the job well done.

Use The Introversion To Your Advantage

You have weaknesses and you’ve had your strengths. We discussed above that an introvert entrepreneur is a leader in his field. He holds the power to make an impact yet remain in the background due to his humble attitude.

You can encourage your employees to speak up and bring the concerns in his notice. Viewing the possibilities, it’s possible to devise proper plans for each situation for a productive outcome.

  • Pair Up With An Extrovert

Being a solopreneur and an introvert might sometimes feel like a soul stuck in a wrong body, but having collaborating with an opposite trait holder might just feel right. There’s nothing wrong with managing the business underground yourself and let your partner be the one managing the crowd.

It’s much like a mutual benefit relationship where both the partners contribute in their respective ways, supplementing for the weaknesses of each other. It helps both flourish.

  • Use Devices For Self-Promotion

At one point, you have to sell yourself as a business and as a person. As difficult as it is to promote a brand by yourself, it’s even harder to make your way to that podium to deliver a speech. But, here’s the trick: use your skills for promotion.

For example, if you’re good at writing, write an impacting piece and pitch it to your relative publication. You may even start a series of blog from your own comfort zone, if that comes easy to you.

You can even grab a good book or listen to a podcast to find motivation and inspiration.


Author Bio: Jasmine Demeester is a business and life coach and a writer for the last 8 years. She loves to educate and empower people thorough her magnetic coaching. Other than that, she provides expert dissertation help UK and assistance in a world demanding good writing.

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