By John Langenfeld
Whether you just launched a startup or have been running your small business for years, if you are an introvert, you likely face challenges unique to your quiet temperament.
This is because Western society favors extroversion for small business owner success. After all, entrepreneurs typically have to promote themselves and their businesses, interact with employees and customers, give tons of their time to hands-on and brain-churning work, and somehow stay motivated to give it their all every day.
That’s a massive toll for anyone, but especially for introverts, as it goes head-on against their nature.
The good news is that by balancing self-awareness, self-care, and plain ole grit, introverted small business owners can excel in their industries and scale their companies just as well as hard-driven and passionate extrovert entrepreneurs. They need to work with their inborn temperaments instead of against them. And, yes, doing so is more straightforward than some may think and much more effective.
What is an introvert?
According to WebMD, “An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what’s happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than large groups or crowds.”
Now, certainly, introversion is not a personality disorder. Nor is there anything wrong, in and of itself, with being an introvert. Instead, it’s a temperament that approximately 25 to 40% of the population are born with.
It’s just that some of the qualities of introversion tend to run counter to the go-getter gumption of the unabashed, risk-taking, extroverted entrepreneur. Here are some introvert traits:
- Being around other people drains your energy
- Too much external stimulation leaves you feeling overwhelmed
- Prefers working on projects independently rather than as part of a team
- Need alone time to recharge after socializing
- Uncomfortable being the center of attention
- Thoughts and attention are focused inward rather than outward
- Chooses to communicate by email or text messages instead of face-to-face or by phone
Challenges of being an introverted entrepreneur
Although most people would consider some introvert traits as advantageous in life in general, and business in particular—such as being intuitive, empathic, observant, detail-oriented, and a good listener—other characteristics pose challenges for those who choose to be entrepreneurs.
Challenge #1: Promoting your business and networking
Introverts, by and large, are uncomfortable being in the spotlight. So promoting themselves and their business, as well as attending networking events, are not their strong suits. Most likely, they’ll avoid doing this altogether. As marketing and spreading the word are vital for a business’s success, these are two activities that, although introverts dread involving themselves in, are requisite.
Challenge #2: Interacting with employees and customers
Managing employees and interacting with customers usually happens face-to-face or by phone, both of which make introverts cringe.
First, the interaction itself drains an introvert of their energy. Second, introverts like to know what to expect, and in-person or over-the-phone interaction means not having all the answers beforehand and having to think quickly and on the spot to accommodate people and circumstances. Introverts are deep thinkers who need time to process things. And when dealing with a dissatisfied customer on the other end of the phone, there’s no time to pause and ponder.
Challenge #3: Balancing alone time with the demands of running a business
As mentioned earlier, when introverts spend time around other people, their energy drains. So eventually, they need a quiet place to retreat to and recharge. However, as a business owner, days can be long, and they’re often filled with lots of people and lots of talking, which leaves little room for solitude.
Without necessary alone time, introverts can become physically ill and emotionally exhausted. Not a great combination for running a successful business.
Strategies for overcoming the challenges of being an introvert and running a business
A key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs is having an unstoppable, can-do attitude. There are viable solutions to every problem, and every challenge can be overcome. This mindset often distinguishes the small business owners who call it quits after a lackluster first year and those who thrive until they finally decide to retire decades later.
Here are a few ways to overcome the ever-present challenges of being an introverted entrepreneur:
1. Embrace technology
For introverts, now is the best time to be a business owner. Technology allows much of the day-to-day tasks to be performed in a low-pressure, introvert-friendly way—such as utilizing social media to run ads, enhance brand awareness, and build a community of loyal customers.
A professionally designed website can generate high-value leads, while optimized landing pages can convert prospects into customers without buyers ever having to call in orders or visit a brick-and-mortar store.
2. Hire employees who offset your weaknesses
A way to compensate for your introverted traits is to hire extrovert employees to work the roles where an outgoing, energetic, sociable personality is best suited. These could be for customer service, sales, receptionist, or office manager positions—any customer-facing roles that introverts tend to avoid, but extroverts shine in.
3. Prioritize self-care
Knowledge is power. So knowing that introverts need alone time to recharge and boost their energy levels, it’s good to set quiet-time intervals throughout the day and make the most of mornings, lunch breaks, evenings, and weekends.
Just commit to setting some dedicated time to let your mind settle. Even as little as ten minutes here and there will help. You can even do something as simple as putting a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your office door, locking it, setting out a cot or thick exercise mat, and closing your eyes with the light off. Do breathing exercises, a body scan, or mindfulness meditation. Be sure to set an alarm in case you fall asleep.
Then when it’s time to get going again, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle any task.
Entrepreneurs: Do not let introversion hold you back
Being an introverted small business owner comes with its challenges, but just because society favors the extrovert in this arena, there’s no reason not to follow your entrepreneurial ambitions.
In this case, self-awareness is your greatest asset. Play to your strengths, work around your weaknesses, and keep your eye on the goal. Stay focused and flexible; put in the work. You’ll get to where you want to be soon enough. Until then, enjoy the journey. And remember, everything is the journey.
FAQs about being an introvert and an entrepreneur
Below we have summarized important questions and answers on this topic:
Can introverts be good business owners?
Yes, introverts can be highly successful business owners, especially if they practice self-care and play to their innate strengths rather than trying to fit into extroverted roles in fast-paced, noisy environments.
What are a few challenges of being an introverted business owner?
Introverted business owner have difficulty with self-promotion and speaking in front of groups of people, and need frequent alone time to recharge, which may conflict with daily business demands.
What are strengths of introverted entrepreneurs?
Some introverted business owner strengths include good listening skills, the capacity to empathize with customers, the ability to focus deeply and work independently, and acute attention to detail that lends itself to excellent problem-solving.
About the Author
John Langenfeld is an introvert who explores psychology tips, tricks, and insights so fellow introverts can understand themselves and others better while learning impactful ways to live happy, rewarding lives.
Company: John Langenfeld
Website:
www.johnlangenfeld.com
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