Being an introvert entrepreneur comes with certain challenges, like dealing with the fact that business is all about people and managing extrovert expectations. Based on interviews with introvert leaders, I've made a list of the main challenges of the introvert entrepreneur, including some tips to overcome them.
As I'm currently writing a book on introvert leadership, I've interviewed over 400 introvert leaders about their main challenges. Although not all of them are entrepreneurs, the challenges of both introvert leaders and introvert entrepreneurs mostly come down to the same things. Here's a top four of the main challenges of introvert entrepreneurs:
Challenge 1: business is about people
As an entrepreneur, you can't deny the fact that business is all about people. If you want to share your message, you'll have to connect with others and take the stage at times. But how do you do that if you don't like networking or if you're afraid to speak in public?
My own way of networking is to have several deeper conversations, instead of trying to work the whole room. After entering an event, I'll quickly scan the room to know who's there. That's usually the moment when I decide who to approach. Look for a smaller group of people or even someone who's all alone, as those are usually easier to approach. Show real interest and share your own passion. That'll quickly create a connection.
As for pitching and speaking in public, it all comes down to preparation and practice. Rehearsing several times will make you more confident for the real presentation. And make sure you get to the venue earlier, so you can comfortably prepare yourself and adjust to the room.
The more you present, the easier it will become. That's why I've set a personal goal this year of speaking in public at least once a year, next to taking improv theater classes every week.
Show real interest and share your own passion. That'll quickly create a connection.
Challenge 2: wearing multiple hats
Being an entrepreneur means taking care of a lot of different things all at the same time. You need to develop your product, sell it, do some administration and maybe even some technical stuff. Since introverts tend to be energy savers, it's very important to set the right priorities, in order not to loose your energy on the wrong things.
In order to do that, it helps to carefully plan. Make a week planning, a month planning or even a year planning, whatever works for you. In that planning, make sure you also incorporate some personal recharging time. This is very important to stay happy and healthy on the long run and it will make you a more successful entrepreneur.
Challenge 3: worrying too much
Since introverts are in their heads a lot, they tend to have a critical inner voice which keeps on telling them they're not good enough or that their plan is never going to work. Although this helps them to be more down to earth, it can also get in the way of actually getting the results you want.
Acceptance and commitment therapy offers some useful ways of dealing with these inner thoughts. It all comes down to being aware that your thoughts are just thoughts and nothing more than that. Try to look for the reason why they're popping up all of a sudden. Are you tired, stressed or just doing too much? The inner voice tends to get stronger at these moments. Once you do know the source, put these thoughts where they belong: at the back seat, because you're the one in charge.
For some people it helps to actually name these thoughts, so you can address them when they come up. Like: 'Hey Sandy, thanks for dropping by, but you're not going to make me anxious today. Please have a seat at the back.'
Put these thoughts where they belong: at the back seat, because you're the one in charge.
Challenge 4: managing extrovert expectations
Let's face it: we live in a world that expects people to be outspoken and present at all times. As an introvert, and especially an introvert entrepreneur, that can be challenging. How do you stay true to yourself while still being able to voice your message? And how do you get people to see your true value, even though you're not that outspoken and present all the time?
My answer to that is to really get to know yourself very well. Take a personality test, ask others for feedback on your unique strengths and then leverage those. As an introvert, you tend to be very good at listening, reflecting and making sure everyone's voice is heard. Use that power and make it into your own personal strength. Once you do so and share it with other people, they will notice it more and will see that you have something very special to share with the world.
Want to learn more about the challenges and the unique strengths of introvert entrepreneurs? Watch the replay of my webinar on Being an Introvert Entrepreneur.
