How to Run a Business with an Introvert Personality

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All my life people told me I was shy and quiet and honestly, some of them even judged me for it saying I am anti-social and reserved.

This is true to an extent, yes I am quiet because I am observant. I am shy but only when I first meet you, then I open up to you. I am not anti-social, I just don’t speak loudly.

And I am not reserved, I just get drained easily when I am around too many people.

I used to beat myself up because of being an introvert but now embrace all the personality traits that come with it so I can run my business…and guess what it has been pretty beneficial.

See, there is a common misconception that being an introvert is a disadvantage when it comes to running a business.

The belief that a business will only thrive if the person who’s running it is outgoing, sociable, and talkative – aka an extrovert, is a mistaken belief.

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.

So, instead of falling prey to the common misbeliefs about introverts, if you realize your strengths and exercise them in the right manner, you can actually do wonders for your business.

Introverts have natural gifts of curiosity, love of research ( I spend hours researching), and independence. They just have to learn to use it to conquer challenges like networking and self-promotion.

Running a Business as an Introvert

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Some of the world’s most renowned entrepreneurs and successful business owners are introverts.

Here are some of them:

• Bill Gates
• Mark Zuckerberg
• Elon Musk
• Warren Buffet
• Jeff Bezos
• Steven Spielberg
• JK Rowling

CEO Genome Project

According to the CEO Genome Project, the four traits that set successful CEOs apart from the rest are as follows:

• Ability to produce results reliably
• Adapting proactively to evolving circumstances
• Maintaining healthy relationships with stakeholders
• Making decisions with speed and conviction

To accomplish any of these four traits that are essential to the performance of a successful business owner, no study claims that you have to exhibit an extrovert personality.

Key takeaway: introverts have as much a chance as extroverts of running a super successful business and being top-notch CEOs.

So, here are a few ways on how you can maximize your strengths as an introverted business leader:

Find partners who’ll supplement your weakness

As an introvert, it’s hard to engage in entrepreneurial activities such as building a community of networks, engaging clients through excellent speaking skills, giving motivational talks, etc.

However, this is not the end of the world.

Find a partner or an employee who complements your skill set to perform the tasks you don’t feel comfortable doing.

For example, if talking to people and making a sales pitch isn’t your strongest suit, have someone else with an extroverted personality and a straightforward aura do it for you.

While there are a lot of ways to outsource the projects, you’re not comfortable in doing yourself, it’s always better to look at the situation as an opportunity, to get out of your comfort zone one step at a time, and gain excellence.

Related Reads:
• Why is Mindfulness Important in Business?
• 10 Truths About Running Your Own Business

Stop playing up to ‘extroverted ideals’

Instead of matching up to the ideal standards of extrovert personalities set by the business world, introverts should rely on their own strengths.

One of those strengths introverts have is creativity, which stems from their ability to spend alone time.

The art of ‘thinking on your own is something psychologists swear by as the most effective method for devising strategies and designing campaigns for businesses, and who can master this art better than introverts.

In addition to this, introverts possess the innate ability to listen more and speak less.

They are excellent observers.

This specific trait allows a CEO to make well-informed decisions since they’re able to listen, observe, and absorb the maximum information out of a given situation.

Such a characteristic enables business owners to listen to what their consumers have to say and manufacture a product that is perfectly tailored to their needs.

Moreover, introverts are naturally not dominating.

As a result, introverted CEOs set the stage for a whole new range of innovative ideas from their teams.

This is because they are engaged listeners and instead of dominating the conversation and changing the direction of their teams, they allow the team members to put forth their ideas in the most confident manner.

Create an environment you can thrive in

Introverts need to be in a zone of stimulation that works for them.

The moment there is a risk of over-stimulation, introverts have the capacity to completely drain out of their energy.

To prevent this burning-out situation, carve out an environment that keeps you at peace.

For example, if crowded rooms are not your thing, customize the situation and schedule one-on-one meetings. Social quality over quantity and at the same time, your business’s objectives won’t be compromised. You’ll still be able to pitch your business and make contacts – the only difference will be the gathering, which will be more intimate and comfortable for you.

Also, don’t stress about being an introvert in a world where out-spoken and charismatic leaders are celebrated.

Self-promote yourself just the way you are – an introvert, and always remember that being an introvert is no liability, but a strength that will help you gain success by leaps and bounds.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Tell me in the comments below!