How introverts can successfully​ start and manage a business

Besides being billionaires and mega-successful, Larry Page, Mark Zuckerburg, Warren Buffet, and Elon Musk have something else in common. They are all introverts.

In a recent poll conducted by USA Today, 65% of CEO’s that participated agreed that introvert personality is a hindrance to leadership roles. While many people doubt introverts can flourish in a fast-paced, hostile business world, successful businesspeople have proved differently.

It is a fact that extroverts have an easier time engaging, negotiating, and leading with more charisma. It is an excellent skill for networking and client relationship. The same simple responsibilities are more intimidating and overwhelming as a quiet and secluded environment is preferred. But that is not to say that introverts are also capable of thriving.

Understanding Introversion

As an introvert myself, when I was younger, I was timid to admit to my personality. However, it did not take long for my peers to draw conclusions, as it was challenging enjoying myself in crowed get-togethers and large groups.
The term introvert and extrovert were initiated by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. In his view, the terms simply associated ways a person responds to the outside world. Introversion or extroversion is not a behavioral problem, but a categorization of your preferable activities. For instance, an introvert rather socializes with small groups of people and takes pleasure in activities such as reading, writing, hiking, and be in contact with nature.

Introvert as Entrepreneurs

As a business owner, when used correctly, introversion can be influential on your behalf.
I spend many years fighting my personality, trying to be an extrovert. It is crucial to come to terms with who you are so that you can build a successful plan around your strengths and weaknesses. In essence, stay true to yourself, and you will be able to accomplish much more than when you are busy trying to be someone that you are not.
Though as an entrepreneur, specific tasks are still required. It is essential to engage in networking, public speaking, and basic leadership. While it may seem steep at first, minor adjustments can turn it into strengths.

Leading while being an introvert

In a recent study conducted by Adam Grant, a renown psychologist, discovered that extroverts are not automatically the best bosses. In his experiment, he found that proactive employees earned higher profits under an introvert manager. At the same time, non-proactive employees were better under an extrovert manager. The reason is introvert leaders tend to listen to suggestions and support of employees, while extrovert leaders are the center of attention.
You can apply Grant’s finding to your own business, by motivating employees to speak-up and make suggestions. Similarly, you can give your workers some lean way by allowing them to take action in their own ideas. Obviously, you would have to set some guidelines. For instance, 3M CEO, William McKnight, enabled employees to work on their own projects. And this is how Post-it note came to being.

Finding Partners who will complement you

Partnering with people who complement your personality. For instance, if you cannot bring yourself together to do a sales pitch, you need to hire or partner with someone who can. Keep in mind that extroverts also have strengths and weaknesses, and just hiring someone will not suffice your needs. A famous example of these types of complements is Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. The pair started Apple computers. While Wozniak (introvert) was the engineer creating the product and Jobs (extrovert) marketed the manufactured computer. One could not do without the other.

Create your own environment

Being the owner of the business gives you certain advantages, most specifically build the company around your ideas. The day-to-day operation can easily be steered in the directions you please. If it is easier for you, instead of having a meeting with a room full of people, you can do one-on-one sessions. Of course, there are some limitations to this idea. At times, you will be required to face an audience or attend networking events.

Online interaction

Many introverts find it easier to interact with people online. Social networking has proven to be a powerful method to connect with like-minded people. But keep in mind that at some point in time, you will have to meet people in person. Additionally, talking to people in person has numerous benefits and tends to have better outcomes, hence do not discard the method. I suggest doing a healthy mix of both will provide the best results.

Practice socializing

At some point, you will have to socialize with other people, regardless if you are not good at it, or prefer not doing it. The best way to prepare for this is to push yourself and practice. Just like anything else, conversations and interactions are skills, and they can be fine-tuned by practicing.
Start interacting with people you are familiar with. Attending networking events and speak with attendees. It might seem uncomfortable at first, and intimidating, but if you stick with it, you will get used to it. It is only through discomfort that you grow.

Rest and recharge

At times you will find yourself under pressure, having to accomplish tasks you don’t particularly care do carry out. However, it is essential to take time for yourself and spend some time alone, as solitary time is when introverts actually breathe.

In conclusion, being an introvert is not a curse; on the opposite, it is a strength. You have to learn how to apply your talents for your benefit. While introverts might not be great at socializing, they tend to be good writers; take advantage of that.