When you think of a “typical” entrepreneur, do you think of them as having an extroverted personality or an introverted personality?
Extroverts tend to be very outgoing, social, demonstrative and expressive.
Introverts, on the other hand, tend to be more quiet, shy, reserved and solitary.
Most people believe that extroverts make better business owners than introverts.
But introverts should not feel like they don’t have what it takes to be in business for themselves. In fact, they have many desirable personality traits that give them an edge when it comes to running their own business.
Here are a few reasons why introverts make great entrepreneurs:
They like being alone
New entrepreneurs are often surprised at how lonesome running a business is. Small business owners don’t participate in board meetings, watercooler chats, birthday cake Fridays, coffee runs, or any social breaks throughout the day.
While this can be unnerving for an extrovert, it can actually be a tremendous source of relief to an introvert, who would find these activities to be disruptive and awkward. Introverts love working independently and are most productive when they’re not bothered by social distractions.
They are good listeners
Introverts listen more than they talk. Good listeners are open to new ideas, they hear what their clients really need them to hear, and they are better predictors of the future. In short, good listeners make great entrepreneurs.
They do their own thing
Introverts don’t seek approval from the herd to the same degree that extroverts do. That’s why introverts might seem a little strange and antisocial to people who don’t understand them. Because they feel less pressure to conform, they tend to go against the grain more. Introverts think outside the box and aren’t afraid to stand out, take risks and experiment, all good traits to have if you’re an entrepreneur.
They’re better at one-on-one
You would think that introverts would be terrible networkers. And truly, many of them are. But that is usually because they try to network the same way an extrovert would network, which goes against their nature. Smart introverts network selectively. They zero in and make strong, meaningful relationships, one at a time.
They can still turn it on
This might come as a surprise, but many introverts are actually great at being “on” when they need to be. Although reserved most of the time, many introverts come alive when they’re on stage, giving presentations, networking, engaging crowds and charming investors. The only difference is that behind the scenes, they require more recovery time to recharge.
They know themselves
Self-awareness goes a long way when you’re an entrepreneur. Knowing your strengths, your weaknesses, your values and your goals are imperative to entrepreneurial success.
Need a hand with your business’ brand? Call Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today!
