Almost every person can find at least one introvert’s feature that is similar to his own.
Either you don’t like seeing unknown phone numbers calling to you, or you could feel uncomfortable in the crowded place, or maybe, you enjoy being alone for some time.
Nevertheless, true introverts really suffer a lot, because the modern world dictates its own rules of a successful living where everyone strives to be in the center of attention, wants to be loved by society, and enjoys being carefully followed.
Introverts hate being in the center of attention. They go through hell every time they have to ask unknown people something and almost are ready to die visiting a party.
But in fact, introverts in business have more strengths, than weaknesses. They can be good leaders and can easily build any business they want.
And I’ll try to explain my point.
Introverts vs Extroverts
All our actions are driven by inner energy. The main difference between introverts and extroverts lies in the source of this energy.
- Introverts get energy spending time alone and lose it when they are among people for a long period of time.
While there is an opinion that introverts are shy people it is not really so. Introverts’ problems are connected with the necessity to socialize. And the only reason why introverts don’t feel comfortable among people long is that they need to recharge being alone with their thoughts. There is a quote by Charles Bukowski that describes introverts the best, – ‘People empty me. I have to get away to refill.’
- As for extroverts, they recharge while socializing and feel a lack of energy after spending too much time alone.
Extroverted people boost their energy by communicating with other people. They are the stars of public meetings and socializing is a breath of fresh air for them.
Can introverts become extroverts?
How an introvert can become an extrovert is one of the most popular questions on the web. A great desire of introverted people to get extraverted characteristics is connected with the necessity to be in an active social position today. If you want to succeed in business you need to develop your personal brand, show up in videos, be an active speaker, and run effective communications.
So, can introverts become extroverts? No. By saying ‘no’ I mean that introverts cannot change their nature and one day just start getting energy from being in crowded places. Being alone with own thoughts is a genuine way to recharge for them.
But introverts can develop extroverted skills and this is how:
Become a leader and help other people to achieve results in your niche
Introverts feel comfortable among people they know. Taking an active leadership position in a team will give an opportunity to develop new habits of mentoring others, and as a result, public speaking.
Leave your comfort zone
Take challenges and leave your comfort zone in order to develop new extraverted traits. If you hate networking visit one event and take initiative in communication during this meeting. If you don’t like public speaking try this skill during the next business event.
Find extroverted leaders
Create a list of people you follow who are extroverts. Define what you love the most about them and what characteristics you would like to develop yourself.
Push yourself to spontaneous actions
Introverts are deep thinkers and spontaneous activities are not their cup of tea. What if you give it a try?
Plan your networking activities beforehand
If you are planning to visit an event learn the list of visitors, find these people on social media and say hi before the meeting. This will give an opportunity to feel more energized for some time.
Why introverts succeed in business
1. Introverts generate ideas that solve problems
Do you know where a startup starts? It starts with the idea.
But there are millions of ideas generated every day and only tens of them can be really worthy of attention.
The problem is that it is not enough to have any creative ideas. Your future product should be valuable, go at pace with time and help people to solve problems.
Introverts are creative thinkers. Besides, they have a passion for deep analysis of everything that happens in the world.
And that is the reason why introverts have more successful ideas for startup projects.
They not only create ideas but analyze them. They can easily find the root of the problem and focus on its solution.
As a result, startups created by introverts are more likely to succeed.
2. Introverts run effective communications
Starting any startup requires networking and active collaboration.
Social obligations are a real challenge for introverts. They hate being involved in public speeches, cold calls, and overcrowded meetings.
But! Fortunately, there are so many ways to avoid calls and meetings but stay in touch and run discussions.
And that is where introverts win.
Introverts think first, talk later. They run effective communication paying more attention to analysis and staying focused on details. They are perfect writers and researchers. In such a way, any collaboration can be even more productive.
3. Introverts are strong leaders and influencers
Introverts can become good leaders and build a successful business. They have all the skills for that.
According to Carmen Nobel, a Harvard Business school professor, “An introverted leader is more likely to listen to and process the ideas of an eager team”.
Introverts have more influencing power than anybody else. They never talk a lot, but when they make a decision, it is always well-thought-out.
Introverts are proved to be strong CEOs. Here is the list of top leaders and celebrities who are introverts:
- Mark Zuckerberg
- Bill Gates
- Marissa Mayer
- Barack Obama
- Guy Kawasaki
- Tom Ford
- Steven Spielberg
- J.K Rowling
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Hillary Clinton
You definitely know these people, don’t you?
So, leadership is another strong quality of introverts opening a door to successful entrepreneurship.
Let’s go through some best business ideas for introverts!
10 best side hustles for introverts
- Blogging
One of the best decisions for introverts is starting a blog. Introverts are thinkers and can easily analyze and structure tons of information. This skill gives an opportunity to generate fresh valuable content that is highly important for a successful blogger.
- Design
Introverts are creative people. People who like spending time with their thoughts have a good imagination. Additionally, introverts have their own perception of the world and it helps them to create unique designs and develop their own style in work.
- Web development
Web development is a highly profitable way of making income online. Actually, web development is a perfect side hustle for introverts as a computer is everything that a developer needs to work on and get the results.
- Freelance writing
Content creation is a part of a digital marketing strategy for any business. If you love writing and feel inspired creating quality content consider taking freelance orders.
- Online surveys
Online surveys don’t bring lots of money but you can make some extra cash daily doing this job. Just keep in mind that some online surveys have regional restrictions and are not available for all the countries, so you need to check if your country is on the list before starting to work.
- Virtual assistant
Most successful virtual assistance businesses started from doing virtual assistant jobs. You can be an assistant to a blogger, or find companies that don’t have their own marketing department and need professional help with social media.
- Translating
If you know at least one foreign language consider translation as a profitable side hustle. Select a niche you would like to work in and find companies that can be interested in translation services.
- Digital marketing
Targeting manager, social media manager, content strategist, or SEO specialist – it is only some jobs for introverts that can bring a regular income.
- Online tutoring
Start a tutoring business from home and you won’t need to visit classes anymore. Use Instagram or YouTube to deliver quality content and attract new clients.
- Handmade
If you love creating something with your hands handmade is a perfect niche. Fortunately, nowadays there are no problems with getting clients for your products – just open an online shop on Etsy.com or sell products on Instagram.
Sum up
If you are an introvert and suffer because of that, stop doing this. You have so many strengths that entrepreneurship is definitely your cup of tea.
Just one piece of advice I followed one day:
Start believing in yourself and you’ll feel stronger and more confident.
In conclusion, I would like to share one of my favorite videos for motivation. Enjoy it!
Tetiana is a business coach and owner of IStartHub, a business media for ambitious female entrepreneurs and small business owners.