One of the great things about building your own business is that there’s no “right” way to do things. Each entrepreneur brings their own skills, personalities, and unique capabilities to their business.
Extroverted entrepreneurs thrive on being around people and often find it easy and natural to network effectively, pitch ideas, build relationships, and inspire other people.
Introverted entrepreneurs, on the other hand, are those who gain more energy from being on their own. They often excel in areas like thoughtful problem-solving and strong listening or communication skills.
And while these unique strengths are needed in entrepreneurship, many introverted entrepreneurs are also looking to tap into their extrovert side, build confidence, and break out of their shell.
This article explores why it’s beneficial to do so and offers 10 practical ideas to try.
Extroversion and Entrepreneurship: The Benefits
We already said it, but it’s worth emphasizing again: there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to be an entrepreneur. The world needs people with a variety of skills and personality types building businesses.
That said, there are some unique qualities of extroversion that lend themselves well to building a business. Extroverts’ natural tendency to connect with other people leads to a number of key business benefits:
- Effective networking: Extroverts gain energy by being with people, so networking events and other opportunities to approach and connect with potential clients and partners feels natural and exciting. This leads to more business opportunities.
- Excellent pitching skills: Entrepreneurs often need to pitch ideas to get clients, partners, or finances. Extroverts are more comfortable taking the spotlight and can pitch with conviction and confidence.
- Strong relationship-building: People-oriented extroverts may find it easier to build and maintain relationships with clients and partners, especially when it requires activities like client lunches or other social events.
- Inspirational leadership: Extroverts are more likely to enjoy overt leadership positions, especially where you need to motivate and inspire employees. Their propensity for public speaking and relationship building helps them rally people around a common cause or goal.
10 Confidence-Building Ideas for Introverted Entrepreneurs
Few people are 100% extroverted or introverted — it generally exists on a scale. This means that those who lean towards introversion can take on some of the characteristics and benefits of being an extrovert. It takes a bit of practice and intentionality to do, but definitely possible.
Here are 10 confidence-building ideas to try today.
1. Embrace Your Strengths
The goal is to help you add to your strengths and abilities, not switch them out. So, start by acknowledging and embracing your introvert superpowers! This could include, but isn’t limited, to:
- Thoughtful decision-making
- Efficiency and productivity
- Meaningful conversations
- Deep focus and the ability to learn new things
As you reflect on your strengths as an introvert, consider looking at resources designed specifically for you, such as author Susan Cain’s Quiet at Work tool.
2. Set Achievable Goals
Ambitious goals are good — unrealistic ones aren’t. This is particularly true when you’re trying to break out of your comfort zone and do something new. Try not to pressure yourself, but set realistic, achievable goals.
Our article on building a career development plan also laid out the SMART Goal framework. In short, you want to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. Some examples include:
- “I will attend one networking event every quarter.”
- “I will send X pitch emails to prospective clients every month and follow-up with a phone call.”
3. Get a Mentor or Coach
You don’t need to do this all alone. Business coaches or mentors can be instrumental for any entrepreneur or business owner looking to scale their business. But they are even more beneficial for introverts who may want to develop skills like networking and public speaking.
Your mentor or coach can help you:
- Meet other people to network and connect with
- Refine your business pitch
- Support you and your goals, practically and emotionally
4. Get Out of Your Home Office
Working from home isn’t particularly conducive to improving skills like networking or building relationships. But getting out of your home office and into a professional coworking space can be a great place to practice your extrovert side.
There are many coworking community benefits, including:
- Opportunities for informal small talk or networking in common areas like lounges or the kitchen
- Professional networking events arranged by the coworking space (like the events we host at The Post)
- Feeling like a “true” entrepreneur with your own dedicated workspace
- Change of scenery and a productive work environment can support you reaching goals
- Collaboration opportunities in open coworking spaces
5. Practice Small Talk
Extroverts love it, introverts… not so much. But honing your small talk skills can help further your career aspirations by meeting new people and expanding your network.
Luckily, this can be done in a low-stakes environment. Coworking spaces like The Post offer a variety of community events for members to attend and get to know each other. Many of ours are casual, come-as-you-are, no-pressure activities, so you can practice your small talk comfortably.
6. Attend Networking Events
Whether it’s through your coworking space, industry organization, or something else, networking events are a great way to build your business.
And while many introverted entrepreneurs may feel like it’s not their strong suit, networking doesn’t look one way. You don’t have to be the life of the party, talking to every single person. Instead, focus on genuine connections and relationships.
Here are some tips from our article on how to network organically:
- Be proactive in offering help to others, instead of just getting what you need
- Listen more than you talk; strive to learn something in your interaction
- Don’t go in with an agenda, but focus on real conversations
7. Join a Public Speaking Group
If you want to hone your public speaking skills, consider joining a group where you can practice. Toastmasters is probably the most popular option, but websites like MeetUp may also have groups in your city that offer public speaking support.
8. Take Breaks to Recharge
Introverts need time by themselves to recharge their social batteries. So, don’t be afraid to take the time you need to rest, spend time by yourself, or do a different activity.
You can consider taking a break during a high-extroverting event, like networking, or for longer periods of time, too. This is all about self-care—knowing what you need and taking it.
9. Become an Expert
The more confident you are about your industry and work, the easier it is to communicate with confidence. So part of developing your extroverted side is to actually go deep into your business and industry and become an expert there.
You can take relevant courses or certificates, or simply stay focused in your work and learn through hands-on practice.
One way to establish yourself as an industry expert is to host a lunch-and-learn for other professionals at your coworking space or in your industry. The Post has bookable meeting rooms and a flex space that are a perfect space to host an event.
10. Know Your Elevator Pitch
Pitching your ideas and business can be challenging, and many introverted entrepreneurs find themselves tongue-tied in front of potential clients or partners.
The key to turning that around? Practice, practice, practice. Get your “elevator pitch” down to a science so you know exactly what to say and how you want to say it. Practice with friends, family, your coach or mentor, or coworking space colleagues. The more you practice, the more confidence you’ll feel.
Every type of entrepreneur brings something unique to the table. But for introverts looking to build their confidence and break out of their shell, we looked at 10 practical, hands-on ways to do so.
If you’re looking for a supportive professional community and workspace where you can grow your business, book a tour of The Post today.