We recently interviewed Beth Buelow, CEO and founder of The Introvert Entrepreneur
. She is a professional speaker and leadership coach who helps introverts understand, own and leverage their strengths. She challenges the introvert stereotypes and is on a mission to bridge the communication gap between the “strong, silent” types and the “loud and proud.” Her business, The Introvert Entrepreneur, provides products and services that are designed for introverts who want to be wildly successful while still being authentic. Listen to her PodBlast at the bottom of this post.
Summary of Beth’s PodBlast:
Sue. What are the biggest challenges that budding Passioneers who are introverts face?
Beth:
- Self-promotion. Introverts are usually more comfortable putting the spotlight on others, rather than themselves. This can be a huge asset; our self-effacing nature means we’re good at lifting up others. This tendency needs to be balanced with showing up confidently and being able to speak clearly about our own value.
- Head games. Introverts are internal processors; the wheels are always quietly turning inside our heads, and this can lead to paralysis by analysis, as well as believing we have to think something through 110% before we can speak about it or act on it.
- Being authentic. There is a lot of pressure to be out, social, on stage, “selling” yourself. Introverts are capable of doing all of these things, and finding a way to do it that honors our introverted personality and needs can be challenging.
- Managing energy. This is related to authenticity; if we feel pressure to show up as extroverts (lots of events, being really “on,” constantly putting ourselves out there), our energy reserves can drain out rather quickly. It requires really owning our energy and needs and being able to set boundaries for ourselves (rather than “I should do this”). Staying in a place of choice is critical.
Sue: What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to outrageously thrive as they give back?
Beth: All three of these are ways to protect your energy as your success becomes more present and pronounced.
- Choose your commitments strategically and intentionally. As you become more successful, more people will want a piece of you. It can be tempting to say “yes” too often. Decide what types of opportunities best align with your vision, BEFORE you’re faced with saying yes or no.
- Leverage your strengths. Seek challenges and situations that allow you to tap into your innate strengths: thoughtfulness; preference for depth over breadth; being calm, cool, collected; good listener.
- Reach out. Whoever coined the phrase, “if you want it done right, do it yourself,” was probably an introvert! We tend to think we can handle everything on our own, because it might feel like it would be more work (and therefore, an energy drain) to bring other people into our processes. However, done strategically and intentionally (again, choosing partners or vendors in accordance to what aligns with your vision, rather than saying “yes!” to anyone who asks you), it can increase your capacity to accomplish your goals and provide you with some relief. Recognize when it’s time to ask for support or partnership.
Sue: What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out?
Beth:
- The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney: a great primer for anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be an introvert.
- Good to Great by Jim Collins: His chapter on Level 5 Leadership answers the question of whether or not introverts can make great leaders (the answer is yes!). I also appreciate the lessons that Passioneers can learn from applying the Hedgehog Concept and Flywheel analogy to their businesses.
- Works by Carl Jung and in particular, about the shadow: for deeper understanding of being an introvert and why we sometimes disown that part of ourselves. A good starting point is Debbie Ford’s The Dark Side of the Light Chasers.
Sue: Anything else?
Beth: I have a few resources designed specifically to support introverts and introvert entrepreneurs:
Blog, Podcast, Coaching, Workshops, Etc: www.TheIntrovertEntrepreneur.com
Facebook Community: www.Facebook.com/TheIntrovertEntrepreneur
Twitter: @coachbethb
Final Words (Beth):
Practice using a “beginner’s mind” approach to your work. Introverts are generally good at research and have a “need to know.” Practice spending some time in the “not knowing.” Experience things with a beginner’s mind and eye, allowing yourself to notice what’s happening not just with your mind, but with your body. Be open to the opportunities that arise when you remove the pressure to be perfect or to be an expert.
Thanks Beth and Happy Passioneering!
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