The Quiet Yet Successful Entrepreneurs

 

Those who have been following my column for many years may have noticed how I often mention that starting a business involves not only being financially capable but, more importantly, having that intense determination and inner strength to withstand all adversaries. I am sure that most entrepreneurs would agree with me on that. These people are perceived to be extroverts. An extrovert is someone known to be optimistic, more sociable, risk-taker, and aggressive. With these characteristics, he can push himself more to achieve his goals. His persistence allows him greater chances of succeeding. However, there is also an excellent chance for those introverts to become as successful as them. An introvert’s shyness would only leave him in the same spot and never dare go out of his comfort zone. But think of it this way….an introvert would have a lot of time all to himself. Thus, he can gain more energy during his lone moments. Hence, being recharged, an introvert can deal with the outside world and create a good connection with others.

We have always had in mind that an extrovert would only be on his own all alone most of the time, far from other people. Some may have seen them as having psychological problems because of their lack of engagement with others. But I guess times have changed, and so has the introvert’s perspective. Everyone feels the need to step up with how things are going now. And to remain inside the shell is no longer an option. Thus, you don’t need to be an extrovert to become successful in life.

I know one young man diagnosed as an introvert after a psychologist assessed his behavior. He seems to be an outgoing person, but he is a bit reserved compared to his sibling and cousins. His parents did not know he was an introvert until the psychologist informed them. Years after, still in his early 20’s, he grew the liking of earning his own money to support his family. I can say that he has become aggressive in finding every opportunity because of his family’s needs. Even if he has become, he remains the same person. An extrovert? Probably he still is but has somehow pushed himself far enough to be successful in his small business.

Being an introvert doesn’t mean you lose connection with others. But, the more precise definition would be that an introvert has the time to think clearer and ends up having better decision-making skills and solving problems.

Positive Characteristics of an Introvert

Since they need to take more time to think about different things, an introvert is considered a creative thinker. They do not just jump into something once they bump into an idea. Introverts can express themselves creatively, just like some of the world’s renowned writers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. One good example is Albert Einstein. He is known for his wondrous works, and he believed that his creativity and success were all because of the time he spent all to himself. As he said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulate the creative mind.”

However, keep in mind that introverts are not better than extroverts and vice versa. Both personality types have positive and negative traits, and in business, it needs two kinds of people to become successful.

Introverts are also said to be passionate about coming up with ideas. They are not after fame and glory. Instead, they want to focus on specific things, build a network, search for experts in different fields, and do whatever it takes to make their idea come into a reality. Introverts may have more focused minds that they would not stop attempting to do something until they have seen the fruits of their labor.

Introverts spend more time thinking. The extroverts don’t believe as much as introverts do, but because introverts would rather spend more time alone, what is left to do is mostly to think, think, and think. And with the significant time spent on thinking, great ideas formulated. An individual doesn’t jump into doing things right away but prefers to be alone to concentrate more. They aren’t likely to decide on a whim but rather devote more time thinking of the possibilities before taking action.

Introverts are said to be the best people to run to when you need someone to talk to because they happen to be great listeners. They would always find time to listen and empathize with people. This trait is precious when dealing with clients, as well as employees. The need to understand and come up with the right questions to help someone in need is one of the introvert’s most outstanding characteristics. Along with this, an introverted entrepreneur will step back and look into the situation on a bigger picture while considering other people’s input when making a decision.

While you may be thinking that extroverts make great bosses, studies conducted by a Wharton professor concluded that introverts are better bosses than extroverts because introvert bosses don’t want to be the center of attention. Instead, they would like their employees to become proactive in making decisions so that solutions are not just made for the company’s benefit but also for the employees.

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You may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome for questions and more information.

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