Quirks of the introvert and how they can benefit in business

We’re living in an age of introverts. People spend so much time these days interacting via phones and computers that interacting face to face has become a daunting prospect for some. They surely someone so shy couldn’t do all the networking and self-promotion required in business ownership? Right? Wrong. Funnily enough, many of the most renowned entrepreneurs started out this way: Bill Gates, Larry Page, Mark Zuckerberg and Warren Buffett, to name a few.

On the face of it, extroverts seem the most likely candidates, and sure, their affability, confidence and charisma certainly have their benefits — from motivating employees to connecting with investors and customers. But if we take a step back to consider what really makes a good entrepreneur, we believe it’s an ability to solve problems, make decisions and take positive actions. Ultimately, that is what sets a great entrepreneur apart from the rest.

Susan Cain, author of ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking’, defines introverts as having a preference for a peaceful, more minimally stimulating environment. Introverts tend to enjoy hushed concentration, listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and have a more circumspect approach to risk. So far, so good for the introverts out there…

Of course, there is the challenge to face of having to put yourself out there, in front of employees and investors. Critical activities like pitching, fundraising and networking require a degree of confidence, and approaching people in these situations can feel intimidating. After all, no one wants to be rejected, or worse, irrelevant.

Alfredo Ouro, Executive VP at Demium and a serial entrepreneur in his own right, is a proud, self-professed introvert. His tip to overcoming overwhelming situations is to draw confidence from your knowledge. “My total commitment and dedication to my business means that I am the expert,” he explains. “I let my passion take centre stage as I communicate all the things I’m doing to make the world a better place.”

Advantages to being introverted in business:

1. Introverts like to keep busy behind the scenes: developing, creating and building. They aren’t interested in being the star of the show.

2. Introverts generally listen and consider carefully before responding or making decisions.

3. Introverts are often more empathetic and sensitive to those around them, which can prove invaluable when they come into contact with customers and investors.

4. Introverts tend to prepare better for meetings, pitches and presentations, which means they’re sure of their facts. Of course, this also means they leave little room for improvisation, which can at times be a risky strategy.

“Introverts are very aware of the negative impact that banal words and vanity metrics can have,” points out Alfredo, “so we don’t tend to say anything we are unsure of. This is a clear advantage in the game of entrepreneurship, which is all about credibility, be that with customers, business partners, investors or employees…”

Like with anything, with enough practice introverts can learn to behave more like extroverts. Especially in situations in which it’s required, such as pitches. Elon Musk is often cited as someone who really struggled with pitching when he was starting out, but has come to learn that it’s part of the job and he can’t get to where he wants to be without presenting himself and his plans with conviction.

Our advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. Focus on your strengths and recognise you have a specific set of skills. Therefore you need to surround yourself with teammates who have corresponding skill sets. Our AllStartup Weekends provide the perfect opportunity for you to find co-founders to complement you.

2. If you feel freaked out by the concept of selling in the early stages of a business (i.e. before you can afford to hire a dedicated salesperson), consider this: it’s less about selling and more about talking to prospective customers about how your solution will benefit them. It’s a fact-finding mission that will help refine your product or service and give you food for thought. This isn’t ‘hard core sales’.

3. Take time to enable creative, big picture thinking and to recharge your batteries. Taking good care of yourself, and taking time out every now and then, should be a priority.

Ultimately, success is determined by the actions you take, not by your levels of confidence. As Alfredo says: “There are many successful and extraordinary introverted entrepreneurs out there. Maybe they aren’t the most well known, but this isn’t what motivates an entrepreneur. The real motivation is making a genuine impact on the world, right?”