Hey there,
I’m a massive introvert!
A lot of people don't believe me when I say this because I have a very successful multi-seven figure business and I show up all the time on social media.
But being an introvert isn't about lack of confidence.
Being an introvert doesn’t make you shy.
I get totally drained by being around a lot of people, and it took me such a long time to figure that out.
When I started out, I thought that the only way I could be successful was to go out and do public speaking.
A coach told me, "Make sure you are going to every networking breakfast within a three-hour radius of your house.”
Just the thought of it made me feel sick.
I had to get true to that feeling in my gut. I don't like being around a lot of people so I just didn't want to run my business like.
I'm living proof that you don't have to change your personality to be successful in business. You need to embrace who you are and find your path of least resistance.
I’m so pleased I’ve been able to stay an undercover introvert in my home town and still managed to create not only a million-dollar business, but also a huge community all around the world.
The key is to set up your business in a way that works for your personality.
Here are some ways that you can thrive in business as an introvert.
#1 Choose a business model that works for you.
Choose the marketing channels that suit your personality. If you don't like public speaking, you don't have to do it. If you don't like networking, you don't have to do it in the old-school way.
If making videos freaks you out, you don't have to do it - you could choose podcasts instead.
If you don't even like speaking, you can write so there's no need to leave the house. There's no need for makeup. There's no need to even push yourself out of your comfort zone if you don't want to.
If you don't like one-to-one work, you can do group programs or you could create a purely passive income based business.
It's your business, your rules.
It's safe for you to pick and choose what works for you.
Being visible doesn't have to be draining or daunting.
#2 Outsource strategically
If having a team feels overwhelming, you can strategically outsource and partner.
Spend money on things that make your business easier for you.
For a long time, I was the bottleneck in my business and I had to learn how to bring people into my business to support me.
For example, I hired a community manager to support me in holding space in Money Bootcamp.
Occasionally, I'll run business retreats and sometimes I'll bring in a co-host - someone who has a little bit more energy for partying than me!
#3. Take all the downtime you need
Apparently, energy levels aren't the only difference between introverts and extroverts.
Introverts' brains often take longer to switch between tasks, so we need a little bit of a buffer.
When I run a retreat or go to a conference, I need a couple of days to decompress.
As an introvert, after conferences, workshops, you need to book in one or two days to shake off the energy.
I actually did this after visiting Richard Branson's Necker Island with a group of amazing women. I rented a hotel room for the day after and I watched trash TV, ate fast food and cried.
If you've got a big launch, conference or speaking gig coming up, block out recovery time in your calendar.
#4. Batch and automate
I know I say this a lot, but it works for anyone in business. Batching and automating is such a smart way to do business - if you're doing one thing, you may as well do a million of them.
I batch a lot of social media content. When I'm in the mood, I'll sit and just make 20 of them instead of doing one at a time.
Some people are really good at the batching part, but then they don't do anything with it, so remember to batch and automate.
There are days where I just do not want to do anything or I've got a bit of a hangover from too much peopling. I just wanna kick back and play Gardenscapes (think Candy Crush, but gardens).
It's really tempting to only work on your business when you feel like it, but pretty soon you don’t have a business any longer! I set up systems that allow me to automate as much as possible so I am consistent even when I don't feel like it.
The idea is to make sure your business keeps working even when you're not feeling great. That works for introverts and extroverts.
#5. Don't hide away for too long.
I’ve watched some entrepreneurs skip their newsletter for a couple of weeks and then feel like they can't ever come back. Or they have to make a big apology.
It's okay to just jump back in.
#6. Get over your resistance to passive income.
This is a game-changer for everybody! You've got to get over your resistance to creating passive, easy income. Having ways that people can pay you, that don't involve your one-to-one time, is a dream business model for introverts.
You do the work once, you sell it over and over again, you never have to leave your house, you don't even have to put on a bra.
You don't have to interact with people beyond customer service.
It’s introvert heaven!
#7. Get known quickly.
I recommend having an extrovert wingperson with you at events but also, here’s a way to get known by the room quickly. I am always the first person to put my hand up to ask a question. I feel sick doing it.
When the speaker asks, "Anyone got a question?" I run to the front of the room or stand up, and then I go, "Oh, hi. I'm Denise Duffield-Thomas, creator of Money Bootcamp," or whatever.
I ask my question, everyone turns to look at me. I’ve just introduced myself to every single person in the room, and then for the rest of the conference, I can chill out.
I don’t have to network. I can go have a little sleep in the breaks.
#8. Do business based on your money personality
When you design and run your business based on your Money Archetype, you can leverage your strengths and make more money with more ease.
You don’t have to change your personality but you do have to use your unique gifts to make money and avoid the money challenges and sabotages that are particular to your personality type.
Not sure which of the 8 Money Archetypes you are? Take the money personality quiz here.
I’d love to hear from you if you’re an introvert and you’ve found one of these really useful. Follow me on socials @denisedtand let me know!
xx Denise
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