Although entrepreneurs are classically extroverts, the business world has many introverted leaders who are moving and shaking things across the globe. One of the most famous examples is Bill Gates. “If you’re clever, you can learn to reap the benefits of being an introvert,” said Gates, adding that the key to success involves balancing and tapping into the talents of others.
For introverted business owners, this can mean hiring a range of people with different personalities and strengths. It is ultimately about the team you build and the way you allow each person to carry out the roles they are best at and most comfortable with. What are additional tips you can follow to launch the business of your dreams from home as an introvert?
Choosing the Right Role for Yourself
Regardless of whether you are selling a product or service, sales will undoubtedly be a major role in your company — one that you could possibly fulfill on your own with flying colors. Many people mistakenly believe that extroverts make the best salespeople, but research shows otherwise. Academics from Harvard University have found, for instance, that “salespeople in the top 905 demonstrate traits of modesty and humility.”
Those who are too showy, meanwhile, are more likely to alienate prospects than attract them. Moreover, people who are very friendly and enjoy being in the presence of others are ranked in the bottom third of overall sales achievements.
Creating a Winning Team
Hiring the right people is vital. Extroverts are known to shine in areas that require liasing with others, staying positive, persuading others (including colleagues) and suggesting organizational changes. They are also more motivated by rewards, so it is vital to offer them good, safe working conditions as well as rewards (e.g. a bonus or time off) for goals achieved.
Regardless of whether or not you deal in a traditionally risky field such as construction, worker’s comp for home based businesses and health insurance for workers are key. Contracting this will show potential hires that you are serious, responsible, and committed to their wellbeing. It will also enable them to rest assured that they will not lose out financially if they should face an accident or any other incident that can interfere with their ability to work.
Designing a Conducive Environment
Open, flexible open spaces dominated the office design realm in the early 2000s but today, it has been found that these spaces have failed to meet their mark. As reported in the Harvard Business Review, evidence shows that open offices are “at odds with designers’ expectations and business managers’ desires.
In a number of workplaces we have observed for research projects or consulting assignments, those structures have produced less meaningful interaction—not more.” Introverts may instinctively veer towards personal office spaces where they can avoid frequent interruptions.
However, they can still opt for a flexible home office design in which at least one area of the home is suited for meeting clients and staff and holding company meetings. If your home is unsuitable for this purpose, you can always rent a co-working meeting space for regular staff meetings and visit clients when face-to-face communication is required.
Strengthen Your Networks
Use both online networks and person-to-person events to build your network. While you may not enjoy big events, these are crucial for meeting others in your industry and, seeing what they have to offer, as well as meeting new clients. Bring along the fun-loving extroverts in your team. They will make it easy to approach new groups and share news about your company and team.
Introverts make great leaders and there are many examples in a wide array of industries. To make the most of your business, work with talented partners and hire staff with different personality types and strengths.
Consider taking care of sales or any other role which suits your tastes and style. Network with others to build and strengthen brand awareness and opt for the type of home office design that allows for privacy as well as occasional socialization.
