It appears that Nigerians prefer bubbly exuberance to quiet reflection. Maybe this isn’t true; perhaps my reclusive tendencies have skewed my perception of my countrymen’s ways, leading me to paint an accusatory caricature of their preferences. But this writer is not alone in making the assertion that Nigeria is a country that prizes the loud and boisterous, and ignores introspection and calm pragmatism. If you are an entrepreneur, you better be a charismatic sweet-mouthed big-talker.
But you don’t have to fit into this mould to become a successful business person. True, strong interpersonal relationship skills and a healthy dose of smart salesmanship are essential to doing well in business. However, introverts don’t have to shed their personality to fit the assumed quintessential model of the extroverted entrepreneur. They can thrive in business their own way. Even in Nigeria.
In fact, there are a number of entrepreneurial pursuits to which introverts are especially suited. You would need to at least possess the ability to ‘go into your shell’ for extended periods if you’re going to be a software programmer or a deeply reflective writer. Hyperactive bodies can’t sit at the table of creativity for hours on end. Highly active minds can. As for examples of world-famous entrepreneurs who are introverts, look no further than Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Mark Zuckerberg. All three have admitted finding social interraction a bit awkward and draining sometimes. And we know what successful businesses they’ve built.
How can introverts defeat stereotypes about entrepreneurship that favour more outgoing people? If you’re an introvert in business (or if you’re considering starting one), you’ll find the following answers to this question helpful.
- Play to your strengths
Contrary to the widely held view that sanguine characters have the best qualities for entrepreneurship, introverts have a lot going for them in this respect. And it’s all down to their preference for reflection.
Reserved people are more likely to spend a lot of time thinking things through before taking action. They are less given to uttering words without considering their suitability to the discussion being had. They will typically weigh the worth of the message they want to deliver, whether it’s verbal or written, before putting it out. As a result, they can harness the power of words and make their speeches and written correspondences loaded with wisdom and wit. Their words, though less heard, will be highly priced. This makes them good leadership material.
The introvert’s penchant for carefulness also comes in handy at the decision-making desk. The more you are able to shut out all the distractions of human communication and focus on your own thoughts, the better your decisions are likely to be (this isn’t ruling out advice from others). They find it easier to point out the faults with projects and products and to make projections about the future they envision. If they’re able to sharpen these abilities through experience, they can make excellent strategists.
It turns out that introverts don’t have to give up being introverts (if this were really possible) in order to be leaders and fine businesspeople. The fact that they aren’t rambunctious doesn’t mean that they can’t command respect and draw attention.
NB: Introverts come in different shades, and their individual strengths may vary as a result. For example, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator- which is a personality type determining tool -identifies four types of introverts. Other tests put them in two distinct groups. Some introverts are very analytical and can work with logic and numbers; others are instinctive and creative (or ‘artsy’, as some would say).
- Make up for your weaknesses
For all the strengths introverts have, they also tend to harbour certain ‘weaknesses’ that are peculiar to their reserved personality. The most obvious one is the sheer inability to engage with a large number of people at once. Sometimes, they find such interactions tiring. If they had their way, they wouldn’t be at occasions that require them to talk with so many people. They aren’t built to enjoy ‘chattering away’ (you might find them doing this once in a while, but not frequently, and certainly not with ‘strangers’). Given that interpersonal communication is essential to building a thriving business, introverts’ withdrawn nature puts them at a disadvantage in entrepreneurship.
One way out of this problem is to partner with an extrovert. Introverts might dread marketing, so they’ll rather have someone else do the aggressive, out-in-the-field publicity campaigns. Customers might also be more comfortable and open with an exuberant and charismatic partner or staff, so the extrovert might do well here too.
However, if you’re an introvert, you will need to learn to interact with people. You can’t afford to keep avoiding social situations; there’s networking to be done, and you’ll have to get involved if you want to gain the trust of business partners and customers. Your engagements don’t have to be loud marathon chats; just ask the right questions, listen (a virtue more commonly possessed by introverts), and say the words when you think they should be said.
If you detest the idea of convening large meetings, you might organize one-on-one discussions instead.
You could also do more content-based marketing, especially written content. This seems to work quite well for creative introverts.
NB: Unfortunately, some introverts are prone to becoming either weak leaders or dictators. If they perceive that people take their reserved nature as evidence of weakness, they could resort to a draconian leadership style to prove that they aren’t pushovers. Conversely, they might be so eager to show people that they are not hard-hearted and self-centred, that they let their staff and customers ride roughshod over them. The right balance is found in being firm and fair.
- Spend time alone to regain your energies
This is vital to the wellbeing of the introvert. While extroverts find strength in lively social gatherings, introverts get themselves recharged by spending time alone.
If you’re an introvert, you could take a long walk alone, sit out in nature, or read a book. Breaks from work don’t have to be filled with more chatter. The peace of solitude is good enough to prepare you for the next task you’ll have on your plate.
Conclusion
You are not defined by your introversion or extroversion. Your success doesn’t depend on it. It’s up to you to make the best of your enterprise, with what you have.
Featured Image Credit: AOL.com
