How to crush owning a business as an introvert
I am the oldest of 4 sisters, and so as you can imagine, my childhood home was never quiet. There were always girls in my room sitting at my feet while I was playing video games, or asking to play or wear my clothes. I was never alone. And I remember being REALLY frustrated sometimes when someone else would come in unannounced.
I was frustrated because I wanted alone time, but also because I didn’t understand why none of them also wanted any alone time. Was I just a mean person?
That’s why when I finally discovered personality types, and the concept of an extrovert vs an introvert I was extremely excited. This was it! This is what explained why I needed something different then my sisters. There wasn’t something wrong with me for not needing as much social interaction as someone else.
Thinking that Extroverts have what I don’t
But the stigma still sticks with so many of us when extroverts are often the life of the party, or get more attention on social media and we often feel left behind. I would wish that it would come easier to me to put myself out there. And worst of all, I would use my personality type as the reason that I couldn’t.
By labeling myself an introvert I would wave that flag to prevent myself from getting out more, or finding opportunities because I would think “I can’t do it.” And I realized that maybe I couldn’t do it not because I’m an introvert, but because I just wouldn’t.
Instead of saying you can’t, let’s start talking about how to be aware of how we are built, and find ways to work with our persona instead of against ourselves.
1. Stop avoiding phone calls
okay I know right off the bat you’re going to be like “BUT RAE, I CAN’T DO IT!” I get it. I know you may not believe me. But I wouldn’t be writing this list unless I already knew from experience why I have to hit you over the head with it.
I too have the overwhelming urge to just jump under the covers and email in the shadows until I die.
But you’re doing yourself and your clients a disservice by hiding your personality, how much you care, and a strong means of connection. People may contact you because of your work, but they will hire you because they trust you. Maybe even like you.
And if a misunderstanding or problem starts arising over email, you best believe a quick phone call will make clear your intentions way faster than any email, no matter how eloquent it is.
2. Find a routine that gets you motivated
If you work for yourself you know first hand how hard it is to get the motivation every day to get things done. There’s a lot of distractions in the house and no boss telling you to get started.
One of the first things I do when I get up is to get dressed. Either put on your regular clothes to start your day, or you could put on work out clothes to make yourself do that first thing so you’ll have energy for the rest of the day.
- Get dressed
- make breakfast
- sit somewhere with plenty of light
- do not sit in bed or in front of the tv
* it definitely helps to have a designated work space so you know when you are there, it’s work time.
3. Schedule meetings to get out and connect with people
This one has helped me a lot when I have free time to continue to find productive things to do, and overcome my isolated nature (like when COVID destroys the Hawaii economy for a year).
Even though I’m introverted, I don’t actually want to never be around people. I like people. So what really works for me is scheduling a meeting a week or two later that I can prepare for, and when the time comes I’m ready and excited to get out of the house!
You’d be amazed what can happen if you just start putting yourself out there. More opportunity will come than if you aren’t ever showing up.
4. Use the high energy days to your advantage and pre plan a bunch of content
Some days I wake up and I’m just like a blob, and I can’t imagine showing my face. I use those days as editing days, website upkeep, emails, etc. But there are some days I’m really feeling myself and I’m ready to brainstorm and film some content.
Be AWARE that this is a special day, and just crank out as much content as you can.
- Make some instagram reels, switch shirts and have ideas stored up for your filming day.
- Write down instagram caption ideas when you get them, so that you have multiple ready.
- Have a day where it’s your “day out” and you meet different people around town.
5. Stop thinking that being an introvert as a bad thing
The bottom line is that you are using your personality as an excuse. I know this, because I’ve done it.
It’s SO EASY to look at people at the top of our industry and say “I could never be that successful because they are so extroverted and likeable. I just don’t have that kind of personality.”
But up to 50% of the world’s population identify as introverts, or having aspects of an introvert personality. That means a lot more people can relate to you than you realize.
I have spent the past few years changing my perception of why being an introvert doesn’t and shouldn’t be an excuse to hold me back in business. And when you change that perception, then you can finally start soaring.
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Rae Marshall is an Oahu Wedding and Portrait Photographer with 15 years of business experience. Check out more resources below:
- Top 5 Programs to Run a Successful Photography Business
- my photography mentorship sessions!
