How can an introvert be successful in business?
I have a great business idea and have thought through a business plan on paper. The problem is I am not good at sales and have no desire to become a salesperson. I enjoy being behind the scenes. How do other introverts find balance in their business and become successful?
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Sep 28, 2016
Is this still an active question? If so...I'm not a professional marketer or business developer, but I would be happy to share a few things I've learned so far.
As the founder of the business, you will be the face and the voice of the business, even if you stay behind the scenes much of the time.
Have you determined the best ways to get your product to market? The reason I ask this is that this could help you to figure out what your sales/marketing strategy will be and, subsequently, what kind of help you need. For example, you could explore the possibility of using distributors to sell your product. You could also consider finding a customer to partner with you in developing and piloting your product.
Or, you could hire someone, take a partner or outsource business development to a professional who could network, participate in Industry trade shows and conferences to speak and demonstrate your product to attendees in your target market. Your local area may have relevant associations where you can make connections and build relationships with people who are part of your target market.
It has helped me to shift my thinking and approaches from selling to educating. If you identify your target market and what your product will do that is better/faster/easier than others, that's the start. You may want to engage a marketing/branding consultant to help you to develop a marketing/sales strategy and goals as a first step if you haven't already done so. For me, this has been (and probably will always be) evolving.
Best wishes!
Sep 21, 2016
Its very simple actually. (I am an Introvert and I am in selling of Capital Equipment for more than twenty years now). Whenever, a sales call is impending, do you feel some pesky creatures like butterflies in your stomach? Do you find more of them as the time gets nearer? If yes, I've got news for you. Many successful sales people feel the same way. The solution is to think what is the worst possible thing which can happen. You may forget something and make a hash of it, or you may get tongue tied and embarrass yourself. Right? So what's the big deal! You cannot be arrested, or executed, right? Try it out once- I can guarantee you that the results will be totally different from what you expect. All the best and happy selling.
Jan 9, 2016
Are you still having a problem? Let me know, there are many different ways I can help, you do not have to be outgoing to be good at sales!
Jan 3, 2016
Hi Alexandia, I am introvert by nature and have been in "Sales" for my entire working life. My advice is if you find something you are passionate about then it is never a sale, you are endorsing your product or service. People buy from people and I have found that the two my important behaviours that have served me well are a; passion b: self belief in what I am advocating. Both these drivers can help you go far. People by nature enjoy purchasing from people that are rock solid in their product/services. Good sales is actually about listening once you know the needs of your audience!
Jan 1, 2016
it's good in everything. talk less, think less, do more. something that i will i have to strive for to learn for my entire life
Jan 1, 2016
Lots of ways to do it. It is about having a a Plan and Executing the Plan. You have to have a plan in all aspects of the business. With a Plan all things are possible. without it, you will flounder and you will dwell on what you are not good at. I help Start-ups with a Planning Process. That is what I do! Feel free to reach out and I am happy to help you I have worked in 22 countries around the world. If i can help you, would be happy to do so.
Dec 31, 2015
I don't understand the connection between personality type and success. Here are a few examples of high profile people who are considered to be introverted and who are / were / have been extremely successful in business: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder), Larry Page (Google co-founder, Elon Musk (founder of PayPal, Space X, and Tesla), Steve Wozniak (Apple co-founder).
If by sales you mean blabbering on enthusiastically ad nauseam about how great you and your product/idea is, then your definition of sales is limited and limiting. Sales is about engendering the trust and confidence of people in you and your product or idea or proposal.
Many extraverts can come across as sleazy, slippery and superficial if they jabber on and hog the limelight and if they respond with a slick (and well packaged) answer to any and every objection.
Many introverts can come across as having depth of expertise and knowledge, the willingness to listen to clients and take the time to digest client feedback/input and provide thoughtful responses without jumping up and down like a loopy loon.
Dec 31, 2015
As I am an introvert as well and began to venture out on my own and start a new business I only have one answer to that question. You should read a book written by Susan Cain entitled....
QUIET - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.
I promise if you read this book all questions and doubts about what you are trying to accomplish will be silenced. You will come away with a renewed self-confidence. This book is a paean to introversion.
Dec 31, 2015
Hi - like yourself, I am also an introvert and do not naturally feel comfortable with being in the position of selling. However, when I believe in a product or service and become passionate about it, then it no longer becomes "selling!"
Every day you postpone, its just going to be that much hard. So don't procrastinate. Prepare and before you enter the room, make a mental butterfly net , catch all of them...and flush 'em down the nearest commode. You can make the net by thinking what's the worst thing, as I said originally. But, some of them butterflies will remain and multiply at high speeds. So, do it once at the last moment and enter with all the confidence!! Ciao!.