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The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms
A practical guide to help introverts harness their natural gifts and entrepreneurial spirit
Think you have to be loud and brash to be successful in business? Think again. The strengths and traits of the typical introvert lend themselves well to entrepreneurship, as well as “intrapreneurship” and a range of business roles. In The Introvert Entrepreneur, professional coach Beth Buelow shows readers how to harness their natural gifts (including curiosity, independence, and a love of research) and counteract their challenges (such as an aversion to networking and self-promotion). She addresses a wide range of topics --from managing fears and expectations and developing a growth mindset to networking, marketing, leadership skills, and community-building--informed by interviews with introverts who have created successful businesses without compromising their core personality.
Filled with fresh insights and actionable advice, this essential guide will support anyone who’s striving to make a difference in a loud and chaotic world.
Think you have to be loud and brash to be successful in business? Think again. The strengths and traits of the typical introvert lend themselves well to entrepreneurship, as well as “intrapreneurship” and a range of business roles. In The Introvert Entrepreneur, professional coach Beth Buelow shows readers how to harness their natural gifts (including curiosity, independence, and a love of research) and counteract their challenges (such as an aversion to networking and self-promotion). She addresses a wide range of topics --from managing fears and expectations and developing a growth mindset to networking, marketing, leadership skills, and community-building--informed by interviews with introverts who have created successful businesses without compromising their core personality.
Filled with fresh insights and actionable advice, this essential guide will support anyone who’s striving to make a difference in a loud and chaotic world.
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
About the author
Beth Buelow
4 books110 followersBeth Buelow, PCC, serves as a guide to introvert entrepreneurs who want to amplify their strengths and build sustainable, energetically aligned businesses. She is a professional coach, author, and speaker, is based in the Pacific Northwest and serves introverts worldwide. Her podcast, “The Introvert Entrepreneur,” was recently named as one of the top 25 business podcasts for entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur.com, and also was featured in the “Inspiring Women’s Voices” category on iTunes. She’s contributed to articles in The Wall Street Journal, Success Magazine, Inc, Entrepreneur, and Psychology Today, among others. Beth is the author of “The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms” (TarcherPerigee/Penguin Random House, Nov 2015), which was named one of the 100 best business books of 2015 by Inc.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 9, 2017
As a card-carrying extrovert you might think I wouldn't enjoy this book so much...and you'd be wrong. Yes, it is a book with specific advice for introverts, but more importantly, it's a book written for people who interact with others and need to know how they function best, and how they affect others. Learning how I gain and drain energy, and how others gain and drain energy, has been a light bulb realization for me, and I've found myself far more effective as an entrepreneur, a collaborator, and a trainer and speaker after reading the author's insights and advice.
The two pieces I enjoyed most about this book: 1) The concept of success by association. The author says "The more you're around the people who've done the things you want to do - write a book, host successful workshops, give keynote speeches - the more normalized such activities become." Eureka! I have long struggled by listening to advice from people who don't understand what I am trying to do, or approve of it, or value it. Far more effective for me to spend time with others who do understand, and have "been there, done that." 2) The interviews with successful introvert entrepreneurs at the end of each chapter. I learn best by reading and hearing clear examples of what has worked - and hasn't worked - for others, and found each interview to be filled with accessible ideas I could begin implementing now.
Extroverts, I urge you to read this book to gain deeper insight into how you're viewed by the other half of the world. While your ideas, energy, enthusiasm and excitement seems natural, contagious, and completely normal to you, it's good to realize how differently you may be perceived by introverts who need longer to process and who value deep conversations over small talk (it never hurts to get the reminder that I may be seen as a nonstop blabbermouth). I love that the author doesn't try to change anyone's basic brain wiring, she merely urges us to educate ourselves and attempt to understand others.
The two pieces I enjoyed most about this book: 1) The concept of success by association. The author says "The more you're around the people who've done the things you want to do - write a book, host successful workshops, give keynote speeches - the more normalized such activities become." Eureka! I have long struggled by listening to advice from people who don't understand what I am trying to do, or approve of it, or value it. Far more effective for me to spend time with others who do understand, and have "been there, done that." 2) The interviews with successful introvert entrepreneurs at the end of each chapter. I learn best by reading and hearing clear examples of what has worked - and hasn't worked - for others, and found each interview to be filled with accessible ideas I could begin implementing now.
Extroverts, I urge you to read this book to gain deeper insight into how you're viewed by the other half of the world. While your ideas, energy, enthusiasm and excitement seems natural, contagious, and completely normal to you, it's good to realize how differently you may be perceived by introverts who need longer to process and who value deep conversations over small talk (it never hurts to get the reminder that I may be seen as a nonstop blabbermouth). I love that the author doesn't try to change anyone's basic brain wiring, she merely urges us to educate ourselves and attempt to understand others.
February 5, 2020
There are barely any interesting informations in it.I kept zoning out constantly and that says a lot.
March 25, 2018
Introvert Entrepreneur seems like an oxymoronic term. Can an introvert really be an entrepreneur? Well, Beth Buelow makes an excellent case for it in her book titled with the same term. I heard about Beth Buelow from one of my favorite podcasts, The Creative Penn, when she was interviewed by Author-Entrepreneur Joanna Penn. That interview intrigued me about this concept. So, I decided to read her book and listened to Beth’s own podcast to learn more.
Buelow goes into details on how introverts can use their natural gifts of listening, independence, research, and focusing one task at a time to succeed as an entrepreneur. She adroitly address the challenges that introverts face from their reluctance (and sometimes even hatred) of sales, marketing, and networking. As well as dealing with fears and self-doubts that comes with starting your own business.
So, I gave up. I stopped trying to force it. I finally realized that I was not going to choose my niche; it was going to choose me. I decided to see who I attracted when I showed up authentically, open, and curious.
Introverts and independence go hand in hand. It doesn’t mean that other people aren’t important to us; we simply are more deliberate (and even curious) about who we invite into our inner world. We see it very simply: people in = energy out. We can absolutely love and adore those people, and they can still exhaust us.
Those two quotes were worth the price of the book. Buelow covers the strengths and weaknesses of introverts when it comes to entrepreneurship in those aforementioned quotes. The native inner strength of understanding in letting a niche discover you instead of trying to create your own niche and the weakness of an insistent need for independence because of how people can drain an introvert’s energy. Reading the context behind both of those quotes reveal how well Buelow knows her subject and the advice given goes well beyond the surface level or pop psychology/self-help talk.
The Introvert Entrepreneur is a book I will highly recommend for introverts who are (or want to become) entrepreneurs and for extroverts who want to learn more about how introverts work and succeed in entrepreneurship. I will be referring to this book on a regular basis and using the many lessons from it for my own introverted author-enterpreneur career.
Buelow goes into details on how introverts can use their natural gifts of listening, independence, research, and focusing one task at a time to succeed as an entrepreneur. She adroitly address the challenges that introverts face from their reluctance (and sometimes even hatred) of sales, marketing, and networking. As well as dealing with fears and self-doubts that comes with starting your own business.
So, I gave up. I stopped trying to force it. I finally realized that I was not going to choose my niche; it was going to choose me. I decided to see who I attracted when I showed up authentically, open, and curious.
Introverts and independence go hand in hand. It doesn’t mean that other people aren’t important to us; we simply are more deliberate (and even curious) about who we invite into our inner world. We see it very simply: people in = energy out. We can absolutely love and adore those people, and they can still exhaust us.
Those two quotes were worth the price of the book. Buelow covers the strengths and weaknesses of introverts when it comes to entrepreneurship in those aforementioned quotes. The native inner strength of understanding in letting a niche discover you instead of trying to create your own niche and the weakness of an insistent need for independence because of how people can drain an introvert’s energy. Reading the context behind both of those quotes reveal how well Buelow knows her subject and the advice given goes well beyond the surface level or pop psychology/self-help talk.
The Introvert Entrepreneur is a book I will highly recommend for introverts who are (or want to become) entrepreneurs and for extroverts who want to learn more about how introverts work and succeed in entrepreneurship. I will be referring to this book on a regular basis and using the many lessons from it for my own introverted author-enterpreneur career.
February 24, 2017
The aspect I liked about the book is the way the author has put the definition of an introvert to support the notion of Introvert Entrepreneur. At certain places, I felt that the obvious things were explained too much but I appreciate the effort that no point was taken lightly.
July 13, 2021
It's hard for me to rate this book. I can't even remember how I got it. I picked it up out of curiosity, because I'm not always in love with the networking part of my job. It takes a ton of time to make real partnerships work online. I was hoping to learn how to do it more efficiently.
What I got was a book written for total introverts, which I should have expected. That's my fault. Not the author's. This book takes a good amount of time helping the most introverted, which is Beth's specialization.
This book must be invaluable to someone who can't pick up the phone even when necessary. Beth Buelow is a caring thoughtful coach. I just don't think I'm her target audience.
Going through this book I kept thinking, "wish I knew this 10 years ago." I did learn some interesting tidbits here and there.
I can't comment on how persuasive her coaching is because I learned a bunch of this the hard way, so she's preaching to the choir with me. I can say that a good deal of what she is saying is immediately useful if you actually pursue it.
I wasn't the target market, but it's definitely worth your time if you're introverted and trying to start something online. She definitely cares and works hard to help.
What I got was a book written for total introverts, which I should have expected. That's my fault. Not the author's. This book takes a good amount of time helping the most introverted, which is Beth's specialization.
This book must be invaluable to someone who can't pick up the phone even when necessary. Beth Buelow is a caring thoughtful coach. I just don't think I'm her target audience.
Going through this book I kept thinking, "wish I knew this 10 years ago." I did learn some interesting tidbits here and there.
I can't comment on how persuasive her coaching is because I learned a bunch of this the hard way, so she's preaching to the choir with me. I can say that a good deal of what she is saying is immediately useful if you actually pursue it.
I wasn't the target market, but it's definitely worth your time if you're introverted and trying to start something online. She definitely cares and works hard to help.
December 29, 2016
This and other reviews can be found at : misskristinesreviews.com
Thoughts:
This is exactly what I was looking for!
I currently am in a kick of learning my work style, personality type, etc., and came across this book.
The title alone can be a definition of my life. I’m an introvert. And I’m an entrepreneur.
Some people think that introverts are super scared of talking to people and have trouble expressing themselves, but that cannot be further from the truth. In fact, introverts love people – we may just take time to warm up to deeper relationships and most likely feel overwhelmed in big groups of people.
Some people think that introverts probably can’t be successful at “entrepreneur-ing” because it takes a person who is outgoing and loves talking to people. Right away Beth Buelow discusses that the entrepreneurial world is “extrovert-leaning” so it is natural for people to think introverts won’t last long in the industry, but there are ways that introverts can utilize their natural strengths to build their own strong businesses. In fact, many great leaders were introverts!
Beth Buelow encourages introverts to “see this book as your personal coach, mentor, and reality check…part cheerleader, part gentle push off the cliff.” This is exactly what Introvert Entrepreneur was for me!
Two points that really resonated with me is Beth’s talk about being fearless and getting out of our comfort zone. Telling people to be fearless may work for a little while but is not enduring. Beth explains that introverts and extroverts both experience fear. The difference is the relationship with fear: introverts sit in fear alone, letting it “occupying real estate in our minds.” It is not that we are afraid to tell people about our fear but rather naturally let stuff stew in our minds until we can piece it together in words. By then it is typically too late. Beth encourages us to “feel the fear and do it anyway.” LOVE THIS! Another common saying is “getting out of the comfort zone.” Us introverts love our comfort zone. Why is there something wrong with the comfort zone? It is where we recharge. Beth reaffirms that our comfort zones are just fine – we just have to learn to expand our comfort zone and reframe our thinking about doing things that make us uncomfortable.
I could continue talking about the takeaways I received from Beth’s work, but I would ramble on forever. And I think Beth does an excellent job of producing content for introverts; I encourage everyone to visit her website www.introvertentrepreneur.com. I now am a regular listener of her podcasts she posts every week.
Not an introvert? You can still gain insight and knowledge from this book! It will help you understand the way of thinking for introverts (I’m sure you know a few, even if you don’t think they are introverts – sometimes we hide it well!)
Conclusion:
Highly recommend!
Thoughts:
This is exactly what I was looking for!
I currently am in a kick of learning my work style, personality type, etc., and came across this book.
The title alone can be a definition of my life. I’m an introvert. And I’m an entrepreneur.
Some people think that introverts are super scared of talking to people and have trouble expressing themselves, but that cannot be further from the truth. In fact, introverts love people – we may just take time to warm up to deeper relationships and most likely feel overwhelmed in big groups of people.
Some people think that introverts probably can’t be successful at “entrepreneur-ing” because it takes a person who is outgoing and loves talking to people. Right away Beth Buelow discusses that the entrepreneurial world is “extrovert-leaning” so it is natural for people to think introverts won’t last long in the industry, but there are ways that introverts can utilize their natural strengths to build their own strong businesses. In fact, many great leaders were introverts!
Beth Buelow encourages introverts to “see this book as your personal coach, mentor, and reality check…part cheerleader, part gentle push off the cliff.” This is exactly what Introvert Entrepreneur was for me!
Two points that really resonated with me is Beth’s talk about being fearless and getting out of our comfort zone. Telling people to be fearless may work for a little while but is not enduring. Beth explains that introverts and extroverts both experience fear. The difference is the relationship with fear: introverts sit in fear alone, letting it “occupying real estate in our minds.” It is not that we are afraid to tell people about our fear but rather naturally let stuff stew in our minds until we can piece it together in words. By then it is typically too late. Beth encourages us to “feel the fear and do it anyway.” LOVE THIS! Another common saying is “getting out of the comfort zone.” Us introverts love our comfort zone. Why is there something wrong with the comfort zone? It is where we recharge. Beth reaffirms that our comfort zones are just fine – we just have to learn to expand our comfort zone and reframe our thinking about doing things that make us uncomfortable.
I could continue talking about the takeaways I received from Beth’s work, but I would ramble on forever. And I think Beth does an excellent job of producing content for introverts; I encourage everyone to visit her website www.introvertentrepreneur.com. I now am a regular listener of her podcasts she posts every week.
Not an introvert? You can still gain insight and knowledge from this book! It will help you understand the way of thinking for introverts (I’m sure you know a few, even if you don’t think they are introverts – sometimes we hide it well!)
Conclusion:
Highly recommend!
November 6, 2015
The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms by Beth Buelow is not only a hands-on and useful model to benefit introverts to use their natural strengths to be successful in business – it is well written book that is a joy to read. I can relate to the way she demonstrates how introverts can use their gifts – such as natural inquisitiveness, individuality and the thirst for investigation, exploration and examination because I also am an introvert. She also succinctly and concisely addresses the many issues of how to meet and over come the tasks involved in in the sometimes-hectic extroverted world of business.
The book goes into specific advice for not only surviving – but blooming in situations such as networking, guiding teams, dealing with sales situations and for even growing your business. Beth Buelow points out that the strengths of introverts – including the desire to know something personally and on a deep level allows for concentration and to focus on a deep level – which makes for superior leadership abilities.
This is a refreshing book – written on a very personal level – and it is full of wonderful perceptions and practical information on how an introvert can craft an efficacious and effective business without conceding their fundamental nature. This is a remarkable book with incredible information presented in a very personal demeanor.
I won this book through a Facebook contest and am happy to give this truthful, candid and unbiased and impartial review.
January 12, 2016
The Introvert Entrepreneur is a must read for both introverts and extroverts - Introverts to learn more about themselves and celebrates their strengths and extroverts to learn about their introvert friends, colleagues, partners and family members so they can have a better relationship, understanding and communication.
Beth approach is so real and authentic - she expresses her challenges and vulnerability while sharing valuable insights and empowering messages.
I found chapter three on “finding your voice” a very essential chapter for everyone (introverts and extroverts) as it highlighting the importance of clarity of purpose and awareness of core values. From that clarity comes the ability to understand ourselves and own who we are.
The book guides you with practical tips, resources, real examples and provides you with tools to maximize your strengths while still being true to yourself.
I also enjoyed Beth’s humour, light hearted approach and the terms she used such as “niche du jour” and “NDD” (Niche Deficit Disorder).
Beth approach is so real and authentic - she expresses her challenges and vulnerability while sharing valuable insights and empowering messages.
I found chapter three on “finding your voice” a very essential chapter for everyone (introverts and extroverts) as it highlighting the importance of clarity of purpose and awareness of core values. From that clarity comes the ability to understand ourselves and own who we are.
The book guides you with practical tips, resources, real examples and provides you with tools to maximize your strengths while still being true to yourself.
I also enjoyed Beth’s humour, light hearted approach and the terms she used such as “niche du jour” and “NDD” (Niche Deficit Disorder).
December 9, 2021
Throughout the book, the author has reframed certain ideas from an introvert's perspective which made me pause and reflect. I took my time with this book, and I know it's something I'm going to come back to. An invaluable resource for any introvert entrepreneur.
December 2, 2020
Worth a skim if you feel introversion is limiting your business potential, it clearly doesn't. Fairly good points of view and sage advice which made sense.
September 10, 2016
I read the audiobook. It was good, full of lots of gentle pushes to get your mind whirring and your feet flopping. I like the concept of "expanding your capacity zone" to replace "get out of your comfort zone" because it implies not from bad to good, but from good to better.
Favourite quotes:
Old English proverb: "Fear knocked on the door. Love answered, then no-one was there."
"Nothing says you have to be present every minute of every event."
"The great companies used technology as an accelerator, not a creator, of momentum."
Scott Bergen: "The easiest way to be interesting is to be honest. People rarely say what they truly feel, yet this is what audiences desire most."
"You must be able to see and identify each of the trees that surround you, but don't overlook the forest: the forest is your why, it's why you're in business in the first place. It's your purpose, vision, and core."
Favourite quotes:
Old English proverb: "Fear knocked on the door. Love answered, then no-one was there."
"Nothing says you have to be present every minute of every event."
"The great companies used technology as an accelerator, not a creator, of momentum."
Scott Bergen: "The easiest way to be interesting is to be honest. People rarely say what they truly feel, yet this is what audiences desire most."
"You must be able to see and identify each of the trees that surround you, but don't overlook the forest: the forest is your why, it's why you're in business in the first place. It's your purpose, vision, and core."
October 30, 2015
I recently interviewed Beth Buelow for our show Inspire Nation --and so I got to read an advanced copy of her book---. I'm an outgoing introvert entrepreneur myself. Beth's book does an amazing job at letting me know a bit more about why I am the way I am...and most importantly, how to THRIVE with who I am.
I think this is an amazing handbook for anyone who's on the quieter side and wants to put themselves out there.
I love being with people, it's just that I recharge with an inner journey. Interactions are often tough, but necessary to grow our beautiful business. Beth does an amazing job at showing me how to use my skills to shine bright.
Thank you Beth for such an amazing book and keep shining bright too!!!
If you're an introvert and want to be empowered, then you want this book!!!
I think this is an amazing handbook for anyone who's on the quieter side and wants to put themselves out there.
I love being with people, it's just that I recharge with an inner journey. Interactions are often tough, but necessary to grow our beautiful business. Beth does an amazing job at showing me how to use my skills to shine bright.
Thank you Beth for such an amazing book and keep shining bright too!!!
If you're an introvert and want to be empowered, then you want this book!!!
December 7, 2016
Sorry, I'm so late reviewing this book because I have been busy after a long vacation and mountaineering trip. For your information, I brought this book to my mountaineering trip. This book does hit the introvert in me but yet it at times is boring but good in a way. It like someone is beside me, telling me what I'm even though I know what I'm. It is good kinda a good reminder but I wish Beth Buelow could be more straightforward harsh and dig deeper into construct that she have establish. Of course there still bias in these kind of book, but what is different is that the book embrace the extrovert side things as well. Like the introvert such myself, I knew I can't stay introvert, if I want to do things in life, and this book really address that perfectly. Another interesting aspect that is cool, is the interview logs at the end of each chapter highlighting the topic being address.
April 4, 2016
The author is an extremely well-qualified and experienced coach, and has walked the journey of being an introverted entrepreneur.
I think this is a very practical self-development book if you're new to the fact that you're an introvert. I bought it in the hope that it would help me push outwards in the marketing of my writing. I think the book was somewhat overpriced, and that i could have got the information and advice more succinctly and for free elsewhere - such as the author's website. It was a bit short on what I'd call actionable steps, but I can see that there's a lot of value to people who don't realise they're introverts and are trying to come to terms with fitting their personality type into a business venture and making it work.
I think this is a very practical self-development book if you're new to the fact that you're an introvert. I bought it in the hope that it would help me push outwards in the marketing of my writing. I think the book was somewhat overpriced, and that i could have got the information and advice more succinctly and for free elsewhere - such as the author's website. It was a bit short on what I'd call actionable steps, but I can see that there's a lot of value to people who don't realise they're introverts and are trying to come to terms with fitting their personality type into a business venture and making it work.
July 21, 2016
Fresh insight on entrepreneurship through the eyes of an introvert. Genius. Love how much real-world wisdom and practical business advice is packed in this book, alongside Beth's (the author) own introvert experience. Really appreciate Beth sharing her own business story and living out her advice right before our eyes.
As a bonus- I discovered the word "ambivert" - which is a balance of introvert and extrovert qualities. Glad Beth included so much context, so I could finally put a label on my own personality.
Highly recommended for all entrepreneurs.
As a bonus- I discovered the word "ambivert" - which is a balance of introvert and extrovert qualities. Glad Beth included so much context, so I could finally put a label on my own personality.
Highly recommended for all entrepreneurs.
February 12, 2017
This book was ok. It is probably closer to 2.5 than 2 stars for me. I am an introvert and I am working on starting my own business, so I thought it would be very helpful for me. It wasn't bad, but I didn't feel like I really learned a lot from it. I'm pretty self aware, so maybe it would be good for someone who doesn't know much about how to operate in business as an introvert. Just listening to it the past few days has made me more motivated, so I'm not unhappy that I listened to it, but I don't think I'll listen to it again.
April 20, 2016
Very surface-y, hack-y, life coaching, corporate development junk. In terms of books that meet my own needs as an introverted leader, the best I've read is The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal
February 4, 2017
The Introvert Entrepreneur is a great book for introverts who want to understand how to channel their introvert energy in positive ways. What we learn from Beth Buelow is that introvert traits are not hindrances, they are strengths! Once you know how to manage your individual needs, you can do anything. This is a great business manual, no matter what stage of entrepreneurship you're at or which industry you're in.
April 17, 2016
A good summary of the unique strengths of introverts, and how they can use these qualities to become successful entrepreneurs. Practical tips on how they can work well and form effective teams with extroverts. A quick read and a bit repetitive, could use more practical examples, but worth considering.
July 13, 2016
Good insights and inspiring.
September 1, 2016
Full of great information and actionable tips for introverted entrepreneurs. I will probably check this book out again as my business grows.
June 22, 2017
This reads more like 'business for beginners' with surface-level advice that most self-aware introverts would (or should) know already. It personally didn't hold my interest or motivate me.
September 1, 2017
This is nice in theory and all but like....who's the audience for this book?? Someone who's never used the Internet? Also can we stop equating introvert with hermit TYYYY... 1.5 :(
January 11, 2016
Excellent book .. Simply shifts your mind .. One of the best books in 2015 .. I love it.
March 10, 2024
En tant qu’étudiante introvertie dans un programme de Marketing j’ai grandement apprécié ce livre. En côtoyant et en me comparent à mes collègues extravertis tout au long de mon parcourt collégiale et universitaire je me posais souvent comme question ‘Suis-je vraiment faite pour le domaine des affaires ?’ ‘Suis-je assez outgoing ?’ ‘Suis-je trop silencieuse et trop réservée ?’. Ce livre offre une perceptive pertinente et intéressante sur un sujet souvent négliger dans le monde des affaires : l’introversion. Le livre m’a permis de réfléchir, de mieux comprendre et d’accepter mes forces en tant qu’introverties. J’ai réalisé que mes caractéristiques comme mon écoute active, ma réflexion approfondie, ma capacité de concentration, ma créativité, ma capacité à développer une profonde compréhension et mon aisance à travailler indépendamment sont tous des atouts bénéfiques dans le domaine des affaires. J’ai aussi apprécié l’équilibre entre des opportunité et les défis associés à l’introversion, suivi de divers stratégies et outils qui sont adaptés à ma personnalité. Chaque chapitre présente les expériences personnel et professionnel de l’auteure (elle-même introverti) ainsi que des extraits d’entrevues à la fin de chaque chapitre. Ces extraits mettent de l’avant les expériences et les opinions d’introvertis ayant vécu du succès dans le domaine des affaires, soulignant ce qui a fonctionné et ce qui a une peu moins bien fonctionner pour eux.
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As an introverted student in a Marketing program, I greatly appreciated this book. Throughout my college and university journey, while interacting and comparing myself to my extroverted peers, I often questioned, 'Am I truly suited for the business field?' 'Am I outgoing enough?' 'Am I too silent and reserved?' This book offers a relevant and insightful perspective on a topic often overlooked in the business world: introversion. It allowed me to reflect, better understand, and accept my strengths as an introvert. I realized that characteristics such as active listening, deep reflection, concentration abilities, creativity, the capacity to develop profound understanding, and comfort working independently are all beneficial assets in the business field. I also appreciated the balance between opportunities and challenges associated with introversion, followed by various strategies and tools tailored to my personality. Each chapter presents the author's (herself an introvert) personal and professional experiences, along with interview excerpts at the end of each chapter. These excerpts highlight the experiences and opinions of introverts who have succeeded in the business field, emphasizing what worked and what didn't work quite as well for them.
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As an introverted student in a Marketing program, I greatly appreciated this book. Throughout my college and university journey, while interacting and comparing myself to my extroverted peers, I often questioned, 'Am I truly suited for the business field?' 'Am I outgoing enough?' 'Am I too silent and reserved?' This book offers a relevant and insightful perspective on a topic often overlooked in the business world: introversion. It allowed me to reflect, better understand, and accept my strengths as an introvert. I realized that characteristics such as active listening, deep reflection, concentration abilities, creativity, the capacity to develop profound understanding, and comfort working independently are all beneficial assets in the business field. I also appreciated the balance between opportunities and challenges associated with introversion, followed by various strategies and tools tailored to my personality. Each chapter presents the author's (herself an introvert) personal and professional experiences, along with interview excerpts at the end of each chapter. These excerpts highlight the experiences and opinions of introverts who have succeeded in the business field, emphasizing what worked and what didn't work quite as well for them.
July 30, 2022
Reading this book was a sigh of relief with the expectations to go into in-person events and "network" although, she recommends there is value in that. The book is a coaching book on mindset and accepting and harnessing my energy to play to my strengths; especially, dealing with fear, best ways to communicate your voice (easier, if you're running/building an online business when you can get away mostly from writing as long as you're aligning your values, strengths, and passions and understand your why, how, and what-Simon Sinek), perceive risk as research for improvement and lessons to apply, being deliberate with tools. Avoid traps like perfection, make a leap of faith, tell the truth (hard for most people because when you do you're bound to get either trolls or people with different opinions and it takes great courage to maintain your integrity to avoid appeasing the mob). Great sound advice for people personality/energy/disposition lean towards introversion.
April 30, 2020
The book started off well with the stereotypical mindset differences between an introvert and an entrepreneur and explores the principles behind their exhibited behaviour and what is going on in their respective minds at the time.
This slowly branches off into what I believe is a very narrow definition of an entrepreneur being an online coach or a blogger. I understand this is the author’s career that is being spoken about but a great book is one that is able to generalise either by asking questions to make the reader think and come up with answers or speak about underlying principles that is largely true for the populace.
In doing so the book feels more like a series of “click-baity” articles from various blogs and less coherent. Not to mention that there is plenty of redundancy in the text. I’d recommend you give it a quick flip through and not a thorough read.
This slowly branches off into what I believe is a very narrow definition of an entrepreneur being an online coach or a blogger. I understand this is the author’s career that is being spoken about but a great book is one that is able to generalise either by asking questions to make the reader think and come up with answers or speak about underlying principles that is largely true for the populace.
In doing so the book feels more like a series of “click-baity” articles from various blogs and less coherent. Not to mention that there is plenty of redundancy in the text. I’d recommend you give it a quick flip through and not a thorough read.
January 11, 2024
The world of entrepreneurship is predominantly for the extroverted. This is not to say that no place exists for the introverted; it means that anyone would need a bit of outgoing effort to initiate any endeavor. This book serves as a survival guide for introverts looking to thrive in the extroverted world. The book’s most salient advice is how introverts should adjust to the reality of the extroverted world. While good, general points are made about motivational issues throughout, the book ends up illuminating how introverts are naturally disadvantaged where extroversion is valued, and how these handicaps hinder introverts’ strengths from coming out in the open. The book provides guidance on making the necessary adjustments. Is it effective? You would need to ask introverts whose success comes in part thanks to what this book offers.
August 28, 2018
Overall, a great book for the tentative introvert who needs encouragement to strike out on their own. The content isn't bogged down with excessive commentary or examples which makes it a fast-paced read that boosts confidence while remaining true to the ideals of authenticity and persistence.
For those who are older, or have already figured out how to work around the complication of being an introvert in an extrovert's world (especially in the realm of business), a lot of the content is what we already know. There's still value in having it all together in one place, but I wouldn't call it eye opening. I think the audience for this book is geared for the unsure or younger crowd who haven't yet found their sweet spot of confidence in independent solitude.
For those who are older, or have already figured out how to work around the complication of being an introvert in an extrovert's world (especially in the realm of business), a lot of the content is what we already know. There's still value in having it all together in one place, but I wouldn't call it eye opening. I think the audience for this book is geared for the unsure or younger crowd who haven't yet found their sweet spot of confidence in independent solitude.
July 15, 2020
Part platitudinal primer on starting your own business, part insightful points that speak directly to introverts and their needs and experience. If you haven’t read any other books on introversion or starting a business, it’s a great intro - if you have, you won’t learn much new; at times it felt too generalized (believe in yourself, write a blog, think about public speaking, pick your collaborators wisely) rather than diving deeper into strategies and concrete examples that work for introverts. That being said, there are not enough books that try to speak to the subtleties and challenges of being an introvert and for that I commend the author for choosing this as her professional focus and mission.
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