If you’re an introvert like me, you’ve probably compared yourself to an extrovert at some point and maybe even felt inferior in some way because of the obvious differences. If you haven’t, that’s amazing and I’m so glad you are comfortable in your own skin! I consider myself a lifelong personal growth project. And I’ve learned quite a few things about being successful in business as an introvert, growing the Ashley Shelly brand, so I am sharing them with you today.

Know your strengths and lean in to them.

Introverts typically are very in tune with their feelings and the feelings of others. This is a huge strength when it comes to business. We are often very good at “reading the room”, as they say, which can help you make decisions more easily on what is best for everyone. Being able to guide a business in the direction that benefits the most people is definitely a gift to be thankful for, even if it does come with some emotional discomfort sometimes. Hello, feeling everyone’s feelings!

Being in tune with yourself and others is just one thing, but you know yourself best. What are your individual strengths? Where do you thrive? No matter how unique those things are for you, use them to your advantage in business.

Get the most out of social media and technology.

We have never been so lucky as we are now in the social media age to connect SO easily! For someone who prefers to be at home, in a quiet environment, I love connecting with my customers online. I can enjoy my comfort zone and beloved cozy clothes, all while having conversations with people to grow my business. It honestly can’t get much sweeter than that!

The idea of in-person networking events overwhelms me usually, so I only attend them once in a while. I see the value in them, and push myself when I have the extra energy to go, but it’s a rare occasion. For the extroverts of the world, it’s an amazing and fun experience. For us introverts, it’s A LOT. Then we need a nap.

So, squeeze the internet for all it’s worth and connect in every way you can to propel your business forward. And don’t feel guilty for a second about it! Being an introvert is not better or worse than being an extrovert, in case you needed to hear that.

Hire people who love to do what you hate.

Does the idea of needing to be the face of your business in person make you cringe? Hire someone who feeds off of in-person interactions and let them do their thing! They can shine and put your business in a positive light that takes that stress right off of you. I took a deep breath just typing that. Whew. We all have different strengths. If you’re focusing too much on what you don’t like doing or are just not good at naturally, let it go. Give it to someone who loves doing it. Then, you can do what you love doing in your business and everyone will benefit.

This part does require having the financial ability to pay someone else. And that is really scary for a small business. I still am not to the point where I can afford a full-time employee, but I aspire to get there! I have, however, hired people who are experts in fields that I am not, to do certain jobs as I needed them. You don’t have to go all-in on a full-time employee to move forward with this concept. Just think of some things that would be helpful to hire out and start making a plan to do it one step at a time.

Much love,
Ashley