For many people, discovering where they fell on the introvert-extrovert spectrum didn’t come at an early age. So they grew up with a set of perceptions about who they were that may or may not have been based in reality. This is especially true for introverts; for instance, I grew up thinking that I was socially unskilled and not a good conversationalist. I hear similar stories from my clients and … [Read more...]
A Better Understanding of Shyness with Barbara Markway
Shyness is a topic that is fundamental to the introvert conversation but that can be the source of enormous confusion. For so long, people have collapsed the two, assuming that if a person is shy, she must be introverted, or if a person is introverted, he must be shy. The truth is, while they are two different characteristics, there are significant similarities. I’ve asked an expert on shyness, … [Read more...]
Are You Building a Business or Buying a Job?
During my December session with my coach, he made a quick statement that I had to write down: "Make sure your plans help you build a business, not buy a job." I'd heard him say something like that before, but it really stuck with me this time. I shared the statement on my Facebook Page, and pretty quickly, a fan named Mark chimed in with this excellent question: How can one tell, if one is … [Read more...]
When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It
Seventh Grade The Road Not Taken Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the … [Read more...]
Tabatha Takes Over The Introvert Entrepreneur
She's bitchy, ballsy and brash. She's Tabatha, and she's taking over. I might be a little late to the party, but I've just discovered "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" (to be relaunched on Jan 10 as "Tabatha Takes Over"), and I'm hooked. Tabatha Coffey is almost the complete opposite of me in every respect (although, when I was around 7 or 8, I had worked out a basic business plan and was … [Read more...]
Unleashing the Power of the Mastermind with Cheri Ruskus
For some of us, putting ourselves in a situation where we have to reveal our dreams, fears and triumphs to our peers is taking a huge risk, even if we value the learning that might result. It's incredibly important to feel safe if we're going to share what we usually keep inside, especially regarding our entrepreneurial aspirations. In today's podcast, Cheri Ruskus of Victory Circles introduces us … [Read more...]
Can We Stop with the “Introvert=Shy” Already!?
Oh dear, did that headline sound exasperated? I think it did. Because I am. Over the past 18 months, I've been especially in tune with articles and posts that mention introversion. And so often, there is a collapsing of the definitions of introvert and shy. The article will start out OK, positing that introverts can be leaders, or business owners, or sales people. Then they will highlight a … [Read more...]
The Flaw with Being “Fearless”
What do I need most to succeed in business? Be fearless! What do I do when doubts creep in? Be fearless! How do I get over my fears? Be fearless! Last week, I attended an outstanding Puget Sound Business Journal "Grow Your Business" Expo. The day was full of exhibitors and presenters, all focused on providing resources and strategies to entrepreneurs. A common theme of many of the speakers? … [Read more...]
How to Stop Thinking and Start Living
I titled this post "How to Stop Thinking and Start Living" not because I had the answer, but because I was hoping you would. See, I think too much. I live in my head - typical introvert, I think! :-) It's so bad, I even coined a phrase - while on VACATION, for goodness sakes! - "double-think," as in, "I need to double-think on that one a bit." Really!? Often, thinking "too much" is … [Read more...]
How to Have a Wicked Start in Business with Bryan Janeczko
All entrepreneurs know how important it is to get off to a good start in their business. Today I’m talking with a visionary who wants your start to not just be good, but wicked good. Bryan Janeczko is the mastermind behind Wicked Start, an online platform designed to help small business owners and early-stage entrepreneurs realize their dreams of starting a business. Bryan has … [Read more...]