I’m an entrepreneur and self-confessed extreme extrovert. I’m outgoing, sociable, energetic and at times, outspoken. I get my energy from others. Lately it seems that extroverts are getting a bad rap. It’s the era of the introvert and somehow being an extrovert went out of fashion.
Harnessing my extrovert superpowers has been key to my success in both my businesses. Here’s why.
Networking – Like many extroverts I enjoy attending social and business networking events. Confidence in these situations means I can find it easy to engage others in interesting conversations and meet new contacts and prospects. Mingling with others is not a chore, in fact I thrive in these environments.
Building and maintaining relationships – I seek out connections with others which means that I’m proactive in relationship building. I value face-to-face meetings and will often do this in favour of a phone call or email. I share information and am comfortable communicating. I sincerely believe this helped me to achieve my business goals quicker.
Speaking – I’m not afraid to step into the spotlight and can handle the pressure of taking stage and sharing my ideas and knowledge. Confident and bubbly, people tell me I tell good stories and am motivating. I also find that being quick on my feet helps me for events with a question and answer format.
Taking risks – One of the characteristics of extroverts is that we like to try new things. We are adventurous and thrive in different settings. This ability to take risks is how I had the guts to begin my first business at 24 from my kitchen table. This willingness to take risks also leads to innovation. I find better ways to do things because I get bored with repetition.
Being an extrovert can have its challenges
Human contact gives me energy, so when I started out as a solopreneur, I found it extremely difficult working from home on my own. Several of my clients are the same. If I go too long without human contact, I can feel drained and lethargic. To get energised, I need company. If you’re like me it helps to get out, work in cafes or co-working spaces, connect and get inspired by others.
Self care is important
The other side of the extrovert person is that from time to time I also need some intentional recharge time. Preventing fatigue and burnout by having some quiet down-time where I’m not connecting and communicating helps me recover from the overwhelm of sensory overload. It gives me time and space to think. This time I spend recharging also gives me better empathy for others who are more introverted and rely on more frequent and sustained downtime.
Play to your strengths
Throughout my 18 years in business one of my key learnings has been to play to my strengths. To leverage the things I’m good at and apply them to making my business bigger and better. This includes the strengths I own as an extrovert. So whether you’re an introvert or raging extrovert, whatever your flavour, find your strengths and harness them in a way that works for you.
Sarah Cross is a Business Growth Mentor, Coach and Speaker who helps creative women in the Giftware, Wholesale and Homeware industry accelerate sales and have their own financially-successful businesses. Connect with Sarah at www.sarahjcross.com or on Facebook or Instagram.