During my time as a business coach, I’ve come to notice that there’s always this debate about extroverts versus introverts. Everyone seems to think that extroverts are primed for business because they can network and sell themselves pretty comfortably. However, speaking as an extrovert, we do have some challenges as well.
Everyone seems to think that extroverts are primed for business because they can network and sell themselves pretty comfortably. However, speaking as an extrovert, we do have some challenges as well.
Here are some of the ways you can improve your business as an extrovert by taking your temperament into account.
Understand what an extrovert is.
In order to improve your business as an extrovert, you must first understand what an extrovert actually is.
People think being an extrovert is a personality trait, like being naturally outgoing. While extroverts do tend to be naturally outgoing, it’s not a personality trait so much as it’s a temperament. It’s not something you can turn off, it’s just the way you are.
It’s also an energy exchange thing. For example, an extrovert feeds off of the energy of others. We love being in groups and at social events because it energizes us. By keeping this in mind, you can improve your business as an extrovert by putting yourself in group situations because that’s where you shine.
The downside of being an extrovert is that we tend to move fast and possibly overload our social calendar. We may also have a more difficult time focusing one on one. With that in mind, here are the ways you can actually improve your business as an extrovert.
Slow the heck down.
Extroverts need to make a conscious effort to slow down sometimes. While it’s great that we love to be social, that doesn’t mean we should burn out.
For example, between traveling and networking events, I’ve been incredibly social the last few months. While I mentally love it, I’m also physically exhausted and haven’t had time to do pretty basic things like a cook a healthy meal for myself. The exhaustion then affects my ability to do good work.
That’s why, if you want to improve your business as an extrovert, you’ll want to make a conscious effort to slow down sometimes.
Consider a co-working space.
I worked from home for two and a half years. For an extrovert, that’s like slowly dying because we like being around other people. That’s why improving your business as an extrovert looks like consciously finding ways to spend time with other people.
Once a co-working space opened up near my home, I immediately became a member. First, because I like to be social. Second, because the connections I’ve made at the office lead to huge opportunities like a recent TV appearance.
And finally, because I get a lot more work done. One of the reasons I get twice the amount of work done at a co-working space than I do at home is because I’m more energized. Remember, as an extrovert, I get energized being around other people, but I lose steam if I spend too much time by myself.
Practice listening more carefully.
As I already mentioned, extroverts are great in group settings but we have a little more difficulty during a one-on-one situation. As a result, in order to improve your business as an extrovert, you’re going to need to consciously make it a point to listen to people more carefully – especially during meetings when it’s just you and another person.
Are you an extrovert? What are some of the ways that you’ve improved your business as an extrovert?
