You won’t find yourself successful in the business field if you are a type of a person who is timid, introvert or apprehensive, that’s what most people think. And I definitely don’t agree to that because I personally have friends who are into business and yet they are successful. What I am trying to say is that yeah there’s a lot more ways that you can do to overcome timidity. Believe me when I say that even those who are extroverts are sometimes hesitant being an entrepreneur.
Jacqueline Whitmore, an author, business etiquette expert says that shyness doesn’t have to be debilitating nor does it disqualify you from becoming successful. In fact, she even stresses that shy entrepreneurs have one big advantage over their extroverted counterparts: they almost never overtalk or overshare. Effective listening is the most important skill any entrepreneur could have and it’s a talent that comes very naturally to individuals who are shy.
And she recommended some ways you can cultivate your strengths if you consider yourself a shy entrepreneur. Here are the 6 weapons a shy entrepreneur must do:
1. Show, don’t tell.If you’re naturally shy, you most likely don’t enjoy public speaking, even on a small scale in a boardroom. Don’t risk embarrassment by trying (and most likely failing) to pitch an executive off-the-cuff. Instead, when you pitch a client,showthem what you can do for their business. Create a presentation that speaks for itself and doesn’t rely so heavily on your ability to make the perfect pitch.
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare.Write and practice your elevator pitch before you ever need it. You never know who’ll run into on the way to lunch or as you wait in line for coffee. If you get the opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential client or investor, simply deliver your speech as if you’re speaking to a friend. You’ll come off more natural the next time you need to introduce yourself and your company to a group.
3. Hire your employees wisely.You are your own best business card, but it doesn’t hurt to have a strong sales team to back you up. Especially for positions in marketing and sales, hire people whose strengths are your weaknesses. Make sure the people you hire share your vision but embody skills you lack.
4. Use technology to your advantage.If you’re extremely shy, try having a meeting with your your clients via technology. You may be more relaxed and find it easier to communicate through IM, Google Hangout and Skype. You’ll be more comfortable if you plan to follow-up with a face-to-face interaction.
5. Show genuine passion.Real passion, the kind that makes your eyes light up and drives you to keep working, is contagious. Your passion for your business and your customers will set you apart and make others notice you. Skip the small talk about the weather and share your passion with others. Share with your clients and customers how and why you started your business and what you love about it.
6. Push outside your comfort zone.It’s not always about who you know, but who knows you. Even if the thought of attending networking events makes you feel uneasy, attend them anyway. Make a goal to attend one or two every month. Introduce yourself to at least one new person at each event. You may be surprised at the number of doors you’re able to open simply by being at the right place at the right time.
Reference
Jacqueline Whitmore, Author, Business Etiquette Expert and Founder of theProtocol School of Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Fla. Author ofPoised for Success: Mastering the Four Qualities That Distinguish Outstanding Professionals(St. Martin’s Press, 2011) andBusiness Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work(St. Martin’s Press, 2005).
By: Lorna T. Villaruel | MAEd. SST II |Orani National High School-Main
