There is an assumption out there that introverts can’t be leaders. That we are too quiet and not charismatic enough. Which is complete rubbish when you look at the number of top company bosses who are introverts.
Rather it is different style of leadership which is where Janice Chaka supports people through her introvert leadership coaching. Leadership is such an important skill for introverts to develop, whether it is to lead others or to lead ourselves.
But this is only part of what Janice does. She also supports other business to run summits and host podcasts. Two wonderful ways for introverts to grow their businesses in an introvert friendly manner. Janice shares how she runs her business so it works with not against her introversion.
Why did you decide to start your own business:
This was not something I consciously did. My business has grown and changed over the years. But one thing has always remained at the core. Help introverts succeed on their own terms.
What is the number one thing you have done in your business so that it works with your introversion rather than against it?
Ask people what their idea of introversion is and see what they say. What is also important is if they are open to discussion about it. If we have thoughts that are far too different, then we won’t work well together.
What introvert super power do you think has particularly helped you build your business?
Being myself and setting boundaries early. I found that when I was myself when talking to prospective clients they were more likely to work with me. There used to be a time where I would try and run calls in a certain manner or say what I thought they wanted to hear and while to a degree that was successful I have found that the clients that I now attract are more in line with the way I work and so it is easier for everyone. I am not a morning person so my clients need to know and respect that.
What does a normal (or ideal) work week look like and have you been intentional in this set up to support your introversion and need for quiet?
Mon – work
Tue – afternoon off
Wed – work
Thur – call day
Fri – I run a virtual co-working session
Sat – I run a virtual co-working session day ends at 4pm
Sun – Me Day
I have been intentional in this set up but I am still tweaking and changing here and there depending on workload.
Are there any systems you have put in place that have been crucial to managing your energy?
Having at least one day a week where I don’t do any client work and just do whatever my mind and body wants to do.
I try to never have meetings before 11am and my most creative time is 10pm – midnight.
Are there any other introvert businesses that inspire you that people should check out?
Melissa – https://abrandisnotalogo.com/
Heather – https://heatherthatcher.com/
Patricia – https://www.podcastmaven.com/
Joe – https://petitjoe.com/
You have a couple of businesses (or maybe more?). Running one business can feel overwhelming, how do you manage your time to make sure both businesses succeed? Do you define success in the same way for both businesses?
I run different businesses because I have different interests and can help people in different ways.
I only take on a certain amount of clients or projects within each business. Plus some seasons are busier than others for different businesses.
Success is always about helping people.
I have seen you taking part in a number of virtual summits and I know you help other people organise virtual summits. What do you particularly love about virtual summits for helping people grow their businesses?
What I love about virtual summits is that it is a very visible way of helping others while not feeling like you are putting yourself out there. You can also make it as easy or as complex as you like. There are some summits that are so unique that some people run it as their brand or to get people to work with them for a year and then they don’t have to do any hard core marketing work for the rest of the year.
For introverts looking to be guests on virtual summits or podcasts what are your best tips for being invited or pitching to be part of a summit or on a podcast?
Have a speaker sheet that tells people 2-3 things that you can talk about, examples of you speaking, the value you can bring to the event and shows your personality. Talk about what you like about the host if it is a podcast please make sure you listen to it (I can’t tell you how many pitches I have had to my solo podcast)
Where can people find out more about your business:
https://introvertmedialab.com/
https://www.facebook.com/IntrovertMediaLab
https://thecareerintrovert.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerIntrovert
https://www.instagram.com/thecareerintrovert/?hl=en
Podcast: https://thetravelingintrovert.com/
Would you like to create an introvert friendly business? Click here to take the quiz to get you started.
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