The Non-Negotiables of Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur as an Introvert

Guest Blog Author- Harry Cline from NewCareGiver.org

Countless businesses have been launched on a shoestring budget. The key is to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to networking, building an online presence, and maintaining your creativity. Even as an introvert, you can do just that by implementing the appropriate strategies. Paper Crane Of Hope delves into some entrepreneurial best practices that you simply can’t miss:

 

Keep Meeting People

Introverts often find it difficult to meet new people. But you never know when you will meet someone who transforms your business (and life). Keep these fundamental networking tips in mind as you set out on your journey:

●      Attend networking events to meet other entrepreneurs and professionals. Exchange business cards and contact information with those who are aligned with your goals and interests.

●      Join online communities and social media groups specific to your industry for the opportunity to connect with other professionals and remain current on developments in your field.

●      Offer to collaborate with other businesses or professionals on projects that mesh with your vision and build a relationship of trust and mutual respect.

●      Find ways to support other entrepreneurs. You can build strong, mutually beneficial relationships by offering mentorship advice or promoting others’ products or services to your own network.

Build Your Brand

A business is not a business without a brand. Here’s how you can create yours:

●      Develop a strong brand identity that accurately reflects your company’s values, mission, and target audience. Be sure to use consistent logos, color schemes, and messaging.

●      Create and curate valuable content that resonates with your audience and provides value. Blog posts, social media updates, and informative and informational videos are excellent projects to start with!

●      Use email and social media marketing to reach your target audience and build a loyal following of customers and supporters.

●      Work with SEO professionals to optimize your website and increase traffic, leads, and sales. Consider an agency such as PWD!

 

Stay Energized

Many entrepreneurs find that sustaining their energy and creativity is the most challenging aspect of running a business. These tips will help you stay at the top of your game:

 

●      Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature to keep your mind and body refreshed.

●      Set boundaries to create space for activities that spark your creativity, whether it’s reading, painting, or brainstorming new ideas.

●      Engage with other entrepreneurs or creative professionals to share ideas and gain inspiration from their experiences.

●      Take breaks throughout the day to stretch, move around, or take a quick power nap to recharge.

 

It’s not easy to start a business when you have tons of money, much less a limited budget! But the best practices above can help you build a strong foundation and sustain success over the long run. Whether it’s attending networking events, developing a content strategy, or taking time to recharge your creative energy, use the tips and resources here to flourish as an introvert in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship!

 Guest Blog Author- Harry Cline from NewCareGiver.org
Harry Cline is creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.

The One Problem With Introverted Marriages

You might be asking what the one problem with introverted marriages are.

What happens when two introverts marry each other?

What is the struggles of an introverted marriage?

Honestly, I'd say there are more positive benefits to an introverted marriage than there are negatives.

In fact, I believe there's only one issues that could come up (when related to our introverted needs).

In this video I celebrate some of the positives, and talk about what this one big problem is- and what you can do about it.

How To Survive Playdates As An Introverted Parent

How To Survive Playdates As An Introverted Parent - This is a question that I get asked all of the time.

When you're an introvert Mum or Dad or Carer, sometimes having a playdate can feel so exhausting and lead us to introvert burnout.

So how do we survive these playdates as an introvert?

In this video I share seven tips on how an introverted parent can survive a playdate, refuel and recharge, and prevent a burnout from happening.

Why Introverts Need To Practice Self-Care and How To Do It

Guest Blog Author- Harry Cline from NewCareGiver.org

If you are an introvert or love someone who is, then you already know that introverts get their energy from solitude. When someone is an introvert, they need time alone to recharge after socialising or after being in any group setting where they have to be on.

 

It isn’t as though introverted people don’t like being around other people or enjoy their company — nearly all do; it’s just that those situations can be mentally and physically exhausting for them. This is why introverts, even more than others, need to learn how to practise self-care.

 

Self-care allows introverts to regain balance and their feeling of being in control. Today, we share some tips especially for introverts who need a reminder on just what a difference a little self-care can make.

 

Practising Mindfulness

 

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally,” according to author Jon Kabat-Zinn. You can practise mindfulness anywhere and at any time. It’s easier, however, if you can isolate yourself from distractions, at least when you first begin learning how to immerse yourself in mindfulness.

 

Many people find they are most aware of their own thoughts and sensations when they meditate. Meditation is another practice that brings inner calm and peace. Even more so than mindfulness, real meditation takes some practice before you get the full benefit of it. But even as you learn, you’re benefiting. Try a mediation app to help guide you. You can find a lot of free meditation apps to download to your phone, so you can take your guided meditation with you anywhere.

 

Spending Time With Your Pet

 

For an introvert, time spent with a pet means you have companionship but without the need for social interaction. In addition, pets provide a sense of security, which is important when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Pets are non-judgemental; they don’t mind if you say or do anything awkward, so you don’t have to feel self-conscious around them, which is a big source of stress for introverted people when they socialise. Pets have been shown to boost oxytocin and serotonin levels in our bloodstream, which promote a feeling of happiness and contentment.

 

If you find yourself anxious around your pet because you sense they are feeling distressed themselves, you may wish to find help understanding what might be going on to make them feel anxious. This can be invaluable when you want to spend more time enjoying them and less time worrying, feeling anxious, or frustrated about them.

 

Exercise

 

For introverts, fatigue is a problem because socialising can feel exhausting. Regular exercise not only energises us but relieves stress and anxiety and releases the body’s feel-good hormones, endorphins. Exercise also helps with focus and concentration, which can be a problem when we’re feeling overwhelmed.

 

Exercise doesn’t have to mean taking time off to go to the gym, either. It can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Going for a walk around the block on your lunch break or after work in a nearby park. Parking farther back in the parking lot or even getting off your bus or subway a few stops earlier. And make sure you bring water along with you since that extra walking can become dehydrating, and water is a great mood booster.

 

Career Change

 

As an introvert, the wrong job can make you feel uncomfortable not only on the job but for the rest of your life, as well. Having to be in a fast-paced environment with a lot of people can leave you drained long after you’ve left the office.

 

Consider a job that offers remote work instead. More and more companies are using remote workers in order to tap into a larger pool of talent. Update your resume with your latest skills and experience, highlighting your ability to work independently. In order to make your resume really stand out, use an online resume template. Many have a large library of styles, fonts, and colours to choose from, in addition to being able to upload your own design elements.

 

If the position you’re looking for requires a degree you don’t have, look at getting your degree online. Whether you’re looking for a position in computer science, marketing, or even nursing, you’ll find an online degree program. Getting your degree online means being able to study at home, which is great for introverts since they’re able to learn best that way. And online programs are flexible, so you can study at your own pace. Just make sure the school is accredited and that it offers competitive tuition rates.

 

Whether it’s something as simple as meditation, taking a walk, or spending time with your pet, to big changes like a new job or earning a degree, if you’re an introvert, taking time for self-care is not only important, it’s essential.

 Guest Blog Author- Harry Cline from NewCareGiver.org
Harry Cline is creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.

99% of people will FAIL at this in 2023.

Yeah, that's right, 99% of people will fail at this in 2023.

What am I talking about?

Well, I'm talking about New Years Resolutions of course.

We are already in mid-February, and I bet most people haven't stuck to their resolutions for the year.

That's OK! In this video we talk a little bit about this... Why that is, and what we can do instead.

This one thing can keep an INFJ stuck...

If you’re an INFJ or introvert with some big goals ahead of you… You might find that there is this one thing that keeps getting in the way! It keeps you paralysed and stuck, unable to move forward towards your goals.

In this video I explore this a little bit more and what you can do about it.


Will Therapy Fix Me?

This is a common question that I get asked. People often wonder if therapy is something that will “fix” them.

In this video I dive into this and answer the question for you. It might also help you to know what you can expect from therapy.

5 Ways an Introvert Can Support Their Mental Health in 2023

Here are just some ways that you could support your mental health in 2023 as an introvert. These are just general ideas, so please, if you are struggling with mental health issues seek professional help.

  1. Learn to set healthy boundaries.

    Let this be the year that you learn to set healthy boundaries. I recently created a You Tube video sharing about what healthy boundaries look like. Often an introvert struggles to say "no". They are more concerned about not hurting the other person's feelings. But in doing so, resentment can grow, and you can become exhausted if you continuously say yes to everything.

2. Move your body everyday.

I know that exercising isn't everyones cup of tea... Especially when you prefer to curl up on the couch with a good book. But there is so much research to show the benefits of exercising and moving your body everyday. It doesn't need to be about "weight loss goals" or having the most intense workout. It could simply be going for a walk around your block. Moving your body gets those feel-good hormones pumping through your body. It can also be such a nice way to spend some "alone time" with yourself.

3. Spend some time journalling.

Journalling can be such an effective tool to get out of your head and put it all on paper. Research shows that a regular practice of journalling can help reduce your cortisol (stress) levels. You don't need to do it everyday, but aim to journal at least once a week and you might be surprised at how it helps to improve your mood! I have a small e-book on "The Art of Journalling", which takes you through various journalling techniques that you can try. (Hint: Journalling isn't just writing about your day!)

4. Practice mindful moments.

You'd be surprised at how effective "mindfulness" can be.

I know I know, it has almost become a buzz word... But perhaps because it can actually work. As an introvert, you might spend alot of your time in your thoughts, and you can forget to be in your body and in the present moment. When you have a regular "mindfulness" practice, it can be incredibly soothing for your nervous system and your mental health. Mindfulness isn' t just about sitting there and meditating (I promise!), but can include mindful eating, engaging all 5 senses, and consciously becoming aware of your surroundings.

5. See a therapist.

As a therapist, of course I was going to add this to the list! Therapy can be incredibly healing and empowering for a person.

The key is, finding the right therapist FOR YOU. There are so many different types of therapeutic techniques that can be used, you want to make sure that you resonate with the right one (and if you don't, let your therapist know, they will be able to adapt based on your personality.)

Of course, you also want to feel comfortable with your chosen therapist and have a good rapport with them.

Some other things to take note of are: Your reasons for seeing a therapist. If you feel like you need a mental health diagnosis (major depression, psychosis etc) you'd be better off seeing a Psychologist. But if you want general counselling, then a counsellor might be your best fit (plus the wait times are significantly less.)

Send me an email if you have any questions about this and how the mental health system works.

Setting Healthy Boundaries as an Introvert

If you’re an introvert, it’s important that you learn how to set healthy boundaries in your life. Especially if we want to preserve our energy and look after our mental health.

However, before we are able to set healthy boundaries, we need to actually understand what they look like. Boundaries can look different for all people, in all circumstances. We have boundaries with our partner, extended family members, friends, the community, business and social media. Sometimes we can fall within “enmeshed boundaries” or “rigid boundaries”.

In this video, I share more about what this looks like, and some journal questions that you can use to reflect on.