Starting a business is no easy thing. It can be daunting, and there’s often a lot to think about—not to mention, a lot of planning! But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. 

I’ve always been daunted by the financial side of starting a business—but the truth is, there are a lot of businesses which cost very little to start (like blogging!). You see, I dreamt of being free. I dreamt of starting something that was mine. I dreamt of being my own boss, even as an introvert. And I knew that I wouldn’t let my introversion hold me back; I would embrace it. 

But as an introvert, it’s so easy to compare yourself with extroverts, especially those who seem to dominate the business world, pitch effortlessly, network like pros, dominate on social media, and seem to thrive in high-energy situations that would leave you needing three days of recovery. 

When we look at the entrepreneurial world, so much of it glorifies this extroverted hustle of constant social media engagement, working until you burn yourself out, and networking like crazy in an attempt to keep up and succeed. 

But you don’t have to do this to be successful. Or at least, you don’t have to do it to such an extreme extent. 

Starting a successful business as an introvert is about using your strengths, while also honouring your natural personality and all the traits that make you who you are. 

You don’t have to overcome your introversion or try to be more extroverted just to keep up with those who seem to be doing the whole business thing really well. You just have to realise that you already have what it takes to start that business or carry out that idea you’ve always dreamed of. Forget trying to be someone you’re not. Be you, stay motivated, and the success will follow.

Right, enough blabbering—I know you’re eager for the business tips! So, let’s dive into how to start a business as an introvert (whatever that may be), and—of course—thrive!

Tips on Starting a Business as an Introvert

Choose the Right Business Model for You

As an introvert, there are businesses that will suit your personality and businesses that won’t. It’s likely that models which require constant social interaction and a lot of demand from you may not be the best fit for your introverted nature. 

Instead, look at business models that actually align with your strengths and what you’re comfortable with. These tend to be freelance, remote, and solopreneur businesses, which give you the opportunity to manage your time, energy, and workload wisely.

If you’re still wondering what type of business is the right choice for you, check out these introvert-friendly business ideas, which also include tips on how to get started! 

Play to Your Strengths and Niche Down

I always say, don’t choose to do something—whether it’s starting a business or making an important decision in life—for the sake of money or because other people are seeing great success from it—or even because someone else thinks it’s what you should be doing. What works for someone else might not actually work for you.

Instead, choose to do something because you want to do it and you’re good at it. These two things are the most important factors in determining whether you’ll have the motivation to carry something through and be successful, but also whether you’ll be genuinely happy. 

Another thing to remember is when picking something that you’re interested in and good at—something that people need that you can provide—make sure to niche down. 

The world of business is a very competitive place to be. There is a business for every niche and they’re all vying for the top spot. But rather than trying to focus on such a large market, it’s always better to niche down. 

Why, though? Why try to target a much smaller audience? Because you’ll have less competition and more of a chance of reaching the right customers. Remember, people are often looking for something specific. They know what they want—and you could be the person that provides it to them. 

Sometimes it’s not always about looking at the bigger picture, but instead focusing on the little details. 

Market Without Burning Out

Extroverts often make marketing look like this big performance with their constant posting and ease of showing up online and in person. For us introverts, that kind of track quickly leads to burnout. 

But it doesn’t have to be like that. You can market quietly and use low-pressure tactics, which still make an impact. In fact, quiet marketing works—and in many cases, it builds deeper, longer-lasting trust.

So, how exactly does it work? You let your content speak for itself, and gradually push it out to the right people, and on the right platforms. 

Here are some tips for marketing as an introvert:

• Choose one platform to focus on in the beginning. One that’s right for you and your business.
• Create content that lasts (evergreen), which will always drive traffic or leads.
• Share content slowly, strategically, and authentically.
• Use low-pressure calls-to-action, like “Download this free guide” or “Join my email list for more tips.”
• Repurpose old content that has done well. 

Master the Art of Low-Energy Networking

I used to imagine networking as talking to large groups of people and trying to make a big impression. But the truth is, it can be something as simple as a meaningful one-on-one conversation or a friendly DM. 

Simply engaging with people online, without being face-to-face or even having to show your face, is the ideal way to slowly network and allow someone to get to know you and your business. 

Since we as introverts love to build deep connections with people, treat networking and every conversation as more of a collaboration than a pitch. Because starting a business isn’t always about being transactional; it’s about building relationships with people. And you can do that in a way that feels truly comfortable and manageable for you.

Use Systems and Tools That Protect Your Energy

A lot can go into starting and maintaining a business—and for many of us, we simply do not have the energy to manage it all. 

I’m not going to deny that things can get overwhelming, but the good news is there are tools and systems which make everything just that little bit more manageable. Because—let’s be honest—we’ll take all the help we can get to protect our energy. 

And there are tools out there for just about anything you can think of—from scheduling to organisation, email marketing and more. So, don’t be afraid to outsource and save your time and energy by using a tool or system that will make your life much easier.  

Be Authentic 

One of the best things you can do when starting a business as an introvert is to stay true to yourself. Of course, it’s easy to compare and wish that you were more this or that, but people always connect with someone who isn’t afraid to be themselves. 

If you try to be someone that you’re not, it will be obvious. People are smart. And, in all honesty, you don’t need to change who you are to be successful. Genuine success comes from being yourself, and unapologetically so. And also loving what you do!

Create a Realistic Schedule 

When you’re building a business as an introvert, your most valuable resource isn’t time—it’s energy. You don’t need to be busy 12 hours a day to succeed. In fact, you’re more likely to thrive when you build a schedule that protects your focus, respects your nervous system, and matches how you naturally work best.

To create your introvert-friendly business schedule:

• Plan your week based on your energy levels: Do you work better in the mornings or evenings? And pay attention to when you feel your most tired or most creative and inspired!
• Focus on one or two important things a week, and break up your smaller tasks and commitments. 
• Have dedicated quiet time where you can just simply ‘be’ and not worry about anything.
• Let yourself recharge and have frequent breaks after busy or time-consuming tasks.
• Use automation tools to reduce your workload and instead focus on the important stuff.

Redefine Success as an Introvert

An extrovert’s definition of success will likely be completely different to yours. And the truth is, you don’t have to aspire to the traditional expectations of success and what it looks like for other people. Think about what it looks like (or what you want it to look like) for you.

Remember, quiet success is still success. You don’t need to have thousands of followers or have content that goes viral. You just need those genuine connections and loyal customers, and a business that speaks for itself. 

Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Business as an Introvert

Step 1: Reflect and Brainstorm

The first step to starting your dream introvert-friendly business is to get that pen and paper (or your laptop), and start reflecting and brainstorming. Give your thoughts free rein. And let that inspiration flow!

During this step, you’ll want to:

• Look at your strengths and interests, and bring them together.
• Pick a niche you’re passionate about.
• Identify the problem you want to solve or how you want to help people.
• Define your target audience.

Step 2: Research and Plan

Now it’s time to research and plan—two of the most important things when starting a business! And actually one of my favourite parts of the process because I like to be prepared and know exactly what I’m working towards.

This is your chance to learn everything you can about your niche, the platforms you want to be on, and your target audience. Think about the people you want to help and the value that you can bring to them. Then, research where your target audience hangs out and plan what you’re going to offer them and how. 

Remember, this step is about gathering information, validating your idea, and mapping out how your business will work—before you invest too much time or money. So, this is what you’ll want to do:

• Take a deep dive into your niche. What’s already out there? What’s working for others? And is there a gap you can fill? 
• Look at your competitors in depth and learn from them.
• Validate your idea by getting feedback from your target audience. You could do this by offering a free mini version of your product or service. 
• Create your business plan. (I’ve created an introvert business plan just for you!)
• Choose your tools and systems, e.g., website, email list, social media. . .
• Plan your timeline.

Step 3: Write Down Your Business Goals

You’ve got the dream, you’ve researched and planned, but now it’s also time to set those business goals. 

Your goals are your driving force. Your motivation. And without them, you could lose direction along the way. So, even if you’re not quite sure on what your goals are or how to set them (psst, this post will help you!), put some inspiring music on and allow yourself to envision your business as if it were already a success. 

Here are some tips to help you set your goals:

• Start with your vision.
• Think short and long-term.
• Break your goals into categories. For example: business goals, process goals, and energy goals.
• Write your goals in a way that feels encouraging, not demanding.
• Reflect on your goals and adjust them if need be.

Step 4: Create a Minimum Viable Offer (MVO)

When you start a business, you don’t need to go big or go home. In fact, you should start small. Because starting small means starting simple and starting smart. And the best way to do this? With a Minimum Viable Offer (MVO), of course!

You’re probably thinking, what even is a minimum viable offer? Well, it’s the simplest version of your product or service that still delivers value without requiring perfection. Think of it like a prototype. It’s something that people will buy and in return you’ll get feedback, gain confidence, and be able to improve as you go. 

To create your MVO:

• Start with one offer—whether it’s a 1:1 service, a digital product, a mini course. . .whatever it may be!
• Think about the main problem that your offer solves.
• Make your offer simple and easy to understand at a glance. This is so people know exactly what to expect.
• Create only what you need to deliver it. Your MVO doesn’t need to be complicated or over the top with features or content. As long as it does what it promises, you’re good to go.
• Launch it the way you want to, whether it’s a social media post, an email, or a post in a relevant online community.
• Improve your MVO based on feedback, and create something bigger and better!

Step 5: Set Up an Online Presence (the Introvert-Friendly Way)

Setting up an online presence as an introvert can feel a little daunting. I remember doubting whether it was the right thing for me because ‘putting yourself out there’ isn’t something that comes naturally to me. 

But I soon realised that creating an online presence wasn’t about doing it the way everyone else was. It was about doing it in a way that felt comfortable for me.

If you’re reluctant to put your face out there, create faceless content. If you don’t want to speak in front of the camera, you don’t have to. Think about Pinterest. It’s a visual search engine that drives traffic to other websites and many creators simply have text and image-based content.

Remember, you don’t need to turn yourself into a content machine or suddenly become a charismatic personal brand. As an introvert, your online presence can be minimal, strategic, and powerful—built to highlight your value, not your volume.

To set up your online presence:

• Start with one place online that you control. This is where people can learn about you, understand what you offer, and take action. Typically, this would be a website, portfolio, or even a simple link-in-bio.
• Write an authentic About Page or bio.
• Set up simple tools for connection and sales (email, a payment system, etc.)
• Pick one platform for visibility, like Pinterest, Instagram, your own newsletter, etc.
• Set boundaries and don’t burn yourself out with communication and posting content.

Step 6: Market Comfortably to Your Audience

Am I right in thinking you believe the louder you market, the more results you’ll see? This is what I once thought as well. I thought I needed to market like an extrovert or else no one would care or take any notice. But, trust me, you can market in a way that feels calm, natural, and genuine—and still build deep trust and consistent sales.

Constantly showing up might work for some, but for us introverts it’s all about connection and showing up in our own way. Not loud, not over the top, not in your face. Quietly, but confidently—and with purpose. 

So, how do you market comfortably and gently? Start by:

• Telling people your core message: What problem do you solve? What results do you help people get? And why is this important to them?
• Picking 1–2 platforms where you feel most comfortable being consistent.
• Using ‘soft’ selling techniques, like sharing a useful tip and mentioning your service at the end.
• Repurposing your content, e.g. turning a tip into 3 social media quotes.
• Building one-on-one relationships.
• Creating evergreen marketing that works while you rest.

Step 7: Practise Low-Pressure Networking 

Networking often brings to mind noisy rooms, forced conversations, and business cards you’ll never look at again. But for introverts, real connection doesn’t come from mingling—it comes from depth and authenticity.

We don’t like to make conversations for the sake of it, and that goes for networking too. Because honestly, your network should be people who genuinely get you—and who you feel good supporting too.

To build relationships without the awkward small talk or exhausting meetups, here’s what you should do:

• Forget traditional networking and redefine what it means to you.
• Start by reaching out quietly. Send a message here, share a resource there.
• Don’t feel pressured to follow up weekly or comment constantly. Just check in from time to time.
• Join small, aligned communities where you can show up as yourself.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.

Step 8: Create a Simple Workflow

A simple but predictable workflow can make all the difference to us, especially when we want to stay focused but also protect our energy. It’s that secret weapon (that’s perhaps not so secret) that helps you stay in your zone, reduce decision fatigue, and avoid burnout from too many spontaneous meetings, tasks, or expectations.

This step is all about designing how your business runs behind the scenes, so you feel confident, calm, and in control—even on your low-energy days.

To create your workflow:

• Start by listing out the key tasks you do regularly and break them into categories.
• Create your workflow schedule and structure it with time blocks or theme days.
• Let tech handle repetitive tasks so you don’t have to constantly communicate or chase things down (Trello, Calendly, you name it).
• Batch your tasks.
• Create repeatable systems: Save your email replies as templates; create a checklist for onboarding a new client; use a form to collect info before a project; save feedback or testimonial request templates.
• Don’t overdo it: Schedule “white space” days to do nothing but think, plan, or rest; set a hard stop time each day (e.g., no work after 6pm); and use the 20% rule: only plan for 80% capacity, leave 20% for rest.

Step 9: Use Tools for Automation and Organisation

There’s nothing wrong with letting your systems work for you, so you don’t have to do everything yourself. This isn’t lazy—it’s smart. 

Automation and simple organisation tools can help you run your business efficiently so you can stay calm, focused, and in control. Win, win. 

And I know from experience that I can either be very organised or not at all. But with good systems in place, it definitely reduces the mental load and helps your business feel lighter.

Start by:

• Automating repetitive tasks and things you don’t always have to do manually.
• Keep everything in one calm, digital space—so you’re not scrambling every time a client messages you or you need to plan content.
• If you’ve done it more than twice, make a template.
• Batch and schedule content in advance.
• Create an introvert-friendly CRM System.

Step 10: Evaluate Your Business

It’s time to pause, reflect, and adjust. 

Make your business better, without burning yourself out. Because now’s your chance to step back and look at what’s working and what’s not. And once you do that, you can realign everything to support your energy, values, and goals.

Don’t overthink it, and don’t rush to improve everything at once. Believe me, I know what it’s like to want everything perfect and polished right away. But this is about making quiet, smart improvements over time. 

The best businesses grow slowly and take the time they need—just like your introverted self.

To evaluate your business:

• Set aside 30–60 minutes at the end of each month to reflect on your business.
• Ask yourself: What felt good this month? What drained me? What got results (income, engagement, leads)? What did I avoid, and why? What would I like to do differently next month?
• Track what actually matters to you. Is it sales? Your time and energy? Engagement?
• Review your workflow and systems, and make the adjustments you need to.
• Get feedback from people.
• Based on what you learn, set some small, realistic goals for next month.

Step 11: Grow at Your Own Pace

One of the most important things to remember as an introvert who is starting their own business is that you’re allowed to grow at your own pace. It’s not a race, after all. And you don’t need to feel pressured to be at the same level as anyone else. 

You don’t need to constantly scale, launch, or hustle to prove your success. You’re allowed to grow intentionally—at your own speed, in your own style, and on your own terms.

Here are some things that have helped me, which might also help you:

• Asking myself what kind of growth actually feels good to me.
• Building slowly, but intentionally by deepening the connection with my existing audience or tweaking systems that need improving. 
• Staying in my lane and not feeling pressured to speed up because of others.
• Deciding what ‘scaling my business’ actually means to me and what I want it to look like.
• Checking in with myself and allowing myself to slow down when I need to.

Final Thoughts on Starting a Business as an Introvert

Starting a business as an introvert might feel like stepping into a world that wasn’t built for you—one full of noise, speed, and nonstop self-promotion. But the reality is, you’re more than capable of being successful without needing to change who you are. 

You’re not here to shout louder. You’re here to show up deeper. To build something quietly powerful and beautifully aligned.

So:

• Build with intention.
• Market with authenticity.
• Network with purpose.
• Rest without guilt.
• And grow on your own terms.

Because success doesn’t belong only to the loudest voice in the room—it belongs to the one that’s speaking from the most honest place.

From one introvert to another, don’t be afraid to take the leap and start the business you’ve always dreamed of. You already have everything you need to succeed. You just need to trust yourself and take the first step.