The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms Paperback – November 3, 2015

As a card-carrying extrovert you might think I wouldn't enjoy this book so much...and you'd be wrong. Yes, it is a book with specific advice for introverts, but more importantly, it's a book written for people who interact with others and need to know how they function best, and how they affect others. Learning how I gain and drain energy, and how others gain and drain energy, has been a light bulb realization for me, and I've found myself far more effective as an entrepreneur, a collaborator, and a trainer and speaker after reading the author's insights and advice.The two pieces I enjoyed most about this book: 1) The concept of success by association. The author says "The more you're around the people who've done the things you want to do - write a book, host successful workshops, give keynote speeches - the more normalized such activities become." Eureka! I have long struggled by listening to advice from people who don't understand what I trying to do, or approve of it, or value it. Far more effective for me to spend time with others who do understand, and have "been there, done that." 2) The interviews with successful introvert entrepreneurs at the end of each chapter. I learn best by reading and hearing clear examples of what has worked - and hasn't worked - for others, and found each interview to be filled with accessible ideas I could begin implementing now.Extroverts, I urge you to read this book to gain deeper insight into how you're viewed by the other half of the world. While your ideas, energy, enthusiasm and excitement seems natural, contagious, and completely normal to you, it's good to realize how differently you may be perceived by introverts who need longer to process and who value deep conversations over small talk (it never hurts to get the reminder that I may be seen as a nonstop blabbermouth). I love that the author doesn't try to change anyone's basic brain wiring, she merely urges us to accept each other and educate ourselves on how we (and others) operate best in the world.

I'll confess that I wasn't sure this book would be for me since I'm not the textbook definition of (what I thought incorrectly) an Introvert. I was deeply wrong. Beth Buelow's book is an excellent read. She's researched and complied nuggets from some of my favorite book authors as well as some new ones I'm added to my "to-be-read" list. And she doesn't just share her research--she also adds her voice to the discussion from her experience. I really appreciate her tone. No pushy sales agenda here (she is an introvert remember?)Some of my favorite take-aways of the book: Reframing Risk: I love the idea of reframing risk as research. It's information gathering. Somehow that little reframing or reposition speaks to me and helps reduce the stress and fear that can come from trying new things. It's already helped me in my small business. Another section I loved was her advice on handling social media and networking via social engagements. I highly recommend this book. I read A LOT of entrepreneurial/marketing/self-help books and Beth's is one of my favorites. Whether you are starting up a business or just need to recommit to the core of working ON your business, you've find this book to be a no-nonsense help and Beth as a personal coach to help you along!

I am extremely introverted. I work as an on-the-road service technician and sometimes am required to engage in saely activities (e.g. offering upgrades, renewals, etc.). I hate this. However, this book helped me to approach sales in an entirely new light. It made me realize that "sales" is not about convincing people to buy something, rather it's about educating the potential buyer in such a way that entices them to buy. In essence, sales is teaching. As a rather bookish person myself who probably has Aspergers, I can relate to this much better than the obnoxious sales hype and inspirational "hustle and grind" type of stuff out there nowadays.I also recommend "The Introvert's Edge" by Matthew Pollard.

This book hit home for me in so many ways! I've known I'm an introvert for several years, but didn't understand so many of my idiosyncrasies were a result of being one.The Introvert Entrepreneur gave me the confidence to walk forward in my strengths as an introvert and leave the shame behind. This is just the beginning of a new path! Thank you, Beth Buelow, for this book and your many other resources to help us accept who we are and challenging us to "stretch our comfort zone."

The media could not be loaded. My favorite sections are:- Chapter 4 Networking for the Introvert Entrepreneur- Chapter 5 “But I’m Not a Salesperson!”- Chapter 6 Blogging and writing: The introvert’s playground#introvert #books #library #amazon #goodreads #impact #wellbeing #vibes

If you haven't yet launched your business and have a lot of fears about it related to your introverted personality, you'll probably find this book useful.As a more experienced business owner, though, I found her emphasis on overcoming fears not relevant.I was taken aback by this claim: "Networking... is an absolutely essential activity." (page 75) Unfortunately, the author restricts her discussion to in-person networking meetings. I strongly disagree with this claim. It's possible to cultivate connections without ever going to meetings, such as by writing letters to influencers, inviting potential contacts one-on-one to lunch or using whoever you already know to introduce you to someone you think might have what you need - all introvert-friendly modes of networking that she overlooks. Her approach on networking is to help you find your peace with it even if you think you hate it. I would prefer to read case studies of people who succeeded without going to networking meetings, and that's what I would expect from someone who had her finger on the pulse of today's business realities.