The difficulties of being an introverted business owner.
Kerry Jordan
I help pet brands stand out with high-end commercial photography and content that captivates, connects, and converts - UK Based, working with brands worldwide.
There may be a few people who would be a little surprised that I class myself very much as an introvert.
I absolutely adore connecting with people and their dogs and connecting with other dog businesses who have a similar ethos and outlook to mine. There’s a big part of me which glows when I meet someone and there’s that great energy, it makes me happy!
Here’s the thing - I also need recovery time after spending time with people. As in - not talking to anyone for a few days. I had a weekend at Crufts meeting the most amazing people which I loved and yet I’m currently sat here at my kitchen table and reveling in the fact that I the space is my own and I get to recharge - I was happy this weekend, but I’m very happy right now.
Of course, being a person who owns a business where I constantly interact with people can sometimes be a struggle. There are days where I literally have to diarise speaking to people because if I don’t, I’ll avoid it. I’m always fine once we get chatting, but I’m much better when I’ve mentally prepared myself.
Which brings me to telephone calls. Can you imagine trying to run a business when you shy away from answering the phone? It’s a weird sensation, almost like fear, as I haven’t had a chance to prepare myself for the call - not what to say - just my headspace.
I think that’s why last year I took myself off to the Lake District without my husband - I needed to not talk to anyone for a week. Now I have extroverted friends who get their energy from being with people and they really couldn’t understand this concept but for me, it was an incredible way to recharge.
I’ve recently been on a surf retreat with some incredible women, but again, I had to find my own little space and time to just be away from everyone. I mentioned to my husband that the yoga teacher had been on a 7 day silent retreat - his response was very much ‘that’s a bit much’, mine was ‘I want to sign up’.
Do you need time away from people to recharge? I’d love to hear how you get by in business or life if you are an introvert.
Chief Executive Officer at Symple Pet Insurance
4 年I can really relate to this Kerry. I’ve only very recently been to my first networking event and that was only after being cajoled by Jon Minchin! I’m still working towards getting myself out there on social media. I much prefer having a conversation with my dogs over starting one with complete strangers! ????
I do like being alone sometimes but I rather talk to people. When my husband gets home every day and we sart talking about our days our toddler tells is to shush. ??
I help pet brands stand out with high-end commercial photography and content that captivates, connects, and converts - UK Based, working with brands worldwide.
5 年Peter Gartland - we are obviously on the same wavelength today!
Professional Photographer - helping companies improve productivity, creativity and overall workplace wellbeing through nature-immersive wallpaper
5 年Completely relate to this @Kerry That time and space for recharge is key to wellbeing both for us and our businesses. And what a beautiful place to choose.
ADHD Coach | Supervisor | Author | Writer | Supporting quiet, sensitive, empathetic, introverted late-discovered ADHD women find self-acceptance, understanding and freedom to be themselves.
5 年Great post Kerry?Once I learned that taking time out to recharge alone meant I had the energy to be with people, to fully engage and pay attention, it made ALL the difference to me! Creating and honouring your own boundaries to work with your introverted qualities is essential for you to be the best version of yourself. I bet your week in the Lakes was heavenly :)