Why Traditional Business Strategies Don’t Work for Introverts

As an introverted woman in business, have you ever felt like you’re doing all the things that you've been told you 'should' be doing, but not seeing real progress, or not as quickly as you'd hoped? You’re showing up, putting in the work, and following advice that’s supposed to get you results—but it just feels exhausting and ineffective.

That’s because many common business strategies are designed for extroverts. When you try to force yourself into an extroverted mold, you end up drained, overwhelmed, and frustrated. I've been there, joined the programmes I thought would be the holy grail to business growth, tried all the activities extroverted coaches and mentors suggest.

But how about, instead, we rethink these approaches and find strategies that actually work for you as an introvert?

Let's go through some of these, and come up with an introvert-friendly alternative or idea... you with me?

1. You’re on Every Social Media Platform to “Be Seen” - It’s easy to feel pressure to be on all the platforms—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, Snapchat —so you’re visible everywhere. But this often leads to burnout without real impact.

Instead: Choose One or Two Platforms. Focus on platforms where your ideal clients are most active and where you feel comfortable creating content. This allows you to put your energy into meaningful engagement and deeper connections rather than spreading yourself too thin.

Its better to be consistent and providing valuable and activating content on a few platforms, rather than ad hoc posting and lesser value across multiple ones.

2. Inconsistent Posting & Emailing Because You’re Too Busy - You start off strong, posting regularly and sending emails, but then life and business get in the way. Before you know it, weeks have passed without a post or newsletter. As an introvert asking for help, speaking up can be tricky, and so you go quiet and hope that no-one will notice.

Instead: Set a Realistic Schedule - Don’t pressurise yourself to post daily. Even once or twice a week (or month if that really is what you can commit to) can be effective if you’re providing value. Choose a content schedule you can stick to consistently without it feeling like a burden.

3. Attending Big, Showy Events to Be in the “Right Room” - There are some amazing, but big industry conferences, and business events that promise big opportunities (meet 100's of new people/ be part of our world), but they can also be overwhelming and costly. And let’s be honest—you may not speak to that many people as its too busy and overhwelming, and you'll probably not get on that big-name coach’s radar just by being in the same room.

Instead: Prioritise Smaller, More Intimate Events - Smaller events, workshops, and retreats can offer more meaningful conversations and connections. You’ll feel more comfortable engaging and will likely walk away with deeper relationships and actionable insights.

4. Constantly Networking to Grow Your Audience - It feels like you need to attend every networking event, hop into every online group, and constantly introduce yourself to new people. But this can be exhausting and doesn’t always lead to genuine relationships. Even as a networking host, and this being my 'thing', I know how draining this can be.

Instead: Engage Consistently in a Few Key Groups - Instead of trying to be everywhere, choose a few communities where you can consistently show up and build deeper connections. Quality over quantity wins every time.

5. Offering Too Many Services to Appeal to Everyone - Having loads of ways people can work with you may seem like a smart way to attract more clients, but it often creates confusion—for both you and your audience. Too many options, ideas and benefits includes can actually turn people away.

Instead: Simplify Your Offer Suite - Narrow your focus to a few core offers that align with your strengths and your ideal client’s needs. A streamlined approach makes it easier for people to understand how you can help them—and easier for you to market yourself effectively. This is what I've been doing this year, and it feels so much easier, calmer and appealing for me as the business owners but also my audience, members and potential members of FBN communities.

6. Trying to Help Everyone Because Your Skills Are Transferable - When your work applies to a wide range of people, it’s tempting to market to everyone. But if your messaging is too broad, you won’t attract your dream clients.

Instead: Speak Directly to Your Ideal Client - The clearer you are about who you help and how, the easier it will be to connect with the right clients. When you tailor your messaging, you’ll start attracting people who truly resonate with your work.

Over the last 18 months I've been leaning more info the introvert and quieter messaging, and its working at attracting the right people to me.

7. Working All the Hours Just to Keep Up - It’s easy to fall into the trap of always being “on.” But as introverts, we need downtime to recharge. Without balance, we risk burnout and creative exhaustion. Especially with social media and how easy it is for people to contact us in so many different ways - our mobiles are always with us, pinging away!

Instead: Set Boundaries Around Your Work Hours - Schedule breaks, define your work hours, and communicate them to your clients. Protecting your energy isn’t just good for you—it also allows you to show up as your best self for your business.

8. Being Available to Clients 24/7 - Do you feel like you always have to respond immediately to emails, texts, and messages? This can create unrealistic expectations and drain your mental bandwidth.

Instead: Establish Clear Boundaries - Let clients know when and how they can reach you. Turn off notifications, remove social media from your phone, or get a separate work phone to create space between your business and personal life.

9. Joining Big Coaching Programs to Learn From “The Best” - Large masterminds and group coaching programs can be tempting, but they’re not always the best fit for introverts. You might end up feeling isolated in a big crowd, hesitant to ask questions, and not fully making the most from the group, the coach or mentor, or the potential connections inside the community.

Instead: Opt for Smaller Programs or 1:1 Support - Smaller coaching groups or 1:1 mentorship often provide more personalised support, less energy drain, and a greater opportunity to engage in meaningful ways. This can lead to faster, more effective progress in your business.

This is why I love my small group Mastermind and Networking communities. Everyone is included, feels welcome and happy to be involved and offer support.

10. The Bottom Line: Build a Business That Works for You - Your business should fuel your passion, not drain your energy. As an introverted female entrepreneur, you don’t have to follow strategies that don’t align with your personality. Instead, focus on approaches that allow you to show up authentically, protect your energy, and build meaningful connections.

Which of these strategies resonates with you the most? Feel free to Contact Me and let me know, as I always love to hear people's thoughts.

And, if you're looking for introvert-friendly networking (online or in-person) get in touch today.

Small group networking is my thing!