Meet “The Traveling Introvert,” Janice Chaka.  Born in England and well traveled, but she has lived in Mexico for over 13 years. After learning what being an introvert is and recognizing how that influences her daily life, she weaved this knowledge into her own business, which focuses on helping others shed the labels which society defines introversion to be.  Instead of letting “being an introvert define [you]” she inspire others to instead, “let it guide [you].” http://thetravelingintrovert.com

As an Introvert, Know That:

• It’s ok to change your mind or do something else.
• Your passion isn’t always what makes you money.
• • Find something you enjoy doing, but it doesn’t have to be your passion.
• Be mindful of what drains you and what fuels you.

Introversion is Misunderstood:

• Cambrige definition of introvert has negative connotations and is described as being “shy or having difficulty making friends.”
• • This is not true!
• Introversion/Extroversion is a case of how you get your energy.
• • Introverts need to have time to themselves to refuel so energy levels can increase.
  • • Being with people drains introverts.
  • Extroverts get energy from being with people.

Struggles and Solutions For  Introverts:

• Know what introversion is an pay attention to how it influences you.
• • Consider spreading out those draining activities to fit in other aspects of work which fuel you.
• Networking can be draining.
• • Janice figured out how to network as an introvert, and then wrote a book entitled: Events for Introverts:  The How-to-Guide to Networking
  • You don’t have to stay the whole time.
  • Make a plan, know who you want to talk to, make that connection, then leave when you’re done.
• Selling can feel aggressive and annoying to have to push yourself and your business on others.
• • Janice accidentally discovered that being a speaker at events brought people to her with questions so she could discuss her topic rather than go out of her way to discuss it with others.

Strengths in Business

• Remember that everyone has strengths so do not define your strengths (or weaknesses) as an introvert or an extrovert.  Define them as they are in you as a person.  
• Be humble enough to know and inquire what your weaknesses are.
• Ask your best friend and also, someone who’s not so close to you to tell you your strengths, weaknesses and points of improvement.
• Knowing your weaknesses can become a strength because you can learn and grow in that area.

Building Your Business

• Let people know what you do.  
• • Most feel like a fake because they don’t have 10 or 20 years experience and are used to others (teachers, employers) telling them what to do.
  • Allow your job title to be viewed by public on facebook
  • Set up FB business page
  • Twitter
  • Utilize free platforms and work on them
• Take the pressure off of yourself
• • Success is individual-you must define what success is to you.
  • Set your own goals.
  • Don’t follow other’s goals
  • Invest in yourself by learning and trying new things to build your skills
  • Find the right clients for you
  • Take time to understand which clients you work best with
  • • Not everyone is your client
    • Don’t be afraid to fire clients
• Vocalize your ideas to a friend or fellow business owner in order to understand them and see how viable they are

Final Thoughts From Janice

• The struggle is real, but more important than introversion/extroversion, is personality.
• • All personalities are valid and different

• Remember that introvert tendencies are not a bad thing.  
• • Learn to work with them and embrace them.
  • Stick to your guns and fire bad clients
  • Self care
  • • Be ok with who you are and don’t try to be someone else.  
    • Your journey will be unique, but beautiful!

Contact Janice

• Email [email protected]
• Thetravelingintrovert podcast
• Thecareerintrovert.com