The Introvert Entrepreneur

The Art + Science of Managing Your Energy with Kathryn Hunter

There's a marvelous quote by Martha Graham, simple in its truth. She says, "The body never lies." Over the years, I've noticed that one of the ways my introversion shows itself most strongly is that I live in my head. That means that I can sometimes ignore what my body is telling me, which can lead to all sorts of trouble. The trouble is usually around my energy management - or lack thereof. Introverts are especially aware of their energy, since it's a valuable currency that's frequently expended in the normal business of living in a highly social world. This podcast interview focuses on how we can increase our energy awareness and listen to our body's truth more closely. Kathryn Hunter is an introvert and an artist who, upon realizing the small size of the box she had created for her life, began chronicling the trials, successes and failures of stretching her comfort zone. Kathryn and I talk about how that all happened, plus

• The easy way to protect your precious energy
• How to turn anxiety into adventure
• One simple question that will shift your attitude
• The importance of "mental resets"
• Simple back-to-basics steps that will bring you energy and productivity

Tech Tips for Small Business with Sven Mogelgaard

As small business owners, we have enough on our plates without worrying about the latest and greatest gadget that comes out every month. The good news is, we don’t have to. This conversation I had back in the spring with Sven Mogelgaard of Byte Slaves Computing provides some insights about how to stay on top of what’s most important while not getting distracted by bright shiny objects. We also talk about Sven’s discovery that he’s more in touch with his introvert side than he thought, and how that influences his networking and community involvement.

Also discussed:

• His key to juggling multiple commitments (he's one busy entrepreneur!)
• How networking can be more enjoyable and actually energize you
• The biggest tech challenges of the small business owner
• A crash course on The Cloud
• A few tech predictions

From Writer to Author with "Book Shrink" Laurie Helgoe

Do you have a message you want to shout from the rooftops? Since shouting isn’t  usually a way introverts communicate, we’re lucky there’s a more subtle way to get our message across. At the risk of generalizing, most introverts prefer to express their thoughts and ideas through the written word. For many, writing a book is a fundamental business strategy, opening the door to increased visibility, credibility and profitability. Others may want to leave a written legacy, sharing lessons learned so that others have an easier time on the journey.

Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., is passionate about helping writers become authors and guiding you through the journey from idea to publication.

She is the author of Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength, the first book to reveal that introverts make up the majority—rather than a small minority—of the population. In addition to authoring five mass-market books (so far), Laurie launched Book It! Literary Consulting. Through seminars and individual consultation, she helps writers develop book ideas and take the steps needed to become published authors.

Laurie and I talk introverts and publishing in this lively conversation. She lifts the veil of mystery on the process of getting a book published through a mainstream publishing house, as well as shares...

• One of the biggest things introverts do that diminishes their power
• How you can make your book proposal stand out from the pack
• The fatal mistake aspiring authors make when pitching an idea
• Why it's true that ignorance is sometimes bliss

PS: Be sure to listen for a special offer from Laurie! Details shared near the end of the podcast. And if you're in the Charleston, West Virginia area, you'll definitely want to attend Laurie's upcoming seminar, "Get It Published! (Not Self-Published)" on March 5, 2011.

Be More Productive with Claudine Motto

Do you ever find yourself sitting at your computer at the end of a long workday, thinking, "Where did all the time go!?" It's not just about how quickly the time passes - it's also about what I have to show for it. When asked what people value more, time or money, the answer is usually time. So how do we make the most of what we have? In this podcast episode, Productivity Coach Claudine Motto of Vistal Norte (soon to be known as Business in Blossom) offers a few powerful tips and resources to help us put time on our side. We talk about some of the bug-a-boos that get in our way and how to move through them, including

• Perfectionism & Procrastination
• Thinking "If I just had the right software..."
• Being absorbed in busy-ness instead of business
• Not being clear on our priorities

As a bonus to this podcast, Claudine has compiled a list of her favorite resources and nifty tools that will support your productivity! (PDF opens in new window)

Money & Mindfulness with Debbie Whitlock

How does an introvert wind up leading a large networking organization, hosting a nationally syndicated radio program and running her own company? Lots of energy, vision and taking care of business - most importantly, the business of taking care of herself. This week's podcast focuses on how one introvert leader has stepped into the spotlight and created ways to spread her message in a way that is authentic to who she is. Along the way, we also get some tips about having a friendly relationship with your time, energy and financial resources. For more than 14 years, Debbie Whitlock, as president of her own financial services company, has been financially educating and empowering suddenly single women as they make the financial transition from life with a partner to one without. Debbie reminds women that addressing their financial future from scarcity and fear will not lead to the prosperity they desire and deserve. In this inspiring conversation, we talk about how with deep self-awareness, introverts can shape their lives to fit their needs and energy. You'll hear about

• Her journey to becoming the leader of a prominent networking group
• What's wrong with trying to "manage" your energy
• The biggest financial mistakes people make in their personal and professional lives
• Debbie's greatest wish for entrepreneurs everywhere in 2011