The Introvert Entrepreneur

Small Talk Savvy (and More!) with Melissa Wadsworth

As we know, introverts are often drained by too much social interaction. But that isn’t always the case. There are times when we’re nurtured by social interaction – if it’s meaningful to us. That’s why I can sit for hours with a small group of friends and have deep conversations. Where the interactions become challenging is when I am with a lot of people and the conversations stay on a casual, surface level – in other words, small talk. I’ve long dreaded having to make small talk, an attitude that doesn’t help when I go to networking or other professional events.

I decided it’s time for an attitude adjustment. And I met the perfect person, Melissa Wadsworth, to provide a reframe of small talk, for me and for anyone else who thinks of it as a necessary evil. Along the way, we also talk about the Law of Attraction and seeing your introversion as a valuable asset.

Melissa is an inspirational speaker, dream life coach, conscious communications expert and the author of Small Talk Savvy. She describes herself as "introverted, creative, intuitive, and highly observant," and  she is passionate about using her gifts of empathetic listening, transformational questioning, and intuitive insights to help clients go from Blocked to BrilliantTM as they release limiting perspectives, beliefs and behaviors.

Art of Relationship with Sarah Anma

When we spend most of our days with our colleagues, coworkers and computers, it’s easy to understand how our personal relationships can take a back seat. If we're in a committed relationship, we can grow apart from the people we love most because we’ve not made it a priority to focus on them in a loving, intentional way. And what if we’re single? In that case, we want to attract that ideal partner while being true to who we are.

My conversation today is with Sarah Anma, Relationship Mentor and founder of Art of Relationship. She helps frustrated singles figure out what they want and how to get it. She also helps loving and committed couples to create and grow the love life beyond their wildest dreams.

We talk about what prompted Sarah to focus on relationship coaching, as well as

• Being an introvert single - how to navigate the social waters
• The most important things couples can do to prevent miscommunication
• How to balance the introvert/extrovert relationship

Reclaiming Your Brilliance with Amy Kessel

When the busyness and business of life gets to be too much, we sometimes find out too late that we've lost touch with what makes us unique, what makes us brilliant. We feel disconnected from our energy and even our values. My guest today is Amy Kessel, certified life coach. Amy has dedicated her coaching business to helping women in transition reconnect with their authentic selves and their purpose. And her message today isn't just for the ladies - men also will benefit from her wisdom and call to find simple ways to honor your strengths. In addition to learning about Amy's transition from social justice work to professional coach, we spend some time diving into

• How Amy manages her introvert energy while being fully present for her clients and her family
• What's wrong with the "no pain, no gain" approach to life
• The tiny ways we diminish ourselves and hide our brilliance
• How to see yourself as others see you

I'm pleased to be publishing this podcast on January 25, 2011, the day of Amy's virtual business launch, so stop by her website to join in the festivities!

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

Your Year-End Process Check with Beth Buelow

Year's end is always a time of reflection. We have a tradition that says we each get a clean slate on January 1. Whatever happened in the previous year can be left behind and recycled and forgotten with the old calendar. But when we leave it behind without any reflection or thought, we are practically destined to repeat the same mistakes, have the same challenges and stay in the same place. How can harness the positive energy and desire for shedding of the old and embracing of the new that happens every January 1? How can we get off the treadmill of running in place and start to turn corners and speed past more and more mile markers? During this podcast, I offer a few thoughts, gathered from friends and colleagues and my own experiences. In addition, I share some guiding questions that result in a personal "process check," designed to offer space for reflection on 2010 and anticipation of 2011. Download a PDF of the questions. (opens in new window)