I’m sharing the inside view on the common challenges highly sensitive people (HSPs) and introverts face when self-employed. To be sure, introverts and HSPs have many strengths for business, and we do have our challenges too.
I am fortunate to have a front seat to seeing where the struggles are and now I get to share that with you, so you’ll know you’re not alone.
The short version of the story:
Our challenge themes are often around finding that balance between energy, meaning, and income. I think anyone in business needs to think about that balance, and I believe introverts and HSPs are lucky to be more acutely aware of our need for that balance, so we can take good care.
The trick: don’t ignore your own excellent body signals. It pays off to listen.
Now for more details on how it plays out…
Common Challenges of HSPs and Introverts in Business
All these below topics come up in my business coaching and business groups for introverts and HSPs. It’s amazing what stress-relieving discoveries arise when we come together.
The list below applies especially for those already in business. (See also: Common Challenges HSPs and Introverts Face When New to Self‑employment.)
- How can I earn more without draining myself?
- How can I set prices that feel right, earn enough, but still feel fair?
- Do I have to suck it up and do things I hate to grow my business?
- Is this the right niche? Do I even have to niche?
- How long to keep going before cutting my losses and getting out? It feels too slow.
- I’m sick of social media. How can client attraction be easier?
- How do I let in more help before I’m earning enough to support it?
- What to prioritize to make this work for my energy and income? (Here’s an idea for setting aligned priorities and getting it done.)
- I’m ready for more meaning and impact without working more, but not sure what to do, and change feels scary. (That’s a perfect time to work with a business coach for HSPs or join a mastermind group for HSP solopreneurs.)
- How hard do I need to push myself?
- How personal or opinionated should I be when communicating online?
- I still feel like a newbie sometimes with business and marketing. There’s so much I don’t know.
I’ve provided some guidance on some of those, via the links above. Questions are welcome in the comments, and you can reach out for a consult too.
I mainly want you to know:
- You’re not alone with those challenges. It’s not about you.
- There are ways to make them all much easier.
- If one or more of these feel daunting at the moment for you, it’s just something to take a closer look at and sort it out, which is easier done with support.
Case Studies of Introverts and HSPs in Business
I love interviewing people to get more of the inside stories about how people face their challenges as an introverted or HSP business owner. I’ve created these case study interviews for you:
- Introvert Success Story: Sara Barry, Freelance Writer
– Sara shared openly about how she manages income ebbs and flow. - Introverted Entrepreneur: Meet Ruby Maddox, Living Her Purpose, with Balance
– Ruby shared what helps her maintain balance while managing multiple paths, and about turning to a mentor. - Introvert/HSP Business Owner Story: Hannah – Herbalist, Farmer, Wellness Professional
[At first] I was worried about not enough money and disappointing others. TRUST. I had to trust it would work out…. I had to believe in my offerings and trust myself. It kept working. There are still scary moments, but I have learned to reassure myself and roll with it, like accepting a windy day. [more] ~Hannah Jacobson-Hardy, introvert, HSP, wellness business owner
