Business Development Tips Archives

Introversion and Sensitivity Are Business Assets

For years, I assumed my introversion and sensitivity were obstacles I had to work around in life and business. I had absorbed a widespread belief: that introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs) need to overcome their nature to succeed. I now know the opposite is true: these natural traits are business assets.
Here’s what I did to lean on my introversion and sensitivity which made my business work. Then I outline 4 foundational pillars that have helped me and my clients.

Handwritten doodle saying: Everything you need you have! There is no lack. With hearts, leaves and smiley face.

Stop looking for new ways to grow your solopreneur business. YOUR way is right in front of you.

Consider NOT looking for a new way to grow your business. You don’t just need a new trick. Instead, study your own bright spots for what works and what you enjoy, and double down on that. I’ve got examples, some ways to apply the concept in your case, and answers to those doubts.

This concept is especially important for the people I work with—introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs), like myself—because the most typical marketing advice is not made for how we naturally do things.

A business pivot can feel like trying to switch boats while paddling on a river. It's rocky to start and hard to switch. Image of paddling on rough river.

Reinventing Your Business as a Solopreneur: A Real Pivot Story.

What happens when your business no longer fits? In this candid interview, we explore one woman’s pivot story and the lessons for reinventing without starting over. Video interview + written tips.

Transitioning to Self-employment (without starving or overwhelm). 3 Main Options: 1) Start on the side. 2) Leap with Money Available. 3) Hybrid (My Fav). ValNelson.com Coach for Introverts and HSPs

3 Classic Ways to Transition to Self-employment and Not Starve

Unlock the secrets of transitioning from employment to self-employment with practical tips tailored for introverts and HSPs. 3 methods outlined with guidance to make it work best.

Growing a business is like tending to little sprout. (Don't yank on them before their time). ValNelson.com - with image of sprouts in the soil.

Struggling To Grow Your Solopreneur Business? Real Talk for Introverts and HSPs

Feeling stuck or frustrated as an introvert or sensitive person trying to grow a solopreneur business? Here’s a grounded reality check, with compassion and practical guidance from a solopreneur coach.

Giving away too much for free in your business? (Probably not)

When you need to earn more, it might feel hard to keep giving away more time for free, but that’s the main thing you gotta do to grow. It’s useful for so many reasons, like a win-win. But it can go too far. I explain some useful and not useful ways here, and what works for me.

“I don’t know anything about business.”

I hear this so often and used to say it myself: “But I don’t know anything about business or marketing.” I hear it especially from introverts and highly sensitive people who often (mistakenly) think business and marketing are for other people.

I even hear this from people who are well into having their business. It’s a very ingrained thought that you should know more. And I believe this chronic thought is a big distraction from what actually matters for success.

I’ve got a simple list of 6 things that are more important for success than just knowing about business.

Do I Really Need a Niche for My Business?

Wondering whether or not to choose a niche as a solopreneur? Here’s my experience and how to find a middle ground, which could be a niche for now.
I have found that resisting the idea of niching is often about not understanding what niching is really about. For starters, it does not put you in a box.
Video summary included.

A baby oak tree - like a sprout of a business

Supporting your growing business 🌱 with bridge work is normal and good.

People assume self-employment requires a big leap. A big leap is not that common. Here’s the behind-the-scenes reality – They often do bridge work.

HSP Connection Podcast with Val Nelson and Robbie Leigh

Self-employment for HSPs: Our Superpowers for Business and Marketing {video}

Inside view on HSP superpowers for self-employment, and listen in on a conversation about it too. Also covers tips to avoid some of the challenges too.

Business Development Tips

Introversion and Sensitivity Are Business Assets

Stop looking for new ways to grow your solopreneur business. YOUR way is right in front of you.

Reinventing Your Business as a Solopreneur: A Real Pivot Story.

3 Classic Ways to Transition to Self-employment and Not Starve

Struggling To Grow Your Solopreneur Business? Real Talk for Introverts and HSPs

Giving away too much for free in your business? (Probably not)

“I don’t know anything about business.”

Do I Really Need a Niche for My Business?

Supporting your growing business 🌱 with bridge work is normal and good.

Self-employment for HSPs: Our Superpowers for Business and Marketing {video}

Get Self-employment INsights for Caring INtroverts and Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).

For Caring Introverts & Highly Sensitive People (HSPs):

Self-employment for Introverts/ HSPs:

Get self-employment INsights for caring INtroverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs).

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