𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀

My next book, Silent Strength: The Introvert's Guide to Building Successful Startups, is a practical guide that empowers introverted entrepreneurs to harness their natural strengths, lead authentically, and succeed in the startup world. To provide a complete picture, I also explore how extroverts can leverage their personality traits for success. This post is part of my learning.

Dear Extrovert,

I know that it would be better to talk with you rather than write to you, but if you’ll indulge me for a few minutes, I’d like to write to those who are extroverted and curious about the introverts in their lives.

In the past, I assumed extroverts were intentionally overbearing. Through my research and conversations, I’ve come to understand that talking aloud is a way for you to process thoughts, connect, and generate energy—a tool for collaboration and not a weapon. Extroverts aren’t trying to overstimulate introverts. Their rising energy and outward enthusiasm often originate from the same environment that can overwhelm introverts. Just as introverts may find excitement in solitude, extroverts gain excitement through interaction. We’re all shaped by those around us, just in different ways.

Extroverts bring vital energy, drive, and visibility to our lives. Your bold moves and inspiring leadership in startups turn vision into reality.

So, let’s celebrate the essential role of extroverts!

Best,

Extroverts, We Hear You

“Enthusiasm moves the world.”

— Arthur Balfour

You're often louder at parties, happy to give many public interviews, and eager to speak at conferences and other public forums. You've accomplished much and enthusiastically love to share your experiences.

Introverts sometimes misinterpret your enthusiasm for public engagement, your natural exuberance, and your volume as overbearing or even aggressive simply because this added stimulation compounds our own sense of overwhelm. It's unintended, but it can make us uncomfortable. Yet, we deeply admire your boldness, drive, and ability to change the world.

Though being around extroverts can sometimes feel tiring, introverts often recognize the tremendous value you bring to business leadership and how you inspire us to achieve more.

Here are just some notable extroverts who've made remarkable impacts on society:

• Steve Jobs (Apple)

• Richard Branson (Virgin Group)

• Mark Cuban (Broadcast.com)

• Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble)

• Marc Benioff (Salesforce)

• Gary Vaynerchuk (VaynerMedia)

These leaders showcase a wide range of powerful strengths that drive their success. Let's explore their positive attributes in detail.

You Have Many Strengths

“Networking is not about just connecting people.

It’s about connecting people with people,

people with ideas, and people with opportunities.”

— Michele Jennae

Extroverts bring valuable attributes to startups, particularly when working with introverted founders. Their natural tendencies complement introverts' skills and help cover areas where introverts may feel less comfortable, while enhancing the startup's growth and culture.

Extroverts have a remarkable talent for making those around them feel included, welcome, and happy, which enables them to excel at building and maintaining broad networks of contacts, including potential clients, partners, investors, and suppliers. This gift for connecting with people creates crucial opportunities for business growth. Naturally strong communicators, extroverts thrive in public speaking, pitching ideas, and negotiating deals. These skills prove invaluable when representing the company externally, securing partnerships, and closing sales. Their persuasiveness and charisma help shift mindsets, win over both teams and customers, and present a positive public image, giving the startup greater visibility and momentum.

Extroverts naturally take initiative in groups, stepping confidently into leadership roles. Their enthusiasm energizes teams, fosters a positive environment, and drives productivity. They quickly grasp team dynamics and identify members' strengths and weaknesses, helping build cohesive and effective teams. Extroverts readily share ideas and foster collaboration, sparking innovative solutions and open communication. Their eagerness to engage and support others helps unite teams and maintain project momentum.

Their confidence and assertiveness enable swift decision-making and calculated risk-taking—essential qualities in the fast-paced startup world. This decisiveness helps startups respond quickly to challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Introverts often see you as someone who is unflappable and in control in public settings. This perception can be encouraging for an introvert who may feel anything but confident. Yet many extroverts also get nervous, overwhelmed, and exhausted in certain social situations, too. When you explain how you truly feel, it can strengthen the relationship and give hope to introverts as they watch you persevere and thrive.

Your enthusiasm sparks collaboration, opens doors, and lifts teams higher.

Key Takeaway: Extroverts bring invaluable energy, communication skills, and leadership strengths to teams and startups, and their enthusiasm and boldness are essential drivers of business success and innovation.

Skills Developer: If you're an introvert, consider one extrovert you know and challenge yourself to identify three to five of their strengths. If you're an extrovert, you can do the same exercise with an introvert.

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I wrote this post with AI editing. Photo by M ACCELERATOR.

What if the quietest person in the room is the one that changes the world?

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