2.
INFJ: Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging
The INFJ Entrepreneur – The Empathetic Imagineer
“If you are successful, it is because somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a life or an idea that started you in the right direction. Remember also that you are indebted to life until you help some less fortunate person, just as you were helped.”– Melinda Gates, Co-Founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
For the INFJ, the entrepreneurial dream isn’t just about making money, it’s about freedom, independence, and seeing their unique vision and values brought to life. They want to do something that will benefit people in some way. They want to produce something they really believe in and can promote without feeling gimmicky or insincere. As independent individuals, INFJs are drawn to the autonomy that entrepreneurial work provides. They enjoy being able to chase their original ideas, innovate, be creative, and not have to answer to other people’s whims.When it comes to long-range forecasting, INFJs (and INTJs) are some of the best. They are excellent at plotting out a strategic way to reach their vision and make it a reality. They take their time to create a business plan and look at many different perspectives and angles. They don’t rush the process, but take their time to make sure they’re on the right track. They can be perfectionists in this area and may even take a little too long to take action sometimes.
When it comes to networking and connecting with people, INFJs are skilled at establishing rapport and improving confidence in their brand. As introverts they do crave their alone time, but with time and practice they are usually extremely capable at marketing themselves, their idea, and establishing loyal connections. They are highly attuned to the deeper emotional needs and desires of others and this ability gives them a leg up when it comes to writing effective copy, marketing effectively, or deeply connecting with their clients or consumers.
INFJs are good at anticipating trends and forecasting potential pain points their business can solve. They come up with creative solutions to obstacles far ahead of when those obstacles may actually happen. They are good at foreseeing weaknesses and strengths in potential employees and team members and they are good at inspiring others to meet their dreams and contribute in their own one-of-a-kind ways.
Some Tips for INFJ Entrepreneurs:
– Don’t forget the facts and details – As an INFJ you are nearly always focused on the big picture. While this is important and definitely a strength in the business world, forgetting the nitty-gritty details and the practical problems and facts can be a major stumbling block. Schedule time out of your day to check off the details that you tend to dislike or avoid.
– Stay objective in decision making. As a feeling type, it’s a lot more natural for you to make decisions based on your values or the needs of people. However, in the business world critical thinking and tough decisions are part of the game. You might have to fire someone who’s under-performing or you might have to raise prices on a product. When things get tough in this regard try to have a support person you can talk to, whether it’s a friend or family member. This way you can get the encouragement, balanced perspective, and strength you need to keep going.
– Don’t procrastinate too much. As a type with a dominant perceiving function (introverted iNtuition), it’s easy to get stuck in analysis/perspective-shifting mode. Try to set measurable, attainable goals and meet them daily. Remember that every hour can push you towards greater progress. You need your alone time to think and imagine, but you also need to act to get all those ideas out of your brain and do something with them!
– Don’t get discouraged when you face rejection or failure! As an entrepreneur there will inevitably be times where an idea flops or someone gets angry with you. Whether it’s an unhappy customer, an friend who doesn’t believe in your dream, or even a family member who wants you to conform to a more traditional career path. Try to separate yourself from the criticism and remember that everyone fails or faces rejection at some point. All the greatest entrepreneurs have had moments of failure. Remember that you’re not alone!
