I would categorize myself as an ambivert; treading the fine line between introvert and extrovert tendencies.
I’ve always surrounded myself with a few cherished friends. I do much better in small groups than large gatherings. (Note: with a large Polish family, my ‘context’ for small vs large may be somewhat skewed ;-). I guess you could say that I’ve always gravitated towards ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’.
That also means that I would rather speak in front of a group of 20 people instead of 200. One of my favourite things to do is to present or facilitate a group workshop…within the parameters of a small group. It means that I can meet everyone personally, learn about them and build rapport with the group. It becomes about ‘us’ and not about ‘me’.
Here’s the problem – even in writing these first three paragraphs, I’m giving myself the permission to say, “That’s okay, Jenn. You do what makes you feel good.”
What’s wrong with that? Well, I’m pretty sure that that’s where growth stagnates. I know that in the last decade of my life, I turned down opportunities to take a bigger stage. I nominated other people to do the larger speaking engagements or media relations on behalf of my business.
I told myself that I was helping them build their professional credibility and identity and, in some ways, I was. BUT, I was also allowing myself to sit happily in my ambivert comfort zone.
Fast forward to today, and I’m back to being an organization of one. I have no team members to nominate to keep me in my comfort zone and still represent my business.
It’s just me. But, lucky for me, I’m older, wiser and more in tune with my personality now. I can see how I created a safe cocoon for myself that doesn’t really serve me or my business. I’m working hard on re-emerging and building my public profile once again.
The thing I don’t want you to know:
The idea of ‘reading’ in public makes me very uncomfortable. Ask me to speak to a group – I’ll happily accept but, if you ask me to read a script, I’ll likely decline (at least for now).
The Guidance of My Inner Mentor:
✤ No matter where you find yourself on the personality scale, never let it be an excuse for staying quiet. You have value to add to the conversation!
✤ Understand the platform that works best for you and seek out opportunities to practice.
✤ Build on each step you take towards bigger opportunities.
Before becoming a business coach, Jenn established and led a thriving marketing agency – a time filled with challenges, yet great fulfillment. By personally experiencing the highs and lows of business ownership while balancing a family, she gained invaluable insight into overcoming difficulties and achieving goals.
After 13 years, she realized she was ready to expand as an individual and business owner and wanted to assist other female entrepreneurs to do the same. Leaving an established business and embarking on a new path took every ounce of bravery she had, and became one of her greatest accomplishments.