Bio

Beth was in elementary school when she outlined the marketing plan for her first entrepreneurial idea, twenty-three when she learned she was an introvert, and thirty-eight when, in 2010, she put the two together to create The Introvert Entrepreneur, a personal and professional development company.

Since founding The Introvert Entrepreneur, Beth has established herself as the go-to person for introvert entrepreneurs across the globe. She is known for her sharp observations on the introvert nature, her accessibility online and in person, and her willingness to reveal her own entrepreneurial challenges alongside intelligent, heart-centered strategies for overcoming them.

A professional speaker, certified coach, and corporate trainer, Beth has coached dozens of introverted clients, trained hundreds, and spoken to thousands, championing introvert strengths and establishing her expertise in entrepreneurship, communication, and leadership.

She is an active member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the ICF-Washington State Chapter. Beth has enjoyed sharing her message that “Success Is an Inside Job!” with numerous organizations and corporations. Selected presentations have included Starbucks, Boeing, PrimeGlobal, Xceed Credit Union, King County Chapter of Credit Unions, Verity Credit Union, Bumbershoot’s “Why This? Why That? Why Now?” series, Ignite Seattle, eWomen Networking, and Puget Sound Business Journal, among others.

Beth has contributed to blogs and articles in print and online for Psychology Today, Entrepreneur Magazine, Success Magazine, Crain’s Business Chicago, Aquarius Magazine, Seattle Times, and the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, among others. Her extremely popular podcast, “The Introvert Entrepreneur,” features interviews with well-known and emerging introvert entrepreneurs, including Tony Hseih, Brad Feld, Chris Guillebeau, Pamela Slim, Susan Cain, Nancy Ancowitz, Laurie Helgoe, and Barbara Markway, as well as experts in social media, marketing and sales, personal growth and networking. Beth’s individual voice comes out of her experiences as a personal coach, classical musician, arts administrator, nonprofit professional, and entrepreneur.

Her first book, Insight: Reflections on the Gifts of Being an Introvert, has attracted an international audience of readers since its release in July 2012. Her second book, The Introvert Entrepreneur, was published by Perigee Books in November 2015.

---

Speaking Topics

Networking While Introverted: Make Connections with Ease

What words or feelings come to mind when you hear the word “networking”? Dread? Anxiety? Boredom? Curiosity? For many introverts, traditional networking is excruciating at worst, tolerable at best. The good news is that networking is really about the “inner game,” and that game can be learned. This training offers strategies and resources for navigating the networking waters, starting from before you ever set foot inside the event (or enter the virtual room), to following through once you’re safely back in your office.

Target Audience

Essential information for any introvert whose success depends on making positive first impressions and meaningful connections for business.  Also appropriate for younger or “newbie” employees who have limited formal networking experience. This training can be adapted based on participant demographics and specific departmental/corporate/conference needs.

Objectives

• To (re)define and expand the term “networking” and strategize various approaches, virtually and in person
• To examine the natural strengths introverts bring to networking situations, such as listening skills, curiosity, and one-on-one communication
• To learn how to create meaningful connections and manage personal energy
• To learn the art of preparation, execution and follow-up for maximum efficiency and effectiveness
• To explore and role-play common networking challenges, such as starting and ending conversations, sharing business information, and following up with new contacts.

Benefits

• Raise awareness of the impact of personality and introversion on networking and professional relationship development
• Increase professional confidence and self-awareness in networking situations
• Empower introverts with information about their unique strengths and demonstrate how those strengths can be leveraged during networking
• Generate enthusiasm for more intentional, focused networking
• Improve morale, retention, and effectiveness by acknowledging the introvert’s need for a personalized approach to relationship development

Introverts & Extroverts: Getting the Most Out of Diverse Teams

Many businesses have a bias toward extroverts in their hiring procedures, criteria for promotions, and company culture. Outgoing extroverts are often seen as the “go-getters” in most professions. But introverts are often the unsung heroes of the corporate world. Introverts tend to bring needed introspective energy that acts as a grounding counterweight in more extroverted teams and work environments.

Striking this balance will be especially critical as we return to working together in person. The re-entry process will be different for extroverts and introverts. What can you do as a leader and as an employee to make the transition smoother for both types of personalities? We’ll look at simple adjustments you can make to create a work environment that’s more productive and effective for both introverts and extroverts – and everyone in-between!

Six Things Your Introverted Colleagues Want to Tell You (But Probably Won’t)

There are simple things that you can do to make your work environment (or home life) more introvert-friendly. Here’s what introverts wish you knew that can make a huge difference to everyone’s productivity, effectiveness, and satisfaction.

Chatty Cathys and Quiet Keiths: A Primer on Cross-Personality Communication

Trust is a baseline requirement for any functional team or workplace; yet we often fail to build trust because we don’t take the time to understand the motivations that inform how people work and communicate. This interactive session will provide you with insights and tools to help you manage the diverse introvert/extrovert energetic styles of the people on your team.

The Space in Between: The Power of Silence in Life and Leadership

The world is long on talk and short on reflection. This presentation offers an exploration of what’s possible in the silence—the space in between—as well as how to tap into our introvert energy as leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers

Should I Be Telling You This?: The Delicate Dance of Authenticity, Transparency, and Vulnerability

How do we walk the fine line between our public and private personas in the age of tell-all platforms? This presentation offers guidance for evaluating your personal story and determining what, when, and how to share with clients and prospects.

Three Little Words That Will Change Your Life Forever

There’s a simple philosophy that separates leaders from managers, the energized from the burned-out. We explore how embracing a coach-approach, counter-intuitive relationship framework benefits you and everyone you work with.