Type Tips for Entrepreneurs Originally published by OPP, Ltd. People of any MBTI® type can be successful entrepreneurs – provided that they leverage the entrepreneurial strengths of their type and watch out for the pitfalls. Here we break down the likely strengths, and some development tips, for people with extraverted and introverted dominant functions. Extraverted Dominant Functions ACTIVIST (ESTP and ESFP: Extraverted Sensing) Happy to take risks and “go for it”, generally positive and optimistic Seeks out new experiences, people and things Energetic, unlikely to be deterred by a lack of resources Development tips You can be distracted/bored easily – don’t forget the admin, it does matter Don’t switch off if an important contact bores you Remember where you’re going and what you can learn from the past EXPLORER (ENFP and ENTP: Extraverted iNtuition) Enjoys meeting new people and building a network Curious, creative, willing to try new approaches and take risks Flexible, adaptable and generally enthusiastic Development tips Starting a business can be lonely, so keep in contact with other people Apply structure so you can avoid the last-minute rush to finish things Don’t forget that detail, especially financial detail, is important DIRECTOR (ESTJ and ENTJ: Extraverted Thinking) Persistent, resilient, drives hard to make things happen Enjoys working with, organizing and directing other people Organized, structured, planned and solutions focused Development tips Avoid alienating people by being less impatient Your way of doing things is not the only way – don’t micromanage You may be unaware of your own faults. Who can be your “critical friend”? NURTURER (ESFJ and ENFJ: Extraverted Feeling) Caring, supportive, seeks to empower and develop others Likely to have extensive networks that can be drawn upon Organized and persistent Development tips Don’t let the need for harmony stop you making hard decisions You may find it difficult to work alone, so find other sources of support You will face rejection and criticism, so try not to take it personally Introverted Dominant Functions CONSERVER (ISTJ and ISFJ: Introverted Sensing) Structured, organized, detail-conscious, sees quality as important Knowledgeable, can draw on past experience Reliable, hard-working, delivers on schedule Development tips Remember to try new things, even though you are likely to prefer tested solutions Spend some, but not all, of your time building a network of contacts You may find the uncertainty stressful – think how you can set up a “safety net” VISIONARY (INFJ and INFTJ: Introverted iNtuition) Tenacious, persistent, works hard till the job is done Enjoys creative problem-solving and constructing a vision Can often draw on a high level of personal integrity Development tips You can struggle to describe your vision – think ahead about how you will do this Self-promotion may sap your energy – how can you do this differently? Don’t over-think the negative possibilities in a situation ANALYST (ISTP and INTP: Introverted Thinking) Brings a logical, objective focus to problems Flexible, adaptable, open to new ideas or experiences Will often have deep expertise or competence in a specific area Development tips You may not enjoy networking/self promotion, but try not to avoid it Don’t put off admin for something more interesting or involving Don’t be too internally focused – check what’s happening in the outside world CONSCIENCE (ISFP and INFP: Introverted Feeling) Strong underlying principles and values Often connects well with others, especially on a one-to-one basis Builds success from a specific skill or knowledge area Development tips Learn to recognize and stop procrastination, especially to avoid conflict Try to avoid work that opposes your values – it could sap your energy You may dislike networking/marketing – think how to build rapport with individuals For more information on MBTI type and entrepreneurship, download OPP’s extensive research paper on the subject. Click here to learn more.
