5 books for introverts who want to start a business

When I realized that as an independent doula and life coach, I’d also by default be a business owner, I was horrified. I can’t network, I thought, or market myself! I’m an introvert! I cried for a minute, indulged in a little self pity, and then started researching. How can I start a business when I spent my entire early career in academia? What can I read and learn that will help me thrive in business? How can I shift my mindset around money, around solving problems, around confidence??

I scoured my local library, found lists of recommended reading online, and looked at lists on Goodreads. And eventually, I nailed down a list of books that helped me go from “how can I do this?” to “I can do this.” A little money mindset, a little growth mindset, a little business acumen, and a lot of feminine empowerment.

So here they are! Keep scrolling for mini-reviews.

originally published on emileereally.com 27 September 2023

Marie Forleo, Everything is Figureoutable

This book is like sitting down with that friend who thinks the sun shines out your ass, and letting her give you a pep talk. Marie Forleo is smart, sharp-witted, and I found myself thinking “wow, she really believes in me!” multiple times while reading. It helps that Marie’s life story involves feeling as multi-passionately lost as I feel sometimes.

Lydia Fenet, Claim Your Confidence: Unlock your Superpower and Create the Life You Want 

As a charity auctioneer, Lydia Fenet is constantly surrounded by vast wealth and the highest of high society — and yet, her book is somehow super relatable. Sharing her embarrassing moments and how she leveraged them to build confidence, Lydia is all about self-empowerment and not letting you get in your own way. And even though she’s a self-proclaimed extrovert, there’s a lot of value in the way she reframes confidence that works for introverts, too.

Jen Sincero, You are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth

I’ll admit that Jen Sincero’s writing style is not my personal cup of tea, but the wisdom she shares in this wealth-mindset manual is absolutely priceless. If you’re anti-Law of Attraction, this one (and Amanda Frances’ book below) is not for you, because there’s quite a bit of woo-woo. There’s a lot of good stuff about not undervaluing yourself, though, so take what works for you and leave the rest.

Amanda Frances, Rich as F*ck: More money than you know what to do with

Another Law of Attraction devotee, Amanda Frances is unabashed about her love for money. She focuses on the good that money can do. Her honesty is refreshing, and her ambition is inspiring. Like Jen Sincero, she spends a lot of time on not undervaluing yourself, which by itself is a super important lesson.

Rachel Pedersen, Unfiltered: Proven strategies to start and grow your business by not following the rules

One word: PRACTICAL. Rachel shares real life stories and actionable steps to take to build your business from the ground up. With journaling activities and easily digestible chapters, Rachel offers practical guidance and advice. (PS - I went to high school with Rachel, and she is just as approachable and lovely as she seems)

Bonus book: Sensitive by Jenn Granneman and Andre Sólo

Not all introverts are sensitive people, I’m sure, but enough of us are that I think this book deserves a spot on this list. It’s all about reframing sensitivity as a positive trait, not something to be overcome. With sections on being a sensitive person in business, in social settings, and in families, this book helped me understand myself better, give myself grace, and embrace my sensitivity as a feature, not a bug.

What do you think? What books have you read that belong on this list? Let me know in the comments!

All the best,