7 Reasons Why INFPs Make the Best Entrepreneurs

Clinically Reviewed by Steven Melendy, PsyD. on January 28, 2020

Whatever your personality type, you’re probably surprised to see Introverts—especially Introverted Perceivers—suggested as not just entrepreneurs, but the best entrepreneurs. And if you are an INFP, you may be shocked to see yourself in this position, unless you’ve already discovered you have what it takes to fly solo and have gone out on your own.

It’s easy to picture those gregarious Extraverts as entrepreneurs. Their outgoing nature makes networking, negotiating with suppliers and making sales calls no big deal. Introverts, however, often have difficulty with all of these tasks.

But those who type as INFP in Myers and Briggs' system have at least seven traits going for them that can help them soar as entrepreneurs, whatever the business or industry.

1. Creativity knows no bounds

INFPs are known for their creativity, and many artists, writers and musicians share INFP traits. But this creativity can be applied in any field or endeavor. No idea is too far out for INFPs. Their nonjudgmental nature means they listen to all ideas without prejudice and hope to find the gems that could be key to their business. Their entrepreneurial ventures are likely to be unusual or even unique, and not those that have already been done.

2. Shooting for the stars

The inherent idealism that INFPs are often criticized for helps them see possibilities where other personality types will not. This goes beyond creative ideas to believing in themselves and in other people. While others are quick to dismiss what seems to them to be idealistic and impossible, INFPs will say firmly that it IS possible, it CAN work.

3. Caring is at their core

Caring deeply about other people, INFPs want to see everyone do well, and that core trait will permeate every aspect of any business they form. Their creative ideas will likely involve solving people’s problems or helping people in some way. 

They’ll think of their employees as family, and go out of their way to make sure they feel appreciated and respected. They’ll give their sales staff the tools and training they need to succeed. And they’ll create a culture that’s understanding of individual needs, from paid time off to flex time, plus creative, original benefits that they come up with. By keeping their employees happy,  they won’t suffer the high turnover rates fledgling businesses often do. 

And they will care about their customers - not because you must care about customers if you want to stay in business - but because that’s who they are at their core. Those who type INFP on a personality test care about people. So if a customer is unhappy, the INFP entrepreneur will want to hear from them, fix the problem, and make sure it doesn’t happen to any other customer in the future.

4. Willingness to persevere

The hard-working INFP’s idealism doesn’t stretch to leaving their success up to luck or fate. Certainly, INFPs who are artists or musicians know there’s no “overnight successes” in these tough fields. If one producer or other power-that-be turns them down, they pitch another one. Giving up is not part of their vocabulary.

The same independent streak that causes many INFP job seekers to eschew the nine-to-five grind and strike out on their own also gives them nontraditional working styles and hours. They’re very willing to stay up into the wee hours to flesh out an idea. The INFP writers, musicians, artists, and other creative types are happy to get up and work at 3 a.m. if that’s when the muse strikes. 

While other personality types shake their heads at the impracticality of this behavior - “you’ll be tired the next day!” - INFPs wouldn’t consider passing up the opportunity to delve into their passion whenever and wherever it arises. And if they are tired the next day, they’ll take a nap to recharge. They’re not working nine-to-five, and as entrepreneurs, they’re in charge - so they can work nontraditional hours that work for them.

5. Compromise brings everyone together

The peace-loving INFP believes in fairness in all things. If they’re the boss, everyone will have a chance and all ideas will be heard. Luckily, INFPs don’t feel that all the best ideas have to be theirs. That would mean being the center of attention, something they’re really not keen on!

They’ve been keeping the peace through compromise their whole lives, so it’s second nature to INFPs to know how to resolve petty squabbles and soothe big egos. And empathetic INFPs will do that without hurting anyone’s feelings.

6. Someone you can rely on

INFPs are thinkers. In fact, they generally do more thinking than talking, so you can be sure that when they say they’ll do something, they’ve given it a lot of thought before making the commitment. They know it’s something they can accomplish and are willing to undertake. 

That means when INFPs go out on a limb as entrepreneurs, they’ve thought about all sides of the business and all the possibilities, both positive and negative. They’re willing to put in the time and hard work they know having their own business will require. Of course, they will be met with unforeseen obstacles along the way, because the state of a business is dependent upon many people and factors beyond their control. They will meet these challenges with creative solutions that they feel will succeed.

7. Leading with integrity

Personal integrity is as vital to INFPs as breathing - not only honesty but being true to oneself and doing what they perceive as “the right thing” in all instances. Making a good deal is one thing, but INFPs won’t be taking advantage of suppliers, customers, or employees in order to corner the market or make more profit.

Helping others is one of the most important purposes in life to INFPs. Most likely, It’s at the heart of their passion for what they’re embarking on. INFPs want to succeed, but they want others to succeed too, and that will be clear in their mission statement, vision statement and core values.

Working with INFP Weaknesses

If you’re doing business with someone who types INFP on a Myers and Briggs personality test - or considering partnering with one - you’re in capable, passionate, reliable hands. Every personality type has its weaknesses, however, and it will help you work well with INFPs if you understand them.

Or, if you are an INFP entrepreneur yourself, learn to tap into your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses. Here are some tips:

Reach out for advice

Though your tendency is to work alone and depend only on yourself, step out of your comfort zone and reach out to others with attributes that will enhance yours.

Sometimes, a trait has both positive and negative possible outcomes; idealism is a good example. Idealism can make INFPs see others the way they want them to be - the ideal - rather than the way they truly are. One way around this is to ask someone you trust to meet with anyone you’re considering hiring. Bounce creative ideas off a few trusted advisors who may see them in a light you hadn’t thought about.

Check your sensitivity

Your sensitivity lets you tune in to those around you, but it can make you overly sensitive to perceived slights or criticism when someone is really just disagreeing with you. When you feel attacked or ignored, remind yourself it’s more likely your oversensitivity kicking in.

Care about yourself, too

Your caring nature is a big part of who you are, and no one is suggesting you lose that. But it’s important to take care of yourself in the process, too - something INFPs often neglect. Get enough sleep - through nights and naps - to stay healthy and mentally sharp. Be as good to yourself as you are to others by taking breaks, relaxing with friends, perhaps even indulging in a massage. 

Ask for help

You can’t do everything; no one can. Don’t be shy about asking for help, whether you’re hiring or initially asking for volunteers. Bring someone on board to keep you and your files organized. Knowing INFPs’ tendency to act on instinct and feelings, ask accountants, researchers, and lawyers to bring you the facts to consider, too. 

Starting off on solid footing, surrounded by the supportive help you need, will allow your new enterprise to take off, and you and your crew to soar.

Barbara Bean-Mellinger

Barbara Bean-Mellinger writes on business topics such as jobs and careers, marketing and advertising, public relations, entrepreneurship, education and more. Her articles have been published in newspapers, magazines, and on websites. She lives in the metro Washington, D.C. area and has recently taken up travel writing to highlight lesser-known sites in and around the capital.

More from this author...
About the Clinical Reviewer

Steven Melendy, PsyD., is a Clinical Psychologist who received his doctorate from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. He specializes in using evidence-based approaches in his work with individuals and groups. Steve has worked with diverse populations and in variety of a settings, from community clinics to SF General Hospital. He believes strongly in the importance of self-care, good friendships, and humor whenever possible.

Comments

Marisa Dallas says...

Hi, thank you for your article.  I found it very encouraging becuase sometimes what makes an INFP who they are doesn't always seem to translate into a money maker.  As an INFP, it's been a pleasure creating a writing business based on my values.  I took your advice and had coffee with a friend who's passionate about networking organizations.  I appeciated reading your article today!

Barbara Bean-Mellinger says...

Hi Marisa - Thanks for commenting. I'm so glad you found the article helpful! I'm an INFP also, so I appreciate the feedback. I wish you great success in your business.

 

Aaliyah Allen (not verified) says...

Thank you so much for this article. Sometimes it seems as though Infps are described as too sensitive to work in business settings. Thank you for shining a postive light for us Infps who want to be in the business field.

 

 

JayElle (not verified) says...

I enjoyed learning more about my INFP traits. A refreshing, validating, and affirming article  --  thank you for writing it!

Barbara Bean-Mellinger says...

Thanks for commenting, JayElle! I'm so glad the article was helpful to you.

Lauren C. (not verified) says...

So validating! I am going to start taking my entrepreneurial ideas much more seriously now. Thank you!

Barbara Mellinger (not verified) says...

 Hi Lauren,

That's good to hear! Just bounce your ideas off other personality types before you embark on the big step so you'll get many perspectives you may not have thought of. Good luck!

Barbara

Coconut (not verified) says...

I honestly thought of so many ways I could try to understand myself let alone others understanding me. Its always a neverending overthinking battle with my thoughts early hours into the morning and I always wondered just what am I doing talking to myself for this long validating my own questions and answers. This has helped me understand alot better. Thank you so much! 

Kenny young (not verified) says...

I wouldn't really look at myself as an entrepreneur in the traditinal sense. I am going into helping the poorest of the poor, so those that make around a dollar a day. My goals are many. Develop local systems that don't relly on donatatins as the mechnaism of revenue generation--instead focusing on relatinship building through partcipipatory planning, building communities, and also creating extensive databases that are basically ways of doing very thorugh community profiling. This looks at both capacity building and needs. From there I do one on one matching to connect the poorest of the poor with others. I have noticed that most software applications are donor based. I am trying to drive deep engagement that looks to connect the less fortunate more fully with others. Obviously this also means building something that doesn't exist. It isn't similar to any business or NGO or CBO. Obviously since I am trying to tackle global poverty in a new way, I am thinking outside the box. I have a long ways to go to pursue my dream. Enjoyed your article. 

Juan Javier (not verified) says...

I really like that idea. I am a mediator too. I am from Dominican Republic. 

I've for long been interested in building something similar here in the DR through Art, music, and educating people in a second language so that they will have better opportunities in life. I will be interested in having a chat with you if you wouldn't mind

Simon Cairns (not verified) says...

I really liked this article. Thanks for writing such a well thought out piece. As INFP's I believe it's essential to embrace our unique DNA. Like you say, our way of being is no hindrance to success in the world.

Devi (not verified) says...

Thank you for writing this wonderful and refreshing piece! And your point about INFP can sometimes rely too much on themselves is spot on, as I feel like I know myself, but when I read this article, turns out I need to know much more about myself :)

Share your thoughts

THE FINE PRINT:

Myers-Briggs® and MBTI® are registered trademarks of the MBTI Trust, Inc., which has no affiliation with this site. Truity offers a free personality test based on Myers and Briggs' types, but does not offer the official MBTI® assessment. For more information on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® assessment, please go here.

The Five Love Languages® is a registered trademark of The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, which has no affiliation with this site. You can find more information about the five love languages here.

Latest Tweets

Get Our Newsletter