The ISTP as an Entrepreneur

Vision and Insight

ISTPs have a unique type of creativity. They’re creative and imaginative when it comes to practical things. So when it comes to things like designing toys or solutions for practical problems, this is where they shine. This is because of the combined abilities of their dominant and auxiliary function. Their dominant function is introverted thinking, which takes in and stores data and thinks up solutions for problems. And because of their auxiliary function, extraverted sensing, their solutions are always very creative and novel. This function thrives on new ideas and experiences, and this combination can be unbeatable in business. It gives them a lot of insight on which they can base their business ideas, and this is a winning combination.

ISTPs are usually personable people who get along with everyone, but sometimes struggle to connect on a deeper level for a variety of reasons. But in their business life, this usually isn’t as much of a problem. ISTPs probably won’t really enjoy the process of convincing others to buy into their vision, but they have enough optimism and energy to be convincing speakers who find the support they need.

Emotional Strengths and Weaknesses

ISTPs get bored very easily. This is because of their extraverted sensing auxiliary, which seeks out new experiences and sensations. To this function, doing the same thing over and over again is close to the worst thing in the world, and this can be a problem for ISTPs in every aspect of their life. When ISTPs choose to go into business for themselves, they need to be aware of this tendency towards boredom and guard against it. They like to be in constant activity, and will quickly become dissatisfied if they have to spend a long period of time sitting still or going over abstract ideas. That’s why it’s usually best if ISTPs go into business with other types who can handle this side of their entrepreneurship journey.

Workplace Strengths

One of the ISTPs greatest strengths is their ability to work under pressure. This type is famous for their ability to face a crisis with a cool mind and to come up with a brilliant solution that saves the day. In fact, ISTPs not only have the ability to do this, they actually enjoy the risk and the mental challenge of these problematic times. In business, their skills at handling problems can be very beneficial, particularly when the business is their own and there’s no one else to handle the problem. This is when ISTPs shine, and it’s also when they enjoy themselves the most as well.

ISTPs are usually fairly open to criticism, and don’t take it personally. They’re practical and pragmatic, and approach situations with logic and calm reserve. So when people criticize them or their ideas, the ISTP will think it over calmly and decide if they agree or not. And if they do agree, their busy minds will usually get to work coming up with a solution to the stated problem. As entrepreneurs, this attitude can be very beneficial. It means that the ISTP is always open to learning and improving. And because they don’t usually take things personally, they won’t be sidetracked by people who try to use underhanded tactics to stall their business endeavors.

Social Skills and Networking

ISTPs aren’t the most socially aware people. In fact, they’re often described as insensitive, and this can be a problem in their business relationships. This type has extraverted feeling as their inferior function, which means they’re often totally unaware of the emotions of the people around them and fairly uninterested in them as well. To ISTPs, there are so many other things in the world that they prefer to think about, and this can be a barrier to their business success. It means that they’re usually not very good at networking, and have little interest in it. In fact, to ISTPs, small talk is often extremely painful and pointless, and they would prefer to be doing almost anything else.

In the Planning Stages

ISTPs often struggle in the planning stages of setting up their business. This type doesn’t like long term commitments of any kind, and will often outright resist them even if it’s the best choice for their life or company. This tendency usually causes ISTPs to live for the moment, without planning more than a few days down the track. This can be a very fun and exciting way to live, but it can also be catastrophic for their business success. If an ISTP wants to be successful in their own business, they either need to overcome this preference or work with someone else who naturally thinks and plans in the long term.

Building the Business

ISTPs are relaxed, spontaneous people who like to leave their schedules open so they can try anything interesting that comes along. And if left to organize their business schedules or routines, this will be the type of environment they create as well. To ISTPs, traditional work environments or schedules are not only old fashioned and pointless, they’re also too restrictive. To ISTPs, who need to be able to explore the new whenever they encounter it in order to learn and come up with new ideas, these structures do nothing but stunt and decrease their creativity and ability to innovate. This openness may be the most natural working strategy for ISTPs, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always the best one to use in business. Unfortunately, it can result in ISTPs following tangents constantly and never completing the work they want to do.

Final Thoughts

ISTPs have a lot of practical ideas that can make them very successful in their business life. In fact, because this type needs a lot of freedom, this is often their preferred path, and they usually thrive when they’re given the chance to make their practical creations and solutions work in the real world.

References

1. Storm, Susan. “Understanding ISTP Thinking“. Apr 13, 2017. (Retrieved May 2018).
2. Irish, Chelsea. “Developing “Sensation” for ISFPs and ISTPs“. Apr 3, 2017. (Retrieved May 2018).
3. “ISTP – The Craftsman“.
4. “The ISTP Career Path“.
5. “The ISTP in the Workplace“.