If there’s one thing that we at QNET have learned in our close to 30 years in business, it’s that successful entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are bold risk-takers, some are meticulous managers, and some prefer a more laid-back style.
After all, the beauty and appeal of direct selling is that there’s no one perfect formula. And we have seen people from all walks of life lean into their strengths and succeed.
This is perhaps why personality assessment tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) have become so popular over the past few years, especially in business, as they offer a way to make sense of one’s natural tendencies and differences. But what is really the relationship between MBTI and entrepreneurship?
How MBTI Works
The MBTI is used and referred to everywhere these days, from corporate hiring to startup coaching, with the aim of understanding how people behave.
It essentially sorts individuals into personality types based on four pairs of opposites or dichotomies.
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) — This is about where individuals get their energy. Do you feel recharged from being around people, or do you prefer having quiet alone time? MBTI theorises that extraverts (commonly known as extroverts) are more action-oriented and enjoy social interaction, while introverts get their buzz from being by themselves.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) — This is about how you process information. Are you into details and what you can see, hear and experience, or are you more focused on patterns, meanings and big ideas? According to MBTI, sensing types trust what’s real right now, while intuitive types wonder what things could mean later.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) — This is about decision-making. Do you decide based on facts and data, or do you take into account people, values and emotions? MBTI posits that thinking types make decisions with their heads, while feeling types lean more on their hearts.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P) – This is about how people work. Do you prefer structure and firm decisions, or are you a more go-with-the-flow person? According to MBTI, those who lean towards judging tend to be more organised, while perceiving types are more flexible.
Each personality type is then listed by a four-letter code that combines the preferences and offers 16 possible combinations. These are:
- ISTJ (The Inspector) — Practical, dependable, and disciplined.
- ISTP (The Crafter) — Independent, curious, and hands-on.
- ISFJ (The Protector) — Caring, loyal, and protective.
- ISFP (The Artist) — Flexible, creative, and reserved.
- INFJ (The Advocate) — Analytical, insightful, and values-driven.
- INFP (The Mediator) — Idealistic, empathetic, and purpose-driven.
- INTJ (The Architect) — Strategic, logical, and forward-thinking.
- INTP (The Thinker) — Reserved, imaginative, and problem-solving.
- ESTP (The Persuader) — Energetic, bold, people-oriented.
- ESTJ (The Director) — Decisive, structured, results-oriented.
- ESFP (The Performer) — Fun-loving, spontaneous, and social.
- ESFJ (The Caregiver) — Warm, supportive, and harmony-focused.
- ENFP (The Champion) — Charismatic, inspiring, and creative.
- ENFJ (The Giver) — Loyal, empathetic, and generous.
- ENTP (The Debater) — Witty, quick-thinking, and adaptable.
- ENTJ (The Commander) — Confident, driven, and a natural leader.
MBTI and Entrepreneurship
So, how does all of this connect MBTI and entrepreneurship?
The short answer is that MBTI serves as a framework for entrepreneurs to understand their strengths, as well as how to respond to opportunities and risks. Indeed, certain profiles often stand out in industries like direct selling for their ability to build trust, lead teams, and adapt to challenges.
Take ENTPs (Debaters), for instance. They tend to thrive in sales and are especially great at pitching and networking, thanks to their quick thinking and natural conversational style. Plus, they hate being boxed in, and that makes them dynamic and adaptable leaders.
ENTJ (Commanders), on the other hand, tend to excel at managing and leading large networks. And while they’re logical and results-driven, they’re also intuitive enough to see the big picture and to make decisive moves.
ESTPs (Persuaders), meanwhile, bring energy and people skills — two talents that make them the perfect fit for direct selling, where enthusiasm and sociability help close deals. They also have sharp instincts, which allow them to adapt and pivot as needed.
Conversely, ISTJs (Inspectors) are introverted and reserved. They also favour predictability and structure. Yet, far from being crutches, these traits make them reliable and help ensure long-term trust and success, with customers and downlines alike.
Beyond Your Type
But what if you don’t fit into any of the boxes? And what if your type is traditionally not associated with business success?
The good news is that entrepreneurship is not about matching a person with a profile because the truth is that no single type guarantees success.
Indeed, in direct selling and especially at QNET, it’s not about whether one is an extravert, introvert, or planner. Rather, it’s about how determined you are to learn, grow, and keep moving forward, even if things get tough.
Yes, MBTI can help you understand your natural tendencies, but it should never box you in or limit your potential.
In short, don’t let the letter combinations define you because what makes direct selling special is that it’s a business opportunity that allows anyone and everyone to succeed.
