What Every Introvert Should Know Before Starting a Business...

This is a bit of a different video from the usual! Gymshark's growth has been phenomenal and the company is always changing, which has meant that I have also had to change... A lot! In this video, I tell you what it is like being an introvert but also being the CEO of one of the biggest fitness brands in the world, also how I've changed as a person over the years, and the different methods that have helped me with shyness and public speaking!
The team and I also wanted to add that this video style was inspired by the videos on ‪@BenPearson1965‬'s channel. So go and check them out.
Let us know if you'd like to see more of this sort of content!
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Check out my website:
benfrancis.com

[@BackGuy]

I 100% relate to this. Charging up by yourself feels like the best thing and is so important imo. Ben out here breeding confidence in himself and others, big back move.

[@JeromDR]

Here earlier than some guy without a mustache

[@on9francisyu]

He is breeding confidence but I think it is all about knowing your stuff if you know your stuff you will always feel more confidence because you know the other guys do not know.

[@AhmadShahin]

"In me being awkward, it made them feel more awkward." This is NEVER talked about enough but it's so true. When you go first and set the tone and energy for the conversation people will match it 9/10 times. Still working on this but it took someone like Ben to help me realize it was in my control, hope those who need to hear it get the chance to 🙌

[@eoinsbizjourney]

I relate to this a lot as I am sure many others do too. I grew up generally a very quiet person and kept to myself a lot of the time and not really understanding people. I remember doing a presentation about Elon Musk for my English class and I stood up and you would think a gun was held to my head I was that nervous about others' opinions. I lost marks due to never even looking at the class and only looking at my notes, even at the times when I wasn't reading from the notes. I've been told dozens of times by people I have been hanging around with and by teachers and classmates about how quiet I am and that I never speak. This always affected my confidence in trying to actually speak to new people. I have been left out of social events like going out to parties mainly because of how I can be quiet. This is also a reason why I have lost a lot of friends because I am not a lot of fun to them. However, I feel like my confidence has grown a lot through the gym and working out. I am constantly trying to grow as a better person every day. I picked up reading about 2 years ago, started some businesses that failed but now have a small business and another one coming out soon. I have realised that I am better off as a person and work well with a very small social circle and focus on myself as that is what brings joy into my life. One thing I recommend for other introverts is to recognize who you are and whatever you do, do not ever compare yourself to others and also stop caring about other people's opinions. This is your life and nobody else controls it but you. Also, work on your weaknesses such as talking to new people. Start small, if you see someone at the gym a lot, start a small conversation with them or ask for advice, something that leads to more talk and there comes the confidence to bring it to a higher level. Understand that comparing yourself to others is usually believing that others are way better than you when in reality they are just about as smart as you and are not these super-geniuses that are better than you at everything. Hope someone finds this useful. Thanks

[@nhanthanh-wn2tp]

Thank you brother 🙏🏼

[@cocomuncha7667]

thanks for sharing with us bro

[@DrSwole]

Glad Ben points out that confidence can be developed. People often give up on this when a lot can be achieved with a growth mindset 💯

[@on9francisyu]

many things can be developed but many people do not accept it can be so they are willing to not be confidence for their life.

[@Lozh1993]

This is so me. Once I’m comfortable with a person or a skill I come across as confident. It’s funny people always say I’m so confident but I never feel like it

[@maxb4837]

Ben is definitley the most inspirational person for young people in so many ways.

[@on9francisyu]

I personally love those introvert making videos that those extrovert those extrovert seems to just like to talk and talk and talk. They always make the same thing without noticing more things.

[@johno4377]

That first 2 mins perfectly describes me growing up too, I was the quiet one at school, very shy...once I got my first job in retail I changed massively and was a lot more confident and outgoing.

[@divine7223]

Could have 1000 videos like these, big inspo Ben!

[@WinVault]

Really appreciate this - as a fellow introvert it's good to hear and see similar personalities doing well in business and life!

[@SeanMillerMOTIVATION]

Brilliant video, I relate to a lot of this! I’ve started to consider myself as more of an introvert but I’ve definitely worked on my confidence to become more extroverted when it’s necessary. Thanks Ben.

[@fabandell]

You’ve really improved at public speaking and being on camera over the years! Great video guys. Fab

[@liu4life]

So much gems in this one! Thanks Ben for your brand of transparent leadership - it’s inspiring to see such honesty and vulnerability. I’m also an introvert and decided to pick up a camera(phone) and starting vlogging my life in Shanghai on our channel - just putting myself more out there, practice and trying to let go of how people view me. I also struggle with public speaking and generally creating conversations - so what better why to practice than to create conversations with myself! Almost… like now I guess? Looking forward to seeing more of these.

[@beckss121]

Wow, I have literally no words... Your a huge inspiration for a lot of young people, including me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this topic!! It really made my day.

[@jamesmeeks590]

Ben, the way you are so self aware of yourself is amazing to see. Great video.

[@vannex6941]

Just perfekt timing for me to see this Video. Thanks a lot Ben! Love Gymshark

[@S-rn6xn]

You’ve just summed me up in this. Confident in my own abilities but introverted in social situations which makes you come across with low confidence. I’m going to use your advice moving forward

[@aslthedon3250]

Crazy successful but you keep yourself genuine. Mad respect to you being a huge inspiration. Love the brand .. maybe one day we can meet my friend, take it easy.

[@larissaxxxx]

so grateful for this content, so incredibly inspiring! thank u Ben 😌🙌🏼

[@mahamatyounis]

I love yourself development, watching you grow helps me and a lot of people learning from your learnings which is huge, so keep going.

[@cindy03709]

When I feel like giving up because I’m introverted I think of you and robin & I’m inspired! I love you guys

[@Marinbrdanovic]

You are a huge business inspiration for me, thank you a lot

[@bientran609]

Probably my first comment on KZbin. I just want to say thank you for sharing your wisdom and the inspiration you giving to us especially me.

[@alchemicfitness]

Genuinely appreciate your realness 🙌🏽

[@brothersvanhees]

This is really inspirational. I think it's good to recharge by yourself. So you can have a moment for yourself and think about how you can become an even better person.

[@manoverthetop]

Preach my brother, I can 110 % relate. Great video

[@jamesharding8764]

This resonated with me I could relate to pretty much all of the things Ben said and it was very inspiring. Ive found myself thinking a lot more recently about connection, relationships, friendship and social skills and if you take the time to learn about yourself you can help yourself to be the very best version possible - thanks for making the video

[@Kevin-cl2mr]

Appreciate these kinds of videos, keep it up!

[@thek4lqueen]

Shiness is a Habit and It can be Unlearned through Practice!!! this is how you get less Overwhelmed with how ppl see you and as a result opens you up to doing things you never thought you could ever do as confidently as the Extroverted persons. i relate to this video alot and I'm currently in the Process of unlearning shiness so i can be more confident in Public Speaking and Networking. this video really helped allot thank you so much Ben!! just when i needed it

[@jamesgarbett4331]

Why the KZbin Algorithm be sleeping on this! This is fantastic stuff! Amazing words Ben, hoping to be able to work in the marketing team at Gymshark one hopeful day! Keep up the great content.

[@BenFrancis]

Thanks James! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@netrowex]

Great video. Thank you ben!

[@Stefan_Ito]

You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing.

[@aaronl9379]

Really inspiring mate, great video mate keep it up always love the content 👍!!.

[@juperrr]

Love the video. Very mind opening and relatable.

[@estebanazcarragasada9386]

Magnificent Ben, cheers.

[@blackxwhite6060]

So relatable and interesting insight from Ben's perspective. I am also introvert :)

[@ffionlloydhughes]

So inspirational!

[@doronshalom4775]

Ben thank you for this video i really needed this video 🙏

[@AINCENT_SPIDER]

Inspiration 🖤🔥

[@taabishkhanself-improvemen7331]

*“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending”* Love from a small channel 💙

[@seemeseeyou456]

Incredible video. I think having the skill to mirror people when you meet them is key to building rapport and gaining their trust. Once you have achieved that you can let your natural personality shine.

[@constantinosefthymiades2845]

Everytime i see Ben, i feel so motivated to achieve in this life!! keep going man!!

[@on9francisyu]

It is for sure the most important ever.

[@joshhollywood]

Great video Ben - resonated with me as a fellow introvert. I certainly see a shift in corporate culture just now where the 'extrovert' dominates climbing up the ladder - as the saying goes we have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason!

[@engrmuneeb7764]

Speaking style is wonderful

[@mikeywillspt8795]

Great video! I can really relate to this. Really insightful video thanks 🙏

[@mishhmoshh]

This is so relatable I'm an INFJ and proud to be an introvert! :)

[@Aristander]

Great video. I am very much an introvert myself. My first role was with a web development agency; they tasked me with building the digital marketing side of the business as in 2007 this was all still quite new. The role forced me to engage with clients a lot, and let me tag along with an amazing salesman - I was the 'brains' in his sales pitches. The role forced me to rapidly develop the social skills needed in client-facing and internal management roles - something that I benefit from to this day. Almost 15 years later, I am still quiet (not shy!) and reserved in social group settings and love to be on my own - this will never change as it is just who I am and how I like it. With regards to work, I have a confident knowledge-based leadership style and love sharing my knowledge and experience with the wider global business. I am 100% sure I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for those (sometimes terrifying) first few years of rapid development in softs skills.

[@craigdiamondbrite]

If I was just five per cent like Ben, it would be amazing. Thanks Ben for taking the time to crate these videos, you are a true inspiration to so many 👊

[@on9francisyu]

He is the rare type on the internet I love people who are working on their business and take time to make video like this to explain what they do .

[@Bbbbbbcd]

Really enjoyed this - fellow West Midlands 👍🏻

[@MajesticAbilitySaga]

introvert's like myself just understand life differently! lets go ben!

[@yashaparik]

Charging wise is the actual defining criterion.. I m an ambivert 🙌🏼♥️

[@The1010Talks]

A video every introvert especially, needs to see

[@mattlambros2431]

This is crazy accurate

[@goofin6360]

bang on with your definition of an introvert

[@yrraHI]

I've also been quite an introverted person which stemmed from my childhood. I now consciously introduce and go first in any situation that i'm presented with. Whilst it's scary at the start, it this does help me gain confidence over time and it also helps others think that you're confident which relaxes them even more - so it's a double edged sword. I'm now a trainee solicitor that speaks to multiple clients daily and have a successful career in the future because of this simple trick. Like you said Ben, confidence can be adopted. Great video!

[@Chris-dp2uy]

What's the book?

[@dans1454]

I have a similar story to Ben. I was an extreme introvert, still am, but I got so good at appearing like an extrovert. I can come across very social for maybe 2-3 hours, then after that my social energy plummets and I need alone time. The only downside is that everybody who I've tricked into thinking I'm an extrovert then invites me to loads of social occasions, which I don't always want to go to because I'm in desperate need of 'recharging'. Also Ben, I don't know if you'll read this and whether you're open to advice from randomers off the internet, but one thing that made a massive difference for me was smiling more. If people see you smiling/laughing then they feel at ease. I've noticed in some videos you don't tend to smile much, perhaps it is something worth trying to incorporate more of? Just a thought

[@effectiveapps6934]

Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@jonathangalvis147]

Crack, saludos desde Colombia. Os admiro demasiado.

[@jaysdistant]

thank you for this! my shyness has been stopping me from starting my youtube channel but its comforting to know someone like you felt the same in front of a camera. also props to you for also watching @AliAbdaal hahah

[@liu4life]

Do it! I started mine, it has only been one year but I have so much memories captured already on our family vlog. I still struggle to talk to the camera when strangers walk pass me but it’s all part of the process. Never let fear hold you, sometimes confidence also comes from stepping out of your usual routine and find you have much value to add - that helps too.

[@jaysdistant]

@@liu4life I will! I need to document more full stop. Thank you man, good luck with your channel as well

[@mitchelljack1590]

Confidence is related to a particular skill or characteristic. It can come and go and be knocked around really quite easily What you really want is self esteem, so it doesn’t matter how badly things go, you still love yourself

[@VibrantDesigns]

Really glad you managed to save up for a new jacket! great video :)

[@liu4life]

Me: Reading this thinking “He might be doing a ‘Steve Jobs’ and have 1,000 of the same long-sleeve black gymshark tees”. Reality: …add a few zeros to that number.

[@Parkerxy25]

Sweet video!

[@raindropsonroses3919]

A wise soul in a young body

[@potentialentrepreneur1990]

Thanks for this. Some people think I’m cocky because I’m an introvert but I’m just not a people person smh

[@IsaMutlib]

Keep going mate

[@nigeltoon1848]

Thanks for that.

[@ChrisT739]

U gotta expand GymShark into Singapore. Many fans over here.

[@aisourav]

Breaking the ice is very hard for an introvert. I can chat all day by typing but I stammer a lot when talk with a stranger. This doesn't happens when I talk with my family and friends. It gives me so much trouble when I try to express something but I can not.

[@joshuawang6459]

Quiet by Susan Cain is a fantastic book on some of the points discussed! Worth reading whether you consider yourself an introvert or not. Personally a top 5 for me.

[@richieboy2007]

Great video Ben. I’m the same about u think people are looking but 99.99% of the time they ain’t it’s all in the head

[@introvertvisibilitycoach]

What a great example of how leaning into your introverted strengths can help you achieve so much more than trying to pretend you're an extrovert

[@taabishkhanself-improvemen7331]

To all the dreamers out there, don't ever let the world's negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and right people, ANYTHING is possible. Love from a small KZbinr🙏🖤

[@philipsinclair5575]

Very interesting

[@zarichmichael6200]

Ben needs to make a BOOK

[@engrmuneeb7764]

Humble CEO

[@yeabsirasefr6209]

I look up to ben, maybe someday i will work with him.

[@andrewekin2739]

Top guy

[@feac.1466]

I'm a (15 times tested) INFJ. As I was growing up and in school people thought of me as the quiet boring kid. Whenever I showed my "true colours" even my closest friends were shocked. I remember clearly one time the teacher in 8th grade asked us what we wanted to be when we grow up. She got to me and I was a A+ student. Before I even got to reply to her question a classmate of mine said that he thought I would be civil servant. Most introverts are pretty good at school because they spend a lot of time on their own and analyze down to the detail. I never got to tell what I wanted to be and I never was that sure. I'm 20 and still not sure that there is an answer to that question, for me at least. "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” In all honesty, study yourself and don't let anyone hold you back. Read Quiet is a great book on introverts. In my opinion the world needs introverts more than ever right now. We are moving to an era of acceptance slowly but NOT steady. Look at all those big brands using plus size models and the FB Meta. The world is changing rapidly right now and it's never too late to start being yourself !

[@emmaparsons4151]

Does Ben do a podcast? Or would you do a podcast?

[@cowboybollie]

Confidence comes from competence. Get good at something, and you will be more confident.

[@naroao6820]

So sweet ❤️❤️😘

[@instantfoot1984]

Hi Ben ! I am a French student in Paris in a business school I and would love to do an internship in your company ! 😍 Is there any way I could transfer you my CV directly or whatsoever, because it would be a really great experience for me, and I am really motivated and willing to work very hard ! I so agree with you, all the points you pointed are so true

[@AbdulGaffar-pv5bb]

Wouldn’t mind this fella recharging me if you know what I mean people 😉

[@thomasdehoop5130]

Dear Ben, the clothing industry is dealing with the big problem of customers returning a massive amount of products. How do you deal with it with Gymshark? And what do you do with the products?

[@tirosauls8654]

Going first is tough for an introvert with a stutter.

[@tommyers6789]

How have you applied self awareness and patience over the years for your own self growth and growth of GymShark?

[@avirals2]

Is it true that you have a store opening in Delhi in India please say yes 🥺🥺

[@richoryx1956]

how you funded your business while starting? @Ben Francis

[@ksm199]

Hi mate. Any chance u can make gymshark clothing affordable for the average man/women please.

[@d26s10]

Their sales and particularly the Black Friday sale will help you out if you’re after cheaper prices. There are also many Gymshark genuine items sold on second hand sites...vinted, eBay, depop etc

[@ms9240]

What is your vision for Gymshark in the next 5 years?

[@kwekswilliams6884]

Then I'm very similar to you

[@adamshechtman6103]

serious question for you ben. When gymshark took off and you started to become rich and started making a lot of money off this, did that help with your confidence? can money buy confidence when you know your powerful with a lot of money?

[@Delirex1]

Yep

[@oliverdking]

All the best minds thrive in solitude, and struggle to express it externally. Look at Elon Musk.

[@holdengreenlaw3004]

I just opened up my first GymShark solid black pull over. Bangladesh really? until the quality and breathability improves 10 fold on the same plane as Lululemon or Athletica I will not be making purchase 2. Plastic within plastic? I thought the company was trying to run its company with sustainable clothing etc/ he brand will plunge below where sharks can breathe if you don not turn the quality and third world labor around . Ben started with quality from a sewing machine making quality samples. What happened to that care and quality ? Quality over profit got reversed :(

[@b2bt696]

"If I was comfortable with you then I was very much completely normal" LIKE SNORTING LINES OF CHARLIE? LOL

[@timeandmoney84]

Let's get this straight - introversion has nothing to do with confidence. It's as he says - you just like to be on your own and get annoyed by other people easily

[@tp3651]

Second

[@letmetalkletmetalk6248]

Shy people are not introvert 🙏💕

[@Vanoual]

First

[@mrsleb]

Who cares

[@SeanMillerMOTIVATION]

I care mate. Well done 👍🏼

[@Vanoual]

@@SeanMillerMOTIVATION thanks brother ! Aha

[@rory9533]

@@Vanoual congratulations 👏

[@sylviapeterson1843]

The vagabond motion perioperatively bomb because hockey distally separate under a fortunate penalty. ahead, disillusioned bathtub

[@realdonhesh]

So, After getting back to the CEO position, youtube videos went downhill.

[@jamesperrett6022]

It would be good if you could include some reasoning behind why you feel like this and perhaps some constructive criticism as to where you feel we could improve? Thoughtless negative comments like this don't really help anyone in the slightest. Still, appreciate you taking the time to give your opinion anyway.

[@realdonhesh]

@@jamesperrett6022 My comment wasn't a negative comment. KZbin channel was a promo campaign to get the CEO position back and make sure shareholders were happy with the decision. I just ask for more frequent videos like before.. That's it. WE ALL LOVE BEN.