Building an Online Business as an Introvert (with Danny Iny)

Starting and running a successful online business is no small feat, but for introverts, the journey often brings unique challenges and rewards. I had the opportunity to interview Danny Iny in 2015, an entrepreneur, author, and founder of an education-focused business for small business owners.

Danny’s journey is full of inspiring insights about building a business on his terms, honouring his introverted nature, and making a lasting impact. Our conversation explored his entrepreneurial path, his methods for staying grounded on the road, and the power of authentic relationships.

Rising from Setbacks: Danny’s Journey

Danny’s journey as an entrepreneur started early, and like many, he faced significant setbacks. After dropping out of school at 15, Danny plunged into business with all the enthusiasm of youth, but the 2008 financial crash dealt a heavy blow to his literacy education startup. He recalls the difficult task of telling employees they no longer had jobs and informing investors that their funds were lost. This experience marked a personal low point, but it became a catalyst for growth.

In rebuilding from this setback, Danny found an opportunity to leverage his expertise by creating accessible training for other small business owners. This pivot led him to develop a business model that could scale his insights without requiring him to sacrifice the personal focus he wanted to maintain. Rather than being deterred by failure, Danny’s ability to adapt paved the way for the thriving community he leads today.

Embracing Introversion in Business

One of the most intriguing parts of Danny’s story is how he’s been able to design a business that complements his introverted nature. Danny’s introversion influences how he engages with his audience and where he focuses his time. Long-form content like emails and blogs feel natural to him, as they allow for thoughtful communication without the quick exchanges that often dominate social media. He shared that, rather than scattering efforts across every platform, he finds success by sticking to what feels suitable for him.

For Danny, being an introvert is just a “tendency in terms of how you like to work.” It’s akin to being left-handed—part of who he is, but not the entire picture. Embracing his introversion has allowed Danny to play to his strengths, choosing a business style that is less about high-energy events and more about thoughtful, impactful content that resonates with his community.

On the Road: Creating a Sense of “Home” When Far Away

Like many entrepreneurs, Danny travels often for conferences and meetings, but his introverted nature makes him uncomfortable in bustling social settings. While in the Philippines, he connected with Amy Porterfield, another online business builder, and realised they shared a “homebody” disposition. Both preferred to spend time with family and close friends over large social gatherings. They bonded over their shared experience of navigating a public-facing business while remaining true to their private, introverted selves.

Danny shared a few practical ways he feels more at home while on the road. For example, he creates a “home base” by setting up his work essentials in his hotel room, like his laptop and a portable second screen. He also makes sure to carve out time for solitude, sometimes watching a Netflix show in the evening instead of heading to crowded events. These routines help him feel grounded and recharge his energy, allowing him to show up authentically in the connections he chooses to make.

Recognising and Working Within Limitations

As a successful entrepreneur, Danny attends many networking events and meetups. However, he’s also learned to recognise when accepting his limitations is best rather than pushing through discomfort. Large social gatherings can drain him, so rather than forcing himself to “stick it out,” he has learned to return to his room to recharge when necessary.

It’s a lesson in acceptance for introverts who often feel pressure to fit into extroverted norms. By acknowledging these boundaries, Danny shows that limitations are not barriers to success but guideposts that lead to more thoughtful and sustainable strategies. His experiences highlight that introversion isn’t a weakness; it’s simply a different way of operating in the world.

Navigating Team Leadership as an Introvert

Leading a team presents challenges for any entrepreneur and is essential for introverts to pay attention to. Danny emphasises a collaborative environment that encourages participation and ownership among his team members while maintaining clear decision-making authority. Building a participative culture is critical for him, but he acknowledges that his vision determines the ultimate direction of the business.

Building Impactful Relationships

For Danny, business is not just about generating income; it’s about creating impact. In his view, a business is a sustainable way to make a difference. Unlike traditional views of business as a means to maximise profit, Danny is guided by a sense of purpose and service. “The internet is a connective medium,” he says. “It stands in between you and other people.” This approach has shaped his philosophy, focusing less on flashy marketing tactics and more on building meaningful relationships with his audience.

Relationships form the core of Danny’s business strategy, shaping every aspect, from content creation to customer interaction. He stresses that real success comes from understanding and responding to others’ needs. This empathy-driven approach contrasts with the traditional “build-it-and-sell-it” model, where persuasive tactics push products onto consumers. Instead, Danny’s business centres around identifying what people need, meeting those needs with integrity, and making a difference in the lives of his clients.

Making an Impact, Not Just Money

Danny’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build an online business, particularly introverts who may hesitate to enter the spotlight. His experience illustrates that you don’t need to force yourself to be bold, brash, and exuberant if that’s not who you are. Success comes from embracing your strengths, honouring your limits, and building a business that aligns with your values.

Danny’s advice is simple yet profound for those thinking of starting their own journey: don’t let ideas stay in the incubation phase for too long. The internet provides an incredible opportunity to reach people, so don’t wait years to get your ideas out there. Instead, focus on creating meaningful connections and validating your ideas early. After all, it’s not just about making money; it’s about making a lasting impact.

Danny’s story inspires and reminds us that business success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about aligning your unique strengths with your goals, honouring your personality, and ultimately creating something that serves others. For introverts and extroverts alike, Danny’s journey shows that the key to impactful entrepreneurship lies in staying true to oneself.

Watch The Conversation

Protected Content

Are you a Haven member? Login to access this content. Not yet a member? Register here.