We’re going to take a short break from our regularly scheduled programming to give you something fun:
The type of business you should start based on your Myers-Briggs type.
This is a highly scientific and not at all debunked personality test based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. It’s most often used by companies, federal agencies, and latte-drinking millennials who discern specific psychological zodiac signs.
NOTE: We are not Myers-Briggs personality experts by any stretch of the imagination. We feel you should start the business you want, but if you’re curious as to what Myers-Briggs suggests, read on..
INTJ – The Scientist
Source: CNBC
Other INTJs: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Walter “Heisenberg” White (Breaking Bad)
You’re likely incredibly ambitious — almost to a fault. That’s because INTJs value strategy, logic, and structure above all. Luckily for you, those are all perfect traits for any burgeoning entrepreneur.
Business to start: App developer, SaaS developer, freelance consultant
Why you would love this: INTJs like to solve problems. This analytical mindset could be perfect for more technical work like software development — though you can also help solve issues in a company’s management structure.
INTP – The Professor
Source: CNBC
Other INTPs: Bill Gates, Larry Page, Doc Brown (Back to the Future)
They say genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration — but you’ve figured out a way to optimize it so it’s a more even 40 / 50 split. You relish in logically working through issues and coming up with brilliant theories that can help solve your problems.
Business ideas: Product developer, computer programming, coaching of any type
Why you would love this: You likely thrive in enterprises where you can fully leverage your problem-solving capacity. Anything that has to do with technology and engineering will bode very well for you. Even though you’re an introvert, you can also put your teaching skills to use with coaching or tutoring.
ENTJ – The Boss
Source: CNBC
Other ENTJs: Steve Jobs, Steve Martin, President Frank J. Underwood (House of Cards)
You’ve been known to lead a horse to water AND convince it to drink with an impressive 20-minute keynote talk on the value of hydration. ENTJs are bold and innovative leaders who know how to find and take full advantage of opportunities offered to them.
Business ideas: Management consultant, sales copywriter, public speaking
Why you would love this: You likely love solving strategic problems set in front of you, ESPECIALLY if that problem can leverage your natural charisma. That’s why ENTJs thrive in entrepreneurial roles that allow them to dig deep into the psyche of others.
ENTP – The Debater
Source: Snopes
Other ENTPs: Walt Disney, Steve Wozniak, Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones)
Are you the one always getting into explosive arguments debates with your friends? Do you often see areas for improvements for processes at work — and aren’t shy about voicing them? ENTPs love to question things and come up with original, innovative ideas.
Business ideas: Coaching of any type, IT analyst, management consultant
Why you would love this: You’re able to identify issues and quickly get them addressed. That’s why you can thrive in roles that allow you to use your natural charisma to solve problems for your clients.
INFJ – The Coach
Source: Ashoka
Other INFJs: Bill Drayton, Martin Luther King Jr., Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)
If there’s something better than the warm fuzzy feeling of helping others, you haven’t found it yet. You’re a caring, empathetic soul who also shows strong flashes of creativity. When you’re not volunteering or donating to charities, you can probably be found painting, playing music, or creating something.
Business ideas: Coaching of any type, social enterprises, tutoring / education
Why you would love this: As an INFJ, you likely love helping others. If you can find a way to help others and make money, then you have a business idea you’ll also love.
INFP – The Optimist
Source: Variety
Other INFPs: Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hiddleston, Frodo Baggins (Lord of the Rings)
When life gives you lemons, you’re making lemonade, lemon meringue pie, lemon chicken, adding a lemon twist to every drink — you name it! You approach most situations with an open mind and a positive attitude that can’t be beat.
Business ideas: Coaching of any kind, graphic design, social media marketing
Why you would love this: INFPs do the best when they’re working on something they can truly immerse themselves in and care about. If they can flex their creativity muscles while doing it, then they’ve got a great business idea on their hands.
ENFJ – The Hero
Source: Biography
Other ENFJs: Barack Obama, John Cusack, Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
Whether it’s your coworkers, your teammates, or even an entire country, you know exactly how to lead people with confidence and passion. Your charisma and charm are undeniable — and you know how to use it to bring out the best in others.
Business ideas: Coaching of any kind, tutoring, brand consultant, sales copywriting
Why you would love this: You know people — what makes them tick, their mindsets, and how to inspire them. Business roles where you can leverage this skill are perfect for you.
ENFP – The Speaker
Source: HuffPost
Other ENFPs: Arianna Huffington, Russell Brand, Michael Scott (The Office)
Life of the party? Nah. You are the party. You love making strong connections and command the attention of any room you walk into. As such, you thrive best at networking events, parties, and weddings (aka situations that normally terrify people).
Business ideas: Business coaching, freelance writing, event planning
Why you would love this: Any venture that involves creating networks and reaching out to people are going to be your bread and butter. If you can also find a way to channel your creative energies into it too, then you’ve got a match made in heaven.
ISTJ – The Soldier
Source: Fortune
Other ISTJs: Peter Thiel, Angela Merkel, Eddard Stark (Game of Thrones)
You’re often the most reliable person in the room. ISTJs love taking extreme ownership of whatever tasks are given to them and pride themselves on their work. Because of that, you’re either the boss’s go-to person or the boss yourself.
Business ideas: Any idea that leverages your specific skills
Why you would love this: ISTJs don’t typically like risk. As such, they won’t normally jump into a new entrepreneurial venture unless they know for sure that it’ll complement their skill set. Any business idea that satisfies that framework should be good.
…but you don’t have to take the same path as everyone else. How would it look if you designed a Rich Life on your own terms? Take our quiz and find out:
ISFJ – The Doctor
Source: USA Today
Other ISFJs: Jimmy Carter, Johnny Carson, Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes)
As an ISFJ, you’re a true partner-in-crime to most everyone you encounter. You love helping others and do so by developing warm and generous relationships. Despite being an introvert, you shine best when you’re connecting with other people.
Business ideas: Any service business such as coaching, consulting, and tutoring
Why you would love this: Your affinity for others will make you feel compelled to stay at your current job — even if you hate it — because you feel an obligation to your boss or coworkers. Once you make the leap, though, you’ll find it a fantastic choice, especially if your business helps others in some way.
ESTJ – The CEO
Source: Fortune
Other ESTJs: Jeff Bezos, Frank Sinatra, Dwight Schrute (The Office)
On the playground, you were the first to volunteer to be team captain of the kickball team — you also made sure everyone knew the rules. That’s because ESTJs value order and efficiency above all else. They thrive in leadership roles and can help make any event or organization run smoothly.
Business ideas: Financial consulting, management consultant, sales copywriter
Why you would love this: As long as there’s a defined structure, ESTJs will thrive in most any entrepreneurship position. They’re excellent thought leaders and decision makers. If you start out as a solopreneur, don’t expect that to last too long — you do best when you’re leading a team.
ESFJ – The Letterman
Source: South China Morning Post
Other ESFJs: Andrew Carnegie, Bill Clinton, Rachel Green (Friends)
In high school, you were the quarterback, head cheerleader, and valedictorian all rolled into one package — and not much has changed. You’re popular and relish being in the spotlight.
Business ideas: Any service business such as event planning, consulting, and tutoring
Why you would love this: When choosing your business idea, consider which ones will have you interacting with people the most. ESFJs thrive best when they can see the fruits of their labors in the smiling faces and happy reactions of satisfied clients.
ISTP – The DaVinci
Source: CNBC
Other ISTPs: Richard Branson, Bear Grylls, John McClane (Die Hard)
Who says renaissance (wo)men only lived in the renaissance? You’re a jack-of-all-trades and a master of pretty much all of them. There’s no end to your curiosity, and you love exploring anything that interests you, whether it be new instruments, languages, or trade skills.
Business ideas: Trade skills (e.g., mechanic, plumbing, IT), graphic design, web development
Why you would love this: ISTPs do best when there’s a problem with a concrete, practical solution. And if you can get your hands a little dirty while solving the problem, then you’re in heaven.
ISFP – The Artist
Source: Medium
Other ISFPs: Jony Ive, Michael Jackson, Eowyn (Lord of the Rings)
As an ISFP, you embody the meaning of “art is long and life is short.” Though you might not be a professional artist (though you could if you wanted to), you have a keen sense for good aesthetics. You also love to create — whether it be a piece of art or a strong relationship with those around you.
Business ideas: Graphic design, freelance photography, freelance writing
Why you would love this: When it comes to your business, you aren’t just looking for a way to make money. You’re looking for a creative outlet. Find a business that combines the two and you have a perfect business idea for you.
ESTP – The Hustler
Source: ThinkVirtues
Other ESTPs: Thomas Edison, Nicolas Sarkozy, Seth Grayson (House of Cards)
ESTPs are defined by constant movement. They’re always up to something, whether it be a side hustle, a new hobby, or romantic fling. As a social butterfly, you move easily between social groups and aren’t afraid to take risks — especially if there’s a high reward at the end.
Business ideas: Sales copywriting, sales consulting … pretty much anything in sales
Why you would love this: If you’re looking to make the move to starting your own business, you’re in luck. ESTPs do best when they’re out of the confines of a typical corporate structure. Instead, find something that fits well with your natural charisma.
ESFP – The Entertainer
Source: CNBC
Other ESFPs: Mark Cuban, Larry Ellison, Fred and George Weasley (Harry Potter)
Most people hate being the center of attention. You LOVE it — which is good because that’s often the case. You’re the one at every cocktail party talking to everyone, joking, laughing, and having a blast.
ESFPs do best when they can let their gregarious nature shine. They’re often actors, comedians, and musicians. When starting a new business, think about how you can play into your natural charm and charisma.
Business ideas: Coach of all types, management consultant, content writer
How to find a business idea — without Myers-Briggs
Finding a business idea doesn’t have to be hard, and you definitely don’t have to rely on the horoscope of LinkedIn users to find a good one.
All it takes is the right system to find the perfect business idea for you.
That’s why I want to offer you a free 5-page guide to finding a profitable business idea. Just enter your name and email below and I’ll send it to you for FREE.
If you liked this post, you’d LOVE my Ultimate Guide to Social Skills
It’s one of the best things I’ve published, and totally free – just tell me where to send it:
