Becoming a solopreneur grants you complete control over numerous aspects of your career path. You get to choose the type of work and the projects you want to work on, you have the ability to set your own work schedule, and you avoid having to answer to someone else – you are your own boss. However, the path of a solopreneur also invites bigger risks that can impede your ability to succeed. Guarantee your success as a solopreneur by following these five tips.
1. Develop a Purpose and Goals
When you start out as a solopreneur, you should have a clear purpose that will guide you throughout the growth process. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the purpose of my business?
- Who is my audience?
- Why does my audience need my service?
- What do I have to offer that potential competitors do not?
In addition to a strong sense of purpose, you should also develop tangible business goals to give yourself some structure and direction. Establish goals you will reach on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis that will guarantee the growth of the business.
2. Learn From the Experience
Even though you start out in business with a specific set of skills, it may not be enough to prepare you for the specific challenges and demands of running a solo venture. Keep an open mind throughout your career and use both your successes and failures as learning opportunities to improve your service.
3. Use Technology to Help
Running a business by yourself can overwhelm you with tasks, particularly those that do not match your skillset. Take advantage of the numerous technological resources at your disposal. Use applications to assist you with tax management, scheduling, and more. If possible, use automation when it comes to online marketing campaigns, invoices, email, client management, and other aspects that may consume more time than needed.
4. Learn to Collaborate
Just because you are a solopreneur doesn’t mean you will not collaborate with other people throughout your career. Establishing strong partnerships with clients is important, as they can provide a reliable work stream, a positive reputation for your service, and an assistance resource for more complex or elaborate projects. Also, make sure to interact with other solopreneurs or people with similar interests and concerns. When you maintain relationships with other peers, you can learn from them, provide them with your own knowledge, and open yourself up for necessary support.
5. Remember Your Humanity
When you are operating as a solopreneur, it can be easy for clients to think of you as a company, rather than a single human being. While you need to work with clients to maintain your business, you should remember that you are also a human being with needs and limits. Make sure that you receive pay according to the labor you provide and the inherent value of that labor. Additionally, just as you should hold yourself accountable for mistakes, be aware of when you need to take a break from work and celebrate after a success.
Choosing the path of a solopreneur has its share of difficulties, as you will essentially engage in responsibilities that entire companies undertake. If you have a sound business strategy and follow the suggestions above, however, you will significantly increase your chance of success.
Additional Resources:
https://startupnation.com/grow-your-business/roadmap-success-solopreneur/
https://smallbiztrends.com/2015/10/solopreneur-tips.html
https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/5-things-successful-solopreneurs-always-make-sure-to-do.html
https://www.thedailypositive.com/how-to-be-a-successful-solopreneur/
