- 18 April 2022
- Tiffany Carey
A Message to Solopreneurs: You're Not Alone
Working as a solopreneur can be highly rewarding. You can be your own boss, make a living pursuing your passion, and feel great at the end of the day, knowing that you’re responsible only to yourself. Many people who left “9-to-5 jobs” to start their own small business would never dream of looking back.
However, solopreneurship can also be challenging. It can be frustrating and isolating at times. You may feel disconnected or unmotivated. The good news is that there are ways to find connection and better control in your working life which will help you feel more fulfilled both personally and professionally.
Know your strengths & weaknesses
Knowing the areas where you thrive and where you struggle will help you become a stronger solopreneur. For example, if you are most productive in the morning, it might be best to block off that time for tasks that require high levels of focus and concentration. Alternatively, if you tend to feel unmotivated or lonely in the afternoon, you should schedule meetings or outings during those times. If working from your kitchen has you thinking about what’s for dinner and other household tasks, find a quiet workspace where you can focus.
Master your strengths and weaknesses, and you can create a work schedule and environment that caters to you. The ability to be flexible is a major benefit of being a solopreneur–so take advantage of it.
Find and engage with your community
One of the most important things you can do as a solopreneur is to find and connect with others. Your community can include fellow solopreneurs, mentors, or anyone who helps you in your work. Start by observing where you’re already spending time. If you attend conferences and work events, be sure to network actively. If you spend time on LinkedIn, connect and engage with other people in your industry. Facebook is home to hundreds of groups for entrepreneurs and startups. The key to finding your community is to be actively involved—comment, share, and like network posts. Connections will quickly come once you’re engaged.
Ask for help
As you build a community around you, you can learn from others who have been on a similar journey. Whether you’re struggling with your overall workload, a particular aspect of it, or even with burnout, the network you create can be your first call for guidance and advice. Asking for help can also mean delegating and knowing the right time and how to outsource tasks. Tap into your network and ask their opinion, or share if they’ve experienced something similar. You might also get a terrific referral which is gold for solopreneurs.
Celebrate even the smallest achievements
Reaching significant goals will require having a strategy that will take daily accomplishments to make. Recognize any achievement, even if it’s a small one, as a step in helping you achieve a larger purpose. If your goal is to increase your mailing list, your strategy would be to create weekly content such as a blog. Don’t just celebrate when your mailing list grows. Celebrate every blog you write.
Take care of yourself
Perhaps most importantly, both for yourself and your business, you need to take care of yourself. Do your best to reject the “hustle culture,” where every minute of your day is considered useless unless you’re being productive. Be sure to schedule breaks throughout your day. Take time off to be with family and friends. Pursue hobbies or interests outside of work.
Being your own boss can be challenging, but it’s all worth it for many. With a healthy mindset, a supportive community, and helpful tools, you will more fully reap the rewards of life as a solopreneur.