Solopreneurship, is a recent term for entrepreneurs that are building their business as a sole proprietor. This can include artists, writers, designers, marketers, coaches, consultants, trainers, content creators, etc. While there are obvious benefits, such as having total control of your business, it can also be very challenging for a number of reasons.
- It’s all up to you. You are the CEO, the COO, CFO, and every other Chief there is. There is no one else to lean on so there’s a greater likelihood of stress, being overwhelmed, and potential burnout.
- There’s a lack of feedback when going it alone. You may experience loneliness, self-doubt, and decision fatigue with nobody to question, challenge, or support your ideas.
- Lack of accountability is another challenge. Who’s setting your deadlines and keeping you true to them. For some of us, without that external accountability projects can take much longer to complete (or even get started).
- Progress may also be slowed because of lack of feedback, second guessing yourself, and not moving forward because you don’t feel your product is “perfect” yet (even though attaining “perfect” is impossible).
So, how can you overcome the traps of solopreneurship? Find ways to get outside help, feedback, accountability, and someone to act as a sounding board. This person or persons could be a:
- Trusted friend or colleague that understands business and/or your industry. If I was creating a product or writing a chapter in my book, my wife (an international presenter and top fitness professional) would look it over and provide feedback for me.
- Mentor, someone that is a role model in your industry and can help guide you through your challenges because they have been through similar situations. This is something they often do to pay their success forward so they may or may not charge a fee for their help.
- Coach, their role is more acting as a facilitator in helping you discover your own answers (which many people find more empowering than having someone tell you what to do) They are also great at helping you set goals and at keeping you accountable. Most often coaches are a pay for service.
- Mastermind group, often made up of 4 to 8 individuals at a similar stage of their business but not necessarily the same industry. Here a facilitator works with the group, helping them bounce ideas off other members, work on problems together, offer support and constructive critique. This is a cooperative group with everyone helping each other move forward in their business. Mastermind groups are also mostly a pay for service.
Do any of these sound like you might need? If so, how do you go about finding one?
One of the best ways to find a mentor, coach, or mastermind group that is right for you is by reaching out for recommendations. Not every person or group will be right for you. So ask around. These options could also be found online as well as in person.
I am going to throw out a shameless plug at this point (just in case you weren’t aware that I do this). I have an 8-week, in-person jumpstart mastermind group beginning January 6th for solopreneurs in any industry and an 8-week, online jumpstart mastermind group beginning January 7th for fitness owners/managers. I also provide one-on-one business coaching online or in-person.
Whether you choose to utilize my services or not, is not the point for me. I simply want you to know that there are options existing to help you when you find yourself challenged in moving your business forward as a solopreneur.
Good luck! Mark