The brutal truths of going solo and discover life-changing tips to thrive.
Ever wondered why even the most driven individuals struggle to succeed alone in business?
I know what you are thinking…
“I could be the next Justin Welsh, Dickie Bush, or Audrey Lo.”
Sorry to say for most of you and even for me, this is far from reality.
The idea of solopreneurship, with its promise of independence and control, is appealing.
But is it easy?
No, the reality to achieve the fabled solo life (like working 2 hours a day) is often filled with challenges – it is like fighting an elephant with a toothpick.
Is solopreneurship the best path? Well, that’s for you to decide and we can decode the hurdles that many face on this journey.
Contents
The myth of the solopreneur
Solopreneurship is a life of god-like ability (well that is what they say on X!).
I call truth or dare!
Truth be told, one common myth is that solopreneurs can handle everything on their own, from marketing to finances.
In reality, even those who appear to work alone in god mode often have hidden support systems, like freelancers or mentors, helping behind the scenes.
I can tell you from experience all successful businesses involve collaboration, whether it’s visible or not.
If you are starting out you will not have access to many helping hands, so be forewarned – it takes time to become godly at what you do.
As the famous rapper group, Public Enemy song beats, “Don’t believe the hype!”
My journey as a solopreneur
Starting my food distribution business in 2011, I was excited by the idea of being my own boss.
Hard work and dedication would be enough to drive success, or so I thought would be enough.
Like many starting out, I managed everything—sourcing products, handling logistics, marketing, and customer service (from the spare bedroom, lol).
But soon, the cracks began to show.
Balancing all these tasks was exhausting, to say the least, and I realized I was a negative guru in critical areas like logistics and financial planning.
Furthermore, the isolation of working alone also took a toll on my family life and motivation.
Ok, I’m making it sound terrible.
In hindsight, it was a strain but I achieved some milestones (Whew, the business is still going too!).
In those early days, the constant juggling made it clear that solopreneurship wasn’t sustainable for long-term growth.
Solutions and tools for solopreneurs
I learned some harsh lessons that I know you can avoid. Here are my solutions (these helped me the most!):
- Outsourcing and Delegation: I found relief by hiring freelancers and assistants. These days it’s easier with Upwork and Fiverr. Use them to find skilled marketing and admin peeps. This will give you back time (that you can use for anything you want).
- Skill Development: Whatever you don’t know, learn it. It doesn’t mean you have to do the work, however, the knowledge gained allows you to make informed decisions (and direct others).
- Networking and Community: Joining founder groups and co-working spaces provided me with invaluable support. Networking not only gave me new ideas but also opened doors to business opportunities and partnerships.
- Technology and Automation: Thank the powers that be! We now have tools like Asana for project management and QuickBooks for accounting. Yes, Excel sort of works, but these tools will save you time for strategic growth.
- Branding: Every solopreneur needs a strong brand identity and story. Consistent branding across my website and social media helped build recognition and trust, making it easier to attract and retain customers.
I’m confident that these ideas can help you overcome the challenges of solopreneurship. Go for it.
Final thoughts
Would I do this solopreneur thing again?
Yes, and I have.
But don’t be fooled by those big X creators and solo gurus.
Success for many of us will be rare.
I know it hurts to hear this but that is the truth.
What I can tell you is that becoming a business is a mammoth undertaking, overwhelming is an understatement!
Don’t try to do everything alone. Instead, outsource tasks and build new skills. Lean on your network and use technology to lighten your load.
I’d say as well, use the tips I’ve given to move as fast as you can from solo to entrepreneur.
With determination, creativity, and a touch of humor, you can craft your own success story.
With these tips, you’re prepared for writing great content and to create effective content that resonates with even the most flighty and time-pressed of internet readers.
Let me help you create stories that improve your sales. Schedule a free discovery call.
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