4 Things You Need to Succeed as a Solopreneur

Article: Courtney Rosenfeld

It’s easy to think that solopreneurs have it easy. They own their time, work wherever they want, and do the things that they’re passionate about. However, they’re not at all that different from other entrepreneurs in that they work hard to keep their businesses going. If anything, they may even work extra hard as they juggle a multitude of tasks by their lonesome. It’s challenging, yes. But with a few key things in your arsenal, solopreneurship can be made easier, possibly even enjoyable. Here’s what you need to survive and succeed as an intrepid solopreneur.

Great tech

Technology is a godsend, in more ways than one, and few people are reaping its rewards more than solopreneurs. At present, there are over 5 billion app users all over the world, and no doubt a good chunk of this figure are solopreneurs taking advantage of the many time-saving and productivity-increasing apps designed to make their lives easier. Of course, getting on this bandwagon means investing in reliable tech devices and protecting your business. One gadget that most solopreneurs can’t live without is their smartphone. You can perform most (if not all) of your business functions on it, from communicating with clients to taking photos of your products for your selling and marketing efforts. Newer-model smartphones have increased capability, revolutionary camera systems, augmented battery life, and lots of memory.

Some help

Even with the best tools on hand, there are those that still struggle as solopreneurs. In reality, a good trick of the trade is not to be so enamored by the one-man or one-woman show ideal that you find yourself unable to ask for help. This is actually counterproductive because you end up burnt out and stuck on tasks that aren’t your forte when you could be spending more time on revenue-generating efforts. You can hire a freelancer or two to help you with tasks that may not be central to your business but still need to be done, such as bookkeeping, content writing, and the like. There’s a good number of freelancer networks available today that make the task of finding and hiring remote workers a breeze.

Effective time management

Getting all the help you can get from technology and freelancers is one thing, but being able to actually get work done is another. The fact is you are your own worst enemy as a solopreneur, and more often than not, this boils down to time management. Indeed, it’s all too easy to get sidetracked into doing inconsequential things when you’ve only got yourself to answer to, which is why it’s important to adopt effective ways to manage your time. A great way to do this is to make use of time blocking. In truth, setting boundaries for your schedule is not as restricting as you might think; rather, it actually frees you to do the things that you’re meant to be prioritizing, which takes us to the next point. If your business is appointment based, an appointment management system can be a big help. With this software, you can easily adjust appointments, track freelancer schedules, and send automated reminders to clients. 

Firm focus

Staying focused is easier said than done, as many solopreneurs would agree, and getting distracted from one’s priorities is an inevitable occupational hazard. It goes without saying that having a firm focus and tangible goals are crucial to being a solopreneur. A mission statement comes in handy as it not only keeps you fixated on the big picture but also keeps you accountable as a solopreneur. Best of all, it keeps you motivated. Indeed, being a solopreneur is a difficult job, but it is in no way a thankless one. By giving yourself what you need to succeed, you will, in no time, reap your just rewards and live to tell the tale of your solopreneurial journey.

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