What is a solopreneur?
We are living in a time where it is becoming much more accepted for people to go into business for themselves. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, self-employment has been on the rise since 2011 and grew at a rate of 7% from 2014-2015. For anyone looking to become their own boss, this should be reason enough to start seriously considering going into digital coaching. But what exactly is a solopreneur? And how can you take part in this growing industry.
What is a solopreneur?
A solopreneur is an entrepreneur who starts and runs a business alone. They manage all the financial aspects of their business, including finances, accounting, payroll, and tax. They set the goals for their business, keep track of the day-to-day tasks, and do the daily work. Usually the term "solopreneur" is used to refer to sole proprietorships, which are businesses owned by one person.
How is a solopreneur different from a solo founder? A solo founder (often shortened to solo) leads a business that is owned and operated by a single person. Solo founders may also have employees, but they don't necessarily spend all of their time working in the business. A solopreneur is a real person who is the owner and manager of a business, not just a name on a business entity or an employee.
What are the characteristics of a solopreneur?
A solopreneur is an entrepreneur who starts and runs a business alone. They may have employees, but the business is ultimately run by the solopreneur. Solopreneurs have many of the same characteristics as other entrepreneurs, such as creativity, risk-taking, and determination. However, they also have some unique qualities, such as, independency, the ability to wear many hats and the drive to do it all themselves. The solopreneur is the backbone of their business. They decide where to open a new store or expand an existing location, identify and resolve problems, and determine how much time to spend at work. A solopreneur is always working, which is often true of entrepreneurs in general. They spend their own money to do things like secure space for their business and pay for workers' wages. The solopreneur makes their own decisions about which products to sell and what customers to serve. They may hire employees, but they are still the owner and manager of the business. They are the strategic masterminds who always think ahead, carefully planning the future of their venture and their growing role in that.
What are the differences between solopreneurs and entrepreneurs?
Solopreneurs are people who work alone, whereas entrepreneurs are people who start and run their own businesses with the help of partners, co-founders and employees. Solopreneurs may have employees, but the business is owned and controlled by the solopreneur. Solopreneurs also require to manage all aspects of their business while entrepreneurs might have specific responsibilities and split them between partners. Moreover, solopreneurs generally bootstrap their own business. On the other hand, there are many ways for entrepreneurs to get their businesses started. Some bootstrap their business using their own resources, while others seek financial support from external sources, such as VCs or angel investors.
What are the benefits of being a solopreneur?
A solopreneur is an entrepreneur who works on their own, without any employees. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from marketing to bookkeeping to customer service. The benefits of being a solopreneur include the ability to work from home, the ability to set their own hours, and the ability to control their own destiny. Solopreneurs can run their own business to suit their specific needs and lifestyles. They get to be in charge of making all the decisions for the business, including when and where to work, what products to sell, and which customers to serve. Solopreneurs get to decide what they want to do and how they will do it. Solopreneurs have the freedom to set their own schedules, which can make it difficult to coordinate work with family and friends. Since they are their own boss, solopreneurs must make sure they have the skills to do their job well and understand the financial aspects of the business. They can use their business as a side hustle while having a full-time job.
What are the challenges of being a solopreneur?
The challenges of being a solopreneur are many. First, you have to be able to wear many hats and be good at a lot of different things. You have to be a good marketer, salesperson, accountant, and more. Second, you have to be able to work on your own, be self-motivated and even work at emergency time. There is no one to push you to keep going or to keep working on your business. Third, you have to be sure that you can make the business work for you. No one is going to be there to help you when you are in a difficult situation. This can increase the risk of business failure. Lastly, you need to be self-employed and know that you are in charge of your own destiny.
One way to become a solopreneur is to do a lot of research and use that information to your advantage. This is not just limited to online business. In some fields, there are plenty of good books and articles out there to help you start a small business or even an online business that is likely to make you money. Another way to become a solopreneur is to join an existing company. In addition to any perks you might receive through the company, there are other benefits to being part of an existing company such as having a network to tap into or even seeing what it's like to run a business from start to finish.
Find and attend a small business association meeting as an individual. These are typically free and may require you to register for the event, but it is well worth it. You'll learn about local companies, the going rate for small business advertising, and what can be done to attract customers. You may also find an industry association where your potential customers are. There is also the opportunity to take a seminar and meet with one of your business's counterparts, either face-to-face or virtually.
What type of businesses do solopreneurs run?
Solopreneurs typically run small businesses, often providing professional services such as consulting, design, or writing. Some run sales and distribution businesses, wholesaling products from manufacturers. Some are small retailers, and others operate as private personal assistants, money managers, and other professional services.
What level of expertise do solopreneurs need?
While experience is helpful, an online resource has an excellent primer on what skills are necessary to start a business. These are all the general areas where most solopreneurs run:
Marketing: You need to be able to develop and sell a product or service.
Business Planning: You need to be able to determine the size of your market, your margins, and your costs. You will need to manage accounting, customer service, and customer relations.
Operations: You need to be able to produce and ship products, as well as ensure that your product meets quality standards.
Financial Management: You need to be able to set up a checking account, budget and manage cash flow.
Customer Service: You will be responsible for your customer relations, such as responding to emails, phone calls, or questions.