Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
There isn’t any scarcity of examples of profitable solopreneurs who’ve cast their very own path to develop ground-breaking companies. They’re usually held up as individuals who worth autonomy and management and who strategy enterprise constructing prefer it’s a hero’s journey.
However I consider our tradition has blown the “solo” a part of solopreneurship out of proportion, main many would-be entrepreneurs and creators to really feel like they should go it alone. And whereas solopreneurs are solely accountable for making choices about their companies, it doesn’t suggest they’ve toil away independently on each facet of it. Doing so can really be detrimental.
Many profitable entrepreneurs discover methods to contain others for assist and steerage and to create a shared journey. By means of my work with creators, a lot of whom are solopreneurs, I’ve seen how this strategy could be transformational. For instance, for a few years, my firm has hosted an occasion during which ladies of coloration inside the creator financial system have shared their experiences. We discovered that creating area for these solopreneurs led to record-breaking attendance. It is all half of a bigger motion that has seen solopreneurs come collectively in actual life and on digital platforms to leverage the facility of neighborhood and collaboration.
Associated: 5 Methods for Solopreneurs to Maintain Momentum and Thrive
As a solopreneur, you might be a part of one thing larger
The rising variety of solopreneurs has successfully modified the face of our financial system. At the moment greater than 80% of American small enterprise homeowners function with none employees. For some, this works nicely.
However I’ve observed that many creators, for instance, go into their journey with the mistaken perception that if they cannot determine it out on their very own, they don’t seem to be reduce out for entrepreneurship. The truth is that stoically resisting assist or not looking for out assist or neighborhood can result in loneliness, burnout and even despair.
Working with others is highly effective, and plenty of manufacturers are tapping into this motion and discovering methods to facilitate inspiration and connection by bringing their communities collectively – whether or not it is round e-commerce, crowdfunding, health or different points of life and enterprise. The cliche actually is true: we could go sooner alone, however we frequently go farther collectively. Embracing a community-based strategy can result in tangible advantages.
The ability of discovering your folks (and locations)
Broadening your definition of solopreneurship is not nearly discovering folks to work with although. It will also be about uncovering options you did not know existed, having access to info or steerage from individuals who have been there, and even simply having a spot to go once you want a break from your own home workplace. Listed below are just a few of the methods I’ve seen people take a collaborative strategy to solopreneurship – and reap the advantages:
Selecting tech platforms that provide neighborhood
We have all skilled the rise of on-line communities – private and non-private – however contemplate the unifying pressure of tech instruments that assist folks in attaining particular targets. Whether or not it is launching a course or implementing a cost system, you may discover folks rallied round platforms providing concrete options. Select your platforms properly, and you may find yourself with extra than simply instruments; it’s possible you’ll discover new colleagues, collaborators and a wealth of shared experience.
Working from a coworking area
Anybody who’s ever labored from dwelling – or launched a enterprise from their basement – understands the worth of an excellent coworking area. Past situating you amongst friends, they provide wealthy gathering areas for solopreneurs who need to community, study, and benefit from the artistic power of others. Analysis has proven that individuals thrive in coworking areas due to the collective increase in productiveness and creativity – and that they will also be a fantastic antidote to burnout.
Attending in-person conferences and occasions
Ever since Covid put a pause on stay occasions, it has been powerful for many people to get again into the swing of it. However there are advantages to immersing your self in a room filled with strangers – significantly the chance to forge deeper connections. Sharing new experiences with different folks in individual can result in the sorts of bonds you simply do not get over Zoom (and making that in-person funding can open up different methods to maximise your returns there, too.)
Teaming up with a associate
Collabs are nonetheless having their second, however they are often greater than only a stylish method to construct an viewers. I get genuinely excited after I see solopreneurs I comply with come collectively as a result of I’ve seen how nice collaborations can successfully fill enterprise gaps. Plus, good partnerships may also uncover new alternatives, increase income and even gasoline innovation. Certain, there could be dangers to collaborations too, however so long as you keep true to your targets and your model, you stand to profit.
Associated: Solopreneurs are Altering the Face of the Financial system
Discovering a mentor
Very like friends, mentors supply enterprise recommendation based mostly on their lived expertise, however in addition they deliver the knowledge of seniority. But when the intimidation issue of approaching a mentor is holding you again, you’ll be able to all the time begin extra informally. Many solopreneurs give again to their communities by sharing their learnings via programs or stay occasions. Begin by following folks you admire and see what it may well result in.
Nevertheless you select to broaden your definition of solopreneurship, remember that inviting others into your journey would not negate your success; on the finish of the day, the buck nonetheless stops with you. By piecing collectively a brand new narrative in regards to the realities of solopreneurship, we are able to begin to normalize the concept that creators and entrepreneurs need not stroll this street alone. And typically, simply understanding that assist – and a shoulder to lean on – is on the market can go a good distance towards boosting resilience, capability, and the dedication to maintain going.
