Being the solo owner of a business (solopreneur) comes with greater benefits as well as risks. That’s why you should be very careful at every step. Remember that many solo business owners quit when they are faced with challenges.
There’s no arguing the fact the loss will be unbearable as there are no partners in this journey. However, you can prevent it.
You have the flexibility and freedom to be the driving force and can steer it to betterment. For all the solopreneurs out there, here’s a guide for you on strategies to thrive as a solo business owner.
The Greatest Wealth is Health
Always remember this quote. As you are the driving force behind your business, your health should be your top priority.
Think this way: you are met with a disease that was caused due to your unhealthy choice. Now, you have to rest for two weeks at the very least. Every one of your business operations will be stopped because you have to take a rest.
That’s why you should prioritize yourself above all and make sure that your business or any habit shouldn’t affect your health negatively. Start off with eating healthy and doing exercise. While you are adopting a healthy lifestyle, be mindful of your mental health as well. Work-life balance is what makes the journey of self-harmony possible. Lastly, journaling is a great way to help you in self-reflection and will make your health your greatest wealth.
So, firstly, be mindful of your health and do what is best for you.
Quantity + Quality = Success
Simply put, working smart is your best course of action if you want to achieve success as a solopreneur. Being able to differentiate these two things and perfectly blending these two no matter what product or services that you are offering is best suited.
The same goes for the business operations as well. You shouldn’t be investing your money and time in prioritizing one of these two. Instead, you should be able to identify where you go and where you go.
To find the optimal ratio, you require research on the industry that you are in, your competitors, and most importantly, your targeted audience. Only then will you be able to deliver the perfect service that people really want?
S.M.A.R.T Goals
Being a solo business owner means that you have many responsibilities on your shoulders. To manage them, you will have to be the jack of all trades and master of some, at the very least.
Among your major responsibilities, setting goals is at the top of the list. A great way to fulfill this responsibility properly is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals. Each letter of the word SMART indicates a framework that, put together, makes goals achievable easily.
Here’s what S.M.A.R.T goals mean:
1 – Specific
Starting off with the obvious, you need to be specific about your goal by defining where you should be putting your efforts. It can be anything, let’s say, achieving 10000 followers on your Instagram page. Being specific about where you are going will let you know what your actions should be.
2 – Measurable
Once you have specific comes the measurable part. In this part, you will have to set measurable goals that will lead you to your desired outcome. This includes time, cost and effort that you will require by doing a deep analysis. In other words, this means quantifying your goals.
3- Achievable
Now that you have the cost, time, and effort all set, the next thing you should do is start small and build momentum. This is crucial because you are the sole owner of your boat, and taking a risk for a bigger revenue can result in a significant loss. That’s why you should be realistic about your circumstances to avoid failing big time.
4 – Relevant
Considering relevancy in the broader perspective is important if you want to thrive. You should align your goals with your vision so that they appeal to you. As a solopreneur, it all comes down to your vision because all the motivation will be coming from within you.
5 – Time-Bound
The first four steps make your goals clear and provide you with a green sign to move forward. As for the final step, you should create a timeline and set deadlines for the operations. However, don’t overcomplicate things and break down goals into smaller objectives to make them realistic.
Have a Plan B
By having a plan B, we don’t mean that there are fewer chances of you being a successful solopreneur; there’s a catch.
Make Trustworthy Relationships
Plan B doesn’t just mean investing somewhere else or making absurd choices; this means having relationships integrated that will act as a support network. These connections can provide you with a helping hand, whether it’s related to money or emotion.
Emotional support means having a friend or family member who will be there with you in dire times. Because if you were to rely on yourself only, you might end up feeling lonely or simply not motivated enough.
Be Ready to Employ
Having a team that will support you in making big is a must, and no matter how self-motivated you are, you will need one at a point.
While solopreneurs oppose the idea of employing people and working together, aligning a few people with your goals can be a great addition. This will take the burden off your shoulders and will make you think of the bigger picture. However, to achieve this, you will have to have a leadership mindset and strategies worthy enough to lead a team.
Ending Note
Solo business owners, aka solopreneurs, are the driving force behind their businesses as well as the ones on the wheels. Suppose you are like these aspiring individuals, then know that the path is hard but comes with a great reward. But you have to be prepared for it. So implement these strategies we just shared with you and thrive as a solo business owner.
