Advice for New Solopreneurs: 11 Quotes from Successful Business Owners
Diving into the world of solopreneurship? Fuel your journey with wisdom straight from the pros. We've gathered punchy, no-nonsense advice from successful business owners who've been exactly where you are. From overcoming hurdles to embracing the grind, these insights are the real deal for anyone ready to make their mark solo.
Now, let’s get into the advice!
Max DiNatale - Max DiNatale Digital Marketing
“Don't think you have to do it all! Work with partners that you can bring in to your business as an extension of your team so you can focus on what you do the best. It's good to "try out" different things at the beginning to see what you love - but once you know, focus on that!“
Brandon Turner - Reedy River Marketing, LLC
There is no substitute for patience and hard work when you are first starting. It is also important to remember that no two paths will ever look the same. Identify what you want from your company, that type of growth model that is going to make you happiest in life, and start working on documenting every process step by step. Your future self will thank you later.
Jessica Berggrun - cobaltproduction.com
1. To ask more questions, in general. So to ask clients more questions, myself, my business, the people I get to co-create with - so to never come to a conclusion about what everything is going to turn out like, but rather have that sense of curiosity throughout the process, even in the beginning!
2. To not waste time doubting myself and the non-linear journey. I spent a lot of time doubting, thinking I was doing everything wrong etc. Now I know the journey is not linear, I cannot copy someone else's business because every business is so different, and following the energy is not wrong. To ask myself, "What would I like MY business to be like?"
3. I would start a 10% savings account for 10% off of every dollar that came in and never touch it.
4. To read "Business Done Different" by Simone Milasas - that book and her teachings changed the way I do everything in business, and I wish I had come across it even sooner than I did!
5. I did not understand work-life balance in the beginning - I was constantly thinking I should be working more, or less, or relaxing more, or being more social. I now schedule my "personal life" in with my "work" and prioritize both equally and this creates so much more ease for me in day-to-day living. I would also tell myself to take one hour a day to do something fun for me, and one day a week to do something fun.
Dalton Kilby - Bramble Marketing
Embrace the journey and don't be afraid to pivot along the way – adaptability is crucial when starting your solopreneur venture. Prioritize building a strong support network, whether it's through mentors, networking events, or online communities. Being a solopreneur is isolating at times and having that network will undoubtedly fuel your creativity and productivity in the long run.
Curtis Correll - UpRight Growth Company
If you're an aspiring freelancer or entrepreneur, the most important thing is to start getting market signals as soon as possible. If you have a full time job & can freelance in an adjacent space, you've got one market signal already - the fact that your employer is willing to pay you. Next, talk to former colleagues & managers, mentors, friends and family. Tell them what you're doing. If they say "I'm so proud of you" or "that's a great idea", they're just being nice. If they say, "I might have a project for you" or "let me introduce you to someone I know who might need your services", then you have market feedback. In short, follow the money & don't be afraid to price low while you're creating your systems.
Eli Gray - eli-gray.com
When starting out my career as a graphic designer, I had some pretty unrealistic ambitions and timelines. If I could go back, I would tell myself that success cannot be achieved overnight regardless of how hard you work. Set good boundaries between work and social life, set reasonable goals for improving your craft and increasing your client base, and always be flexible on the path to achieving those goals. Sooner or later, your hard work will work for you.
Lisa Guyaz - Plume Graphic Design
I would advise new businesses to get started on their branding as early as possible to begin gaining visual recognition. The more their brand is reinforced in peoples' subconscious, the more likely their business will come to mind when such products or services are needed.
Andrea Cable - Press and Palm
When you're starting something brand new for the first time, it feels like you have a million things you "need" to do to become your version of successful - ultimately taking it day by day is going to be the key. I think it's extremely valuable to receive mentorship, whether it's someone from the same industry or an overall business coach in general. I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for my business coach - she has helped me identify blocks and gaps in both my business and personal life that I would never have otherwise noticed. Additionally, I've noticed having friends that are in the same industry is also super helpful - they can act as a sounding baord for situations, yet also act as a source of inspiration and community.
Olivia Jacobus - Books by Liv
The best advice I can give a new entrepreneur is to think of what they want the end to look like. Even if they don't have a clear goal on if they want to sell, pass it on to family etc. In doing so, they should build systems and processes such that anyone could come in, pick up their book of SOP's, and effectively run the company. Not only will this increase the value of their firm should they want to sell, but it also safeguards them in the event of any type of emergency that may take the founder (with all of the foundational knowledge) out of the day to day.
Ashleigh Anderson - Ashleigh A Marketing
Starting as a solopreneur, especially in a field like social media management, can be exciting yet challenging. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you start your journey! Build a strong online presence, provide exceptional service, set clear goals and plan strategically, manage your time wisely, and continuously learn and adapt.
Francisco Afanador
Learn, research, know, soak yourself, understand the biz part of it. Whatever your craft, you know that well. But the biz part of it if not handled well can break you. Pricing, negotiation, saying no, discerning which clients are not for you (your work is not for everyone).