Running a solo business can feel like operating without a map at times. Sometimes you can stumble along the path, figuring things out as you go. Other days, you look around and realize that you’ve wandered pretty far off course.
One of the hardest parts is not having anyone to rely on for guidance. That’s why community matters so much for solopreneurs. Rather than operating in a vacuum, you can bounce ideas off other people. Or you may find that community reduces your feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The sooner you find (or build!) a community, the easier it becomes to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of being a solopreneur.
The connections that make solo work sustainable
Even though you don’t have coworkers, you can still create a network that fills the same role: support, accountability, and a place to ask questions. For example:
One-on-one relationships
Fellow solopreneurs or “business friends” are incredibly important. These are the people who understand what your day actually looks like, because theirs looks similar. If you find a solopreneur with a similar business or in a similar niche, you can gain a lot. You can swap ideas, compare notes on pricing, or share resources. Or simply be a sounding board for each other when a client is being difficult.
The other day, I got a Slack DM from a fellow solopreneur who said, “Can I run something by you real quick?” And I was happy to answer. She would do the same for me.
If you don’t know where to begin, start with platforms you’re already using. Reach out to other solopreneurs and invite them to a virtual coffee chat. Be specific about why you’re reaching out. You’d be surprised at how many solopreneurs are generous with their time and knowledge.
