Solopreneurship: How You've Already Solved the Big Problems

Silent Reading Time: 2 mins 27 secs

Ah, the life of a first-time solopreneur!

One minute you're flying high at 6am reading emails, the next you're asking your reflection in the bathroom mirror if you're cut out for this. Let's be real, it's a rollercoaster with all the excitement of solopreneurship, and a pinch of existential dread.

MythBusters: Your Passion and Easy Biz Starter Kits

Theres a couple (annoying) myths echoed to first time solo-founders:

1. Passion Conquers All: Just because you’re passionate about building a business doesn’t mean you’'ll feel the same way doing administrative work at 11pm.

2. Building a business is easy-peasy: We’ve all seen those tweets and online ads promising a 7-figure business from you couch, all while sipping some overly expensive ‘artisanal’ coffee. Simple doesn’t equal easy.

When you're hit with the harsh realities of running a business, that tiny seed of doubt grows.

The question of the week: "Am I cut out for this?"

The answer is, YES… but if you doubt me keep reading.

Your Past Arenas: The Training Grounds

Consider this: You've been in many arenas throughout life – parenthood, networking, marketing, content creation to name a few. Each arena has its own set of players, rules, and tools. But guess what? They share common problems.

Remember that time you trained your dog to pee outside? Or when you supported your best friend after a heartbreak? Or convinced your skeptical kid that broccoli gives them superpowers?

You've been solving problems, gaining trust, and managing expectations in various areas of your life. Now, you're doing the same thing in a business context.

The real question is: how can you transfer that know-how to this new arena?

The Same Story: From Home Renovation to Client Acquisition

Let's unpack this analogy:

1. The Initial Contact: Identifying potential clients is akin to choosing a room for a renovation project. You don't just pick any room (or client). You gauge its potential.

2. The Approach: Understanding your client's needs is like planning your renovation based on the room's requirements. Every room has a different purpose, just like every client has different needs.

3. Building Trust: Convincing your significant other that ripping out the kitchen is a good idea is like proving progress to a prospective client. You're building trust and showing your commitment.

4. Sealing the Deal: Winning over a client is as satisfying as unveiling your newly renovated room. Your hard work paid off, and you have a shiny new accomplishment (or kitchen) to show for it.

Adapt and Overcome:

This week, identify a challenge you're currently facing in your business. Now, think about a similar situation you've faced before in a different arena of your life. How did you overcome it then? Could the same principles apply now?

‘Mundane’ life examples:

• If you've navigating parenthood, you're a master of negotiation. Use that when dealing with prospects.

• If you've run a marathon, you know all about commitment and endurance – vital for business survival.

You have been in this situation before. The players might have changed, the rules might be different, but the game's still the same.

Take home message:

Remember, being a solopreneur is not about stepping into the unknown; you've been here before. The arena may be new, but you're an old hand at overcoming challenges. Give yourself credit for that.

Laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep going. After all, no one ever said building a business would be like a walk in the park – unless that park is Jurassic Park.

Before you go, quick question: What are you working on in your business right now? Click rely and let me know.

Till next week,

Nichole Morris