Today, over 25 million people have formed their own companies and are maximising the internet to market and sell an amazing range of products and services. In the UK, according to Barclay’s Bank, 253,700 new businesses were set up in the first half of last year, with young people leading the start up craze.
Even though starting your own business can be exciting and frightening at the same time, especially when you trade the regular monthly salary in your bank account for the freedom of making your own decisions, there are steps you can take to succeed as a solo-preneur:
Find a business coach: a really good business coach is worth the investment as they can guide you through the first months of setting up, attracting clients and marketing your services. A coach can be a sounding board for new ideas, an ongoing supportive resource and will help to speed up the learning process.
Discover your niche: being very clear on who your clients are and what you can offer them will open up more opportunities faster. A niche makes you stand out from the crowd and brands you as the person or business to go to in your chosen market. Then you can design and sell products and services that address the needs of your niche.
Become an expert: there is something reassuring about working with and buying from an expert who specializes in their chosen field, whether this is chocolates or copywriting. Look for ways to continually update your knowledge and skills so that you are one of the best in your field.
Develop a marketing strategy and apply it on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. By consistently networking, writing or speaking you will establish a presence and reputation for your products and services. As your name becomes recognizable you will begin to attract rather than chase after business.
Build a support group: the joy and freedom of working for yourself can rapidly turn to splendid isolation when the phone doesn’t ring and there is no-one to talk to except next door’s cat. It’s enough to have you heading for the nearest corporate office. Having people to call when you need to bounce ideas around or share experiences will help see you through any difficult, challenging or lonely patches.
Finally don’t fall into the trap of working all the time. It is very tempting to work harder and this doesn’t always bring in the best results. Look for ways to have a balanced and enjoyable life as this will sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs of being a solo-preneur.
Even though starting your own business can be exciting and frightening at the same time, especially when you trade the regular monthly salary in your bank account for the freedom of making your own decisions, there are steps you can take to succeed as a solo-preneur:
Find a business coach: a really good business coach is worth the investment as they can guide you through the first months of setting up, attracting clients and marketing your services. A coach can be a sounding board for new ideas, an ongoing supportive resource and will help to speed up the learning process.
Discover your niche: being very clear on who your clients are and what you can offer them will open up more opportunities faster. A niche makes you stand out from the crowd and brands you as the person or business to go to in your chosen market. Then you can design and sell products and services that address the needs of your niche.
Become an expert: there is something reassuring about working with and buying from an expert who specializes in their chosen field, whether this is chocolates or copywriting. Look for ways to continually update your knowledge and skills so that you are one of the best in your field.
Develop a marketing strategy and apply it on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. By consistently networking, writing or speaking you will establish a presence and reputation for your products and services. As your name becomes recognizable you will begin to attract rather than chase after business.
Build a support group: the joy and freedom of working for yourself can rapidly turn to splendid isolation when the phone doesn’t ring and there is no-one to talk to except next door’s cat. It’s enough to have you heading for the nearest corporate office. Having people to call when you need to bounce ideas around or share experiences will help see you through any difficult, challenging or lonely patches.
Finally don’t fall into the trap of working all the time. It is very tempting to work harder and this doesn’t always bring in the best results. Look for ways to have a balanced and enjoyable life as this will sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs of being a solo-preneur.
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