Embarking on a solopreneur journey is like navigating a vast sea with its storms and calm waters. Over 4.5 years, I've gathered 15 essential lessons that have not only propelled my business forward but also enriched my life. These insights span from practical strategies like setting daily goals and simplifying technology, to life-changing philosophies such as the importance of rest, ignoring negativity, and cherishing time with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these lessons offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to lead a balanced, successful solopreneur life:
1. Plan
When you're running 100 mph, things get chaotic. Over the years, I started breaking my revenue goals down to the day. Bite-sized goals are more approachable & help increase your likelihood of success. I highly suggest backing into yours by month, week, and day.2. Reduce
My 4 revenue streams run on so many pieces of technology. Bills add up, things break, and opportunities are missed. I cut a bunch of technology and folded all of my businesses into fewer products. All-in-one tech makes things so much more manageable.3. Repurpose
My business runs on content. And after writing unique pieces every day for over 4 years, I started to repurpose It made me nervous. The outcome? Nobody noticed and the pieces were widely read by people who had never seen them the first time around.4. Focus
I've spent time as a SaaS advisor, coach, mentor, investor, and digital product creator. 2021 was the first year I spent the majority of my time focused on products revenue. 2020: 19% of income 2021: 52% of revenue 2022: 73% of revenue 2023: 75% of revenue5. Rest
In 2019, I burned out at my executive job. In early 2022, I was running the risk of doing the same as a creator. My solution? - 4-mile daily walks - 30-minute built-in breaks - One day per week off This year, I moved to a 3-day workweek.6. Ignore
With 1M social media followers across 2 channels, you get a lot of nasty comments. People are mean. Angry. Condescending. Cruel. Shitty. I got aggressive with the block button last year. I'll do the same this year.7. Collaborate
2023 was all about collaboration for me. I've met about 10-15 people here on Twitter that I regularly speak to for advice. Just jamming out, building in public, releasing products, and supporting one another. Heavy focus on relationships this year.8. Give
Over the last few years, I gave a lot of money and time back. It was overwhelming and gave me purpose. This year, I'll continue to give away my time, donate to causes I support, & spread love anonymously.9. Ask
You don't get what you don't ask for. That doesn't mean ask willy-nilly. It means being smart with my asks. This year, I've talked to people I never would have imagined. Interviewed amazing guests. Was featured on sites I felt were out of my reach. Ask!10. Listen
My business started taking off when I remembered that my customers tell me what to create next. Instead of building what I wanted, I asked more questions and listened intently to the answers. The result? A $1.6M course launch in January.11. Diversify
Until late 2021, I was on one social platform: LinkedIn I had grown to 275k+ followers but had always felt a bit timid on Twitter. 30 months ago, I decided to just go for it. The result? 480k followers interested in my journey. Diversify where you create.12. Eliminate
In balancing my businesses, I was doing a lot of things I didn't like doing. So, I just started saying no to things I didn't enjoy. The easiest way for me to do this was with "No" templates.13. Relax
Back in 2021, I felt frustrated by social media. I was succeeding in building my network and businesses, but politics & the world were upsetting. So, in 2022, I turned it all off. Eliminated Twitter trends. Blocked news sites. 2024 is more of the same. Relaxing.14. Seek
To better broaden my worldview, I also sought out those who think differently about the world than I do. - Different politics - Different cultures - Different viewpoints It was enriching & allowed me to empathize with people I normally wouldn't. Conversation > news15. Remember
In the end, I remembered that life is short. Too many days in front of the computer means too few days with my beautiful wife. The computer, business, revenue, and social media will always be there. Our precious time with loved ones will not. Remember that.Conclusion:
Concluding, these 15 lessons from 4.5 years of solopreneurship highlight a journey that intertwines business savvy with life's deeper values. They serve as a beacon for anyone on this path, reminding us that true success lies in the balance between ambition and personal well-being. Let them guide you towards a fulfilling and balanced entrepreneurial journey.
FAQs:
1. What are the key benefits of simplifying technology in solopreneurship?
- Simplifying technology reduces costs, minimizes operational complexity, and increases focus on core business activities.
2. How does repurposing content benefit a solopreneur?
- Repurposing content maximizes the value of existing material, saves time, and often reaches a new audience without diminishing quality or engagement.
3. Why is focusing on a single revenue stream beneficial for solopreneurs?
- Concentrating on one revenue stream can significantly enhance expertise, improve product quality, and boost revenue more efficiently than spreading efforts thin.
4. What role does collaboration play in solopreneurship?
- Collaboration expands a solopreneur’s network, introduces new perspectives, and can lead to innovative projects and increased opportunities for growth.
5. How important is work-life balance for solopreneurs?
- Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for avoiding burnout, sustaining long-term productivity, and ensuring personal happiness and business success.
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