avatarDavid McIlroy

Summary

The article outlines a strategic approach for starting a solopreneur business based on the author's personal experience, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, passion, and a unique selling point.

Abstract

The author, who stumbled into solopreneurship unexpectedly, shares a blueprint for those looking to intentionally embark on a solopreneur journey. The strategy involves self-reflection to identify skills and passions, finding a niche, and establishing a strong online presence. Key steps include creating valuable content, setting achievable goals, developing a consistent work routine, and seeking accountability. The article encourages a slow, measured start, akin to easing into a hot bath, and suggests that taking deliberate, small steps could be a life-changing decision. The author also invites readers to subscribe for ongoing advice and support.

Opinions

  • The author believes that starting a solopreneur business should be a thoughtful process, not left to chance.
  • There is an emphasis on the joy of learning from one's own mistakes and using that knowledge to guide others.
  • The article suggests that solopreneurs should focus on what they are good at and passionate about to find their unique place in the market.
  • Creating content and building an online presence are considered foundational steps in establishing a solopreneurial venture.
  • The author advocates for setting small, manageable goals and establishing a routine that complements one's lifestyle for sustainable success.
  • Accountability is seen as a crucial element in maintaining momentum and achieving one's objectives.
  • The author's personal experience underpins the advice given, implying that a cautious start can lead to a fulfilling self-employed career.

This Is Exactly What I’d Do If I Started Again as a Solopreneur

Take this short startup blueprint and run with it.

Canva image.

I became a solopreneur by accident.

It was never my intention to work for myself. I didn’t think I had the know-how to survive in the world of self-employment.

I often still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing.

But part of the joy in messy self-discovery is that you get to help other people avoid your mistakes. You can look back over your shoulder and yell, “Hey buddy, watch out for that hole there — if you fall in you’ll get stuck for a while!”

You don’t have to start your solopreneurship like I did. You can start intentionally.

My startup blueprint

If I was beginning my journey again, this is exactly what I’d do:

  • Write down everything I’m good at, no matter how irrelevant it might seem.
  • Write down everything I’m passionate about, no matter how silly.
  • Identify which points overlap and draw a big circle around them.
  • Narrow those circled points down to one I could see myself talking about for years. Am I obsessed with it enough? Would I ever get bored jabbering on about it?
  • Ask, what’s my USP (Unique Selling Point) here? What can I bring to the table that few others can?
  • Next, get an online presence in place — social media, blog, the works.
  • Start creating as much content around my idea as I can.
  • Set small, short-term, manageable goals to begin with.
  • Establish a creator routine that works with my schedule.
  • Tell at least one other person who I trust about it, and have them hold me accountable to my goals.

Start right

Start now is common advice, and it’s not totally wrong.

But I’d add a caveat — start slow.

Ease into your solopreneur journey with care rather than jumping in with both feet. Think of it like slipping into a hot bath. You wouldn’t want to rush that, either.

If you want to get going but don’t know where to start, just work your way through the above checklist. Take your first baby steps towards your self-driven lifestyle. Do it with care, but also with intention.

It could be the best decision you ever make.

Is anything holding you back from starting your solopreneurial journey?

If you liked this, subscribe to my growing Substack communities, How to Write for a Living and The Solopreneur Stack. I’ll send value-packed content straight to your inbox every week to help you learn and grow. Join now.

Solopreneur
Solopreneurship
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