5 Mindset Shifts Every Solopreneur Needs To Have
Making the shift from employee to solopreneur is so exciting and fast-paced at the beginning that we forget we need to adapt to stay on track. A lot can go wrong during this transition period, and having a focused mindset will push you through those rough patches.
I. From Employee to Solopreneur Mindset
When you’re an employee, you’re working for someone else — for the man (really, for your manager). You have tasks handed down to you, files assigned, weekly touchbases — all meant to keep you on track to meet your yearly goals.
When you switch to being a solopreneur, you ARE the man. If you don’t do the task, no one else will. And if that task is critical, it could cause major issues in your business plan. I suggest regulating yourself through a task tracker like Todoist or Motion. You have to own your success, and if something isn’t working, make the decision to pivot in another direction.
II. Embrace Risk and Uncertainty
I think this one really speaks for itself. When you drive your business, you take on all the risk. Your bills and liabilities don’t disappear just because you’ve embarked on a new life adventure. Be optimistic but also be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Do you have a fallback plan? Emergency funds? Support systems?
I personally paid off my car when I made the jump — I didn’t want that $520 bill hanging over my head every month. Be aware that you’re assuming all responsibility for making a name for yourself and for the business you’re trying to create — it’s all you, babe!
III. Value Time Over Money
This is one I still struggle with years in. I’m a worker at heart. I will work 14 hours a day for weeks on end because I love to work! But then I realize that I haven’t left the house in 1.5 weeks, haven’t gotten out of my PJs yet today, haven’t called my mom in three days. Your time is precious, and you can’t give it all to building your business. There has to be some saved for yourself, your family, and your friends. The balance is there; you just need to find it.
Consider outsourcing your smaller tasks and automating what can be automated. Just don’t spare quality to do so.
IV. Commit to Learn
This is the most important point I will make today. **Commit. To. Learn.** Just do it.
Your business will grow — it’s inevitable. But you will reach a threshold, and when you do, you will need to learn new skills, new processes, new things to offer. You need to learn every new software you can, talk to people in your field who do things differently, and actively seek out ways to improve. THIS is what sets you apart from the competition. Anyone can design a logo for $40; not everyone can build a brand based on a logo and blend it into a company’s voice.
Think ahead and keep your ear to the ground on new and upcoming technology and trends in your industry.
V. Don’t Be Transactional
Making a sale is great, but what you want is that golden repeat customer. They will be the ones that come to you when the economy isn’t doing so hot. They’ll give you steady income and send new folks your way. Transactions are relationships that need to be nurtured, and if you can, grab a drink or lunch and hang out with them. Note important dates coming up. Are they having a baby? Is their birthday soon? Send a simple text or, even better, a small gift! People will remember you because you remembered them.
Having the ability to proactively adjust the way you think will give you a leg up on the entry and growth as a solopreneur. Even mastering one or two of these puts you in a position to grow and take time to build on the others.
You can’t become stagnant — growth begets growth. Once you’ve grown through these steps, sit down and write your next steps. Personal development **is** professional growth.
So, let’s grow together!
The views expressed here are my own and are meant to provide general information and insights. I encourage readers to consider these perspectives thoughtfully and conduct further research to make informed decisions.
