I believe that as solo-entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives we all need a pat on
back. Give yourself commendation. Why? Because we have courage to step outside of corporate box and start our own businesses, be our own boss and take on challenge and responsibilities required for this adventure. In order to even contemplate that step we must have had a vision, a dream and a passion to bring it to fruition. So commend yourself.Now, we’re in business. We’ve been working our little brains out. We are dedicated to making our dream come true. But some time has passed and we may have exhausted ourselves of ideas, that passion that once used to drive us is fading and our never ending “to do list” is overshadowing our dreams.
Do not be discouraged, we only need to refuel. Picture never ending stair master at gym. I know we all dread that machine, because it seems like you just keep climbing and there is no landing. But each step is a further progression. Each step brings us to a higher level. Perhaps by reading these strategies we can replenish our passion and reinvigorate our inner drive. So let’s focus on a few ideas that I have found to be helpful.
1) Narrow Your Niche I know that as a woman, mother, wife, housekeeper, and a chef, solo-entrepreneur and so on, I tend to think that I can handle it all. Maybe not with grace, but I can accomplish a lot. I am a multi-tasker. We assume that if we can do so in our personal lives, same should be true in our professional lives. No doubt, we can manage a lot. And as solo-entrepreneurs there are a lot of hats to wear. Business owners are in advertising, marketing, accounting, and so on. But when it comes to services we offer we should consider “narrowing our niche”.
We may be more proficient in a particular area of our practice. By honing in on our skills in that area, we are creating a competitive edge, an area of expertise. You can position yourself as a leader in your own industry. Opposed to fitting in with a thousand of professionals offering same service, we are now exposed to clientele as specializing in a certain skill. We can also appeal more specifically to a “target market”.
2) Partnerships and Alliances Wouldn’t you agree that we all need support? We need confirmation that we are heading in right direction, a resource for assistance, or an honest opinion when we need advice. That’s why it is essential to group ourselves together with a variety of individuals who are enlisted within a similar profession. It also increases our professional appearance to clients when we can refer them to an associate of ours who specializes in a particular area of expertise. (Hence importance of “narrowing your niche”). There are many associations and links available to aid us in our endeavors. So make connections needed and integrate yourself with a partner or an alliance and unite together with a support system. (E.g. become more involved with community at www.solo-e.com/community/ where you will connect with individuals who are coming together to help you present yourself with resources you need).
