By Henry Brown
Solopreneurship has become increasingly popular over recent years, allowing thousands of people to embark on their own business journey with relatively little outside input. While there are huge benefits to going it alone – the increased independence, the feeling of direct control over your company – there is a rather significant downside to this route into business: it can be difficult to know where to turn for assistance.
Fortunately, there are ways to obtain the help you need to push your business forward without needing to directly involve others in the day-to-day running of your core business. Below, we’ve put together a list of the common issues solopreneurs face, as well as advice on where to turn when seeking help to overcome those issues…
[amazon_link asins=’1538108712′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’succeedingi0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ff1fa464-e80e-11e8-a92e-e33401906f04′]For help with business decisions… turn to an online forum
Even the most seasoned business owners often find they struggle to make key decisions, unsure of which path will produce the best results for their company. This problem is particularly magnified for solopreneurs, who often don’t have access to employees or business partners who can offer suggestions on the best course of action. This situation can leave solopreneurs feeling very isolated and alone, struggling for the support they need to make effective choices about the future of their company.
Thankfully, there is a solution: online business forums. There are countless encouraging, supportive forums and Facebook groups that are full of entrepreneurs sharing ideas, tips, and supporting one another through the rigors of running a business alone, so it’s well worth using these when you find yourself in need an outside opinion.
[amazon_link asins=’B018KXYGRQ’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’succeedingi0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c933a08a-e80e-11e8-a08d-75e86deb6cdc’]For help with sales… turn to affiliates
To create an outstanding product or service is one thing; to be able to persuade others to use that product or service is quite another – selling is an art, and one that you may not necessarily have mastered.
The most obvious solution to this problem is to hire sales staff, but this is an expensive choice that most solopreneurs seek to avoid. Thankfully, there is a middle ground between hiring full-time staff and relying solely on your own ability to sell; offer your products for others to sell via affiliate marketing programs. This step gives you to access a sales force who will work hard to sell your product, without requiring any direct or day-to-day involvement on your behalf – essentially allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
For help with expert areas… turn to outsourcing agencies
By expert areas, we mean specifically technical areas; niche subjects such as IT, web development, and SEO. While all solopreneurs will have a decent grasp of these areas, for any larger or particularly in-depth issues, it’s usually best to outsource to a specialist agency to help resolve the problem quickly and efficiently. While you could continue to work the issue solo, doing so is a huge distraction that takes time from the core management of your business; in comparison, outsourcing saves you a considerable amount of time, effort, and stress.
In conclusion
Solopreneurship does not necessarily mean you are always entirely alone in your efforts. By exploring the options above, you can obtain the help you need without having to hire employees or enter into a partnership. You can still manage the core business necessities yourself, but with a little additional guidance on the side to help you ensure your venture is as successful as possible.
_______
Henry Brown is an online marketing executive. When he isn’t talking shop, he’s roaming the streets of London, uncovering the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.
