5 Confessions Of A Solopreneur By Gunjan Churiwal, Digital Marketer
I am lonely. Yes, I am incredibly alone. As a business of one, the only person I talk to most of the time is with myself. I mean I can’t complain those conversations are interesting, but mostly ends up in arguments. On some occasions, I discuss work with my husband too, who is not a part of my business, but a patient listener. What I am really trying to say is that being a solopreneur (a person who runs a business on their own) can be difficult. It can mean long hours of working with no one to bounce off ideas with, talk about the struggles or even celebrate those tiny wins with.
It’s been almost a year since I embarked on this journey. I moved to Stockholm just before the pandemic and was looking for a job. As you must have guessed, it was definitely not the most suitable time to find work. I thought about what can I do to survive during those uncertain times, and how best I can put my years of marketing skills to good use. So I decided to give up job hunting (which is a full-time job just by the way) to work from home as a digital marketer and copywriter.
For someone who has always worked for organizations, this was unfamiliar territory to me. Not only was I beginning my career as an entrepreneur, but I was also doing it all solo. Both these areas were completely new to me. I still remember the first day in my role as a solopreneur just seemed very… quiet.
It took me a year AND a lot of experimentation to realize that being on my own does not mean I have to be isolated. After maneuvering through the waves of solopreneurship, a worldwide pandemic, life as an international, economic turmoil, and many more challenges along the way, I can finally say that I have safely made it to the shore. While combating loneliness was one part of it, I learned some other valuable lessons that helped me keep afloat and on course throughout my year-long journey as a solopreneur.
For the first few months of my new work life, I tried, tweaked, and experimented with various strategies until I finally found a sweet spot that worked for me. Go all in - that was my mantra as a full-time digital marketer that kept me floating. The innate drive to create something that was uniquely mine, driven by my efforts and abilities, was bigger than any frustrations or obstacles I faced. So in this article, I will be sharing my confessions as a solopreneur, and how I make it work alone.
Confession 01: I unapologetically promote myself
Even though times have changed and conducting business is not the way it used to be, one thing still remains the same: people do business with people. Then why are we so afraid to put ourselves out there or to “self-promote” as they say.
I grew up in a culture where talking forthrightly about my accomplishments and abilities was looked down upon. If you were such a woman, you were boastful, impolite, and prideful. I met so many women from different parts of the world who were all told the same thing: because you are a woman, you should be modest and reserved.
When I started my Instagram page, I realized if I really need to see some results, I have to establish my personal brand. I have to build a connection with my audience and ensure confidence. After all, if I don’t represent my brand, who will? This mindset really motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and unlearn my conditioning. So much so that I had to write it down as my 2022 goal. Here I am exposing myself to the world, being prone to judgement, but determined to get what I want.
Confession 02: I value the process more than the outcome
I was obsessed with results! I still am, but not to an extent where it drives me neurotic. The employee mindset trained me to think in terms of hours worked and pay received. I implemented the same outlook to my business and it took me nowhere.
Gradually I needed to let go of the outcome to focus on the process. I have divided my macro goals into smaller daily and weekly goals and practicing them diligently has become my process. I try to stay true to my process, even if I do not get the results immediately. But that’s okay. I know I will eventually attract the results I am looking for. As marketing legend puts it:
“The practice is not the means to the output, the practice is the output. The practice is all we can control.”
Confession 03: My support group has expanded
When I moved to Stockholm, I lacked professional networks and support groups which made me terribly lonely. Over time, the isolation had a profoundly negative impact on my motivation and focus. I know if I had to cultivate relationships, find clients, and develop new opportunities, I really had to find my tribe and build a community.
Thankfully, Stockholm has a lot to offer to integrate with the local business culture, you just need to know what you are looking for. Yrkesdörren and NyföretagarCentrum helped me find mentorship programs and business advisors. Girl Gone International is my savior when it comes to finding international local friends and hosting fun events. Lastly, but most importantly, Business & Dreams, who opened the doors for me to meet passionate female entrepreneurs, building their businesses one dream at a time.
Confession 04: I don’t believe in the hustle culture
When you are running your business all by yourself, it may seem like you have no choice but to work all the time. We are so obsessed with the hustle culture that we bustle until we burn out. That kind of push may be unavoidable when we are working on tight deadlines, and occasionally necessary. However, if you routinely turn down invitations or all your weekends are clocked with work, you definitely need an intervention. It’s totally not sustainable. I know it because I tried and failed.
I have learned to take it slow. It’s the Swedish lagom way of doing things that have touched its magic on me. I don’t aim for the moon. Small achievable goals help me focus and make me feel in control. #SlowSundayVibe is my mantra for the weekends and I can proudly say that I benefit from my freedom working as a solopreneur.
Confession 05: If it can be automated, I go for it
Being a solopreneur means donning multiple hats. I am the accountant, the sales personnel, and the lead marketer for my business. That’s a significant amount of responsibility for one single person. Truth be told I am no Rambo. I can’t do it all alone.
I have learned that multitasking is not my greatest strength. I take advantage of an array of apps and automated systems available online. Automation is my best friend now. This gives me more time to concentrate on expanding my business, without having to do everything manually. This saves me time so that I can give full attention to the tasks at hand.
No matter what you do or want to do - from selling your services as a coach or creating website templates - being a solopreneur is not easy. I hope my confessions have equipped you with new insights to implement to make a success out of your solo undertaking. If you want to discuss business, digital marketing, or absolutely anything else, feel free to get in touch! Connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn - what are you waiting for?!
