Published:
09/11/2011 12:37am
Overcoming The Challenges Every Solopreneur Faces
Being a solopreneur can trigger many fears that you may not have even known about before! You know that you have talent and a lot to offer your clients. Nevertheless, it's not an easy job to keep your confidence up while you're dealing with the realities of marketing your services, being your own money manager and providing great customer service to your clients. In order to reach your goals of profitability and success you have to develop the proper mindset.
One of the biggest issues that come up when you're in business for yourself is the one of how to get and stay profitable. Women, especially, have issues with this idea of profitability. We tend to be hard workers with a passion for what we do and want to deliver an excellent product to our clients. However, we don't always "own our value" in the marketplace. What does that mean? "Owning your value" in the marketplace means charging money, receiving money, and asking for money. Otherwise you may find that you are unintentionally running a non-profit organization!
Another is the fear of standing out. How many of us really feel comfortable standing up in front of people and saying, "You know what? I am awesome at what I do." For many even the thought of saying those words might make you squirm. It could be because doing so triggers a lot of old baggage that we may have picked up as we were growing up about being modest and not acknowledging our accomplishments.
As with all fears (False Evidence Appearing Real), these limiting beliefs can be conquered by taking advantage of the many resources available. Some of these include:
• Personal Development. It has been said that "as you grow as a person your business will grow." I have seen that first hand in my business. So, take advantage of reading books such as "Think and Grow Rich", "How to Win Friends and Influence People," "It's Not Over Until You Win," "Secret of the Millionaire Mind," and "Millionaire Women Next Door." Whether or not you are striving to be a millionaire, these types of books will help you overcome limiting beliefs while you solidify your determination to make the vision of your life and business a reality.
• Joint Professional Organizations. Most of the concerns that you have about running your business have already been faced and overcome by those who have preceded you in the business. So cultivate relationships with seasoned small business owners who have created profitable businesses. There are a number of organizations (both free and membership based) where you can meet these smart entrepreneurs. Check out organizations like BNI, trade organizations and online groups (such as those on LinkedIn and Facebook) to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who "get you" and what you're trying to accomplish in your business.
• Work With A Coach. Bill McCartney once said, "All coaching is taking a player where he can't take himself." A business coach does exactly that. Coaches are seasoned professionals who have stood right where you are standing. They have faced and overcome the challenges that you are facing. And they have come through them successfully. They teach you how to bring yourself the success that you are seeking. I have helped dozens of solo service professionals create more profits and success in their business.
A service professional that maintains a positive, forwarding thinking mindset and implements proven strategies will be successful as an entrepreneur.
Sydni Craig-Hart, expert marketing consultant for service professionals, supports her clients in creating success - in both their businesses and lives. Known as "The Smart Simple Marketing Coach," the tech-savvy Sydni uses a results-focused, "how to" approach in implementing simple, customized strategies so service professionals create profitable businesses in which they enjoy the lifestyle they choose. To tap into Sydni's expertise, get your free Smart Simple Marketing Starter Kit at http://www.SmartSimpleMarketing.com.
