I recently marked my first anniversary as a business owner. As a solopreneur, some aspects proved tougher than expected, others easier than advertised, and a few delivered pure surprises and joys.
Related: Christy Wright's Top Tips for Starting a YouEconomy Business
Though my venture is still young, the past year has been a masterclass. Here are five standout lessons:
1. Stress comes with the territory—but so does control.
I underestimated the pressure of business development. With no team to support, the onus is solely on me: no clients means no pay. It's a stark shift from a steady corporate paycheck.
Yet, I thrive on the direct connection between effort and reward. Working harder yields more income, on my terms. This autonomy makes long or irregular hours empowering.
2. True flexibility transforms productivity.
Corporate life meant enduring endless meetings and clock-watching, even when drained. Now, I work in focused sprints during peak energy, maximizing output in fewer hours.
Working from home enables this, plus perks like comfy clothes, home-cooked lunches, dogs at my feet, and spontaneous dance breaks.
3. It doesn't have to feel lonely.
Many warned of isolation—solo days or missing team camaraderie. As an introvert with a lively family (husband and energetic 3-year-old), it hasn't been an issue.
I combat it proactively: weekly coffees or lunches with contacts, plus monthly events like Meetup, CreativeMornings, NewCo, or ProductCamp.
4. It still takes a village.
Staying sharp requires effort. Local events and select conferences fuel creativity and skills—replacing corporate training I once took for granted.
My informal network fills the gap: ex-colleagues, college friends, my author/artist/life coach sister, even my math-whiz father-in-law. They serve as sounding boards, experts, and mentors.
My professional network is invaluable too. After 14 years building relationships, my first clients and most projects stemmed from them or referrals. Consulting thrives on connections.
5. You must ask.
Simply asking unlocks doors: introductions, advice, meetings, business. 'No' is the worst outcome, but 'yes' is common.
People love helping new entrepreneurs—close contacts, acquaintances, even second-degree connections offered time, insights, and intros. I pay it forward in my network and local startup scene.
Just over a year in, more lessons await. The biggest? Savor the journey. Childhood dreams knew no limits; adulthood narrows them. Solopreneurship reopens that funnel—I craft my roles freely. For that, I'm profoundly grateful.
Related: 5 Death-Defying Adventure Lessons Taught Me How to Face My Fears as a Solopreneur
