Have you ever wondered what successful solo professionals would have done differently if given the chance to come back?
I did, and I asked that same question to various women’s groups within LinkedIn.
The answers varied widely and I am sharing them with you so you can avoid these bumps on your road to success.
- Increase your network of contacts. Building connections is the lifeblood of a solo professional business. Spend 10% of your time in this area, whether it’s attending live events, connecting in person for coffee, or engaging on social media.
- Create a business plan. Without a business plan you don’t have a roadmap to success. Your plan can be as simple as 2-3 pages, especially if you don’t need outside funding. Take a look at your plan at least once a year and make sure it’s headed where you want to go.
- Establish an advisory council. Advisory boards are typically associated with multi-person businesses and not individual professionals. But you still need other minds to share ideas and ask for advice. Your advisory board can be made up of 2-3 trusted people or a thought group.
- Use technology. Technology is a great equalizer in the professional solo world. Take the time to learn where technology can help your business, whether it’s saving time or increasing your bottom line. One example is using autoresponders to keep in touch with your customers.
- Ask for help! Delegate those tasks that are not critical to your business. This could be hiring an assistant, an accountant, a web designer or a copywriter. When we take on tasks we don’t have time for or are not good at, our progress slows down.
- Join a local chamber of commerce. Your local chamber is a great source for networking, marketing opportunities, and staying connected within the community.
- Create (and implement) a targeted marketing strategy. Be very clear about who you serve, or you risk diluting your personal brand. Any marketing efforts you put in will not have the impact you need. A marketing strategy (and an implementation plan) is a fundamental aspect of your business. And in the spirit of tip #5, get help with this if you’re not sure where to start.
- Leave the 9 to 5 (or 8 to late) world sooner! Do you remember when you launched into the world of self-employment? Most of us wish we had done it sooner. It takes a leap of faith and a solid plan to leave the world of 9 to 5 behind and pursue your dreams, but the rewards are worth it!