Running a solo business isn’t easy because you’re doing everything yourself. Of course, many businesses start off with the idea and efforts of just one person. However, if you lacked the major investors and influences from well-known business individuals, then you’re likely still flying solo.
There’s nothing wrong with being a solo business owner but it does present challenges when trying to maintain business success. There’s no one to take over when you’re tired or when you need a break. With that being said, here are some helpful tips to ensure your solo business maintains success this year and beyond.
Manage your time effectively
Your time is precious and unlike Beyonce – you don’t have the same 24 hours that she has. It’s hard to manage your time when you’re balancing everything at once and that doesn’t include your personal life either.
Maybe you’re a working mum or dad and have to manage your business from the comfort of your home. While that sounds like bliss for some, the reality can be starkly different.
Consider how you’re using your time currently and find ways to make more from the time you do have available. Procrastination is a killer for success, so it’s important to maximise your time where possible.
Outsource what you need
Outsourcing is a service that you’ll come to really enjoy doing, especially when you’re a solo business owner. We can’t be perfect at everything, which means there are likely some tasks or duties as a business owner that you’re not particularly well versed in. For example, if you do decide to hire staff for your business, then may find outsourced payroll services useful.
If your business requires social media management, then using a scheduling app to schedule posts might be handy too.
Use software to help manage tasks
Software is readily available and should be something you’re actively embracing, especially as a solo business owner. Whether you’re looking to automate some monotonous tasks, or you need a calendar to help manage all of your tasks for the week, there’s a lot of choice out there.
For example, Asana might be useful if you’re always falling behind on deadlines or need prompting on what meetings you have coming up for the day ahead. Make use of software to help better manage your tasks.
Software obviously goes hand in hand with technology, and if your solo business isn’t making the most out of the options available to you, then you’re likely falling behind. One particularly innovative way to enhance your business’s operations is by incorporating an iPad with an iPad wall mount in your workspace. This setup can streamline your check-in process for any appointments or meetings and serves as an interactive tool for clients visiting your office or workspace. For instance, they can easily access portfolios, browse your services, or even fill out necessary forms on the spot. Moreover, this tech-savvy approach adds a modern flair to your business ambience, making it more appealing to a tech-oriented clientele.
Hire your first staff member
If you’re really struggling to maintain a solo business, then it might be time to hire a first staff member for the company. That’s a sign of progression and growth in your business, rather than a pessimistic outlook that you’ve failed in solo business ownership.
Of course, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and how to be the best boss possible for your future staff.
Be sure to take a break
Finally, be sure to take a break. It’s easy enough to work yourself to the bone every day but that’s not going to benefit your business when you’re constantly burning out.
Helping your solo business find success takes time but with these tips, you should find success soon enough.
Stay inspired.
When facing business challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals. However, this could begin a snowball effect of negativity that it’s hard to break free from – meaning you need to ensure you stay as focused and goal-orientated as possible. One way in which you can achieve this goal is by ensuring that you remain inspired.
For example, listening to podcasts from industry leaders can prove to be a great source of inspiration, especially when you consider the fact that they’ve likely encountered many of the same challenges that you are currently dealing with. As such, not only is their story inspiring, but it could also provide you with a practical solution to your problem.
Of course, this means that you need to seek out an industry-relevant podcast. For example, if you work within the financial sector, you might want to listen to podcasts featuring industry leaders, such as Nadine Terman Solstein Capital, who recently appeared on the Women in Finance podcast.
Another great way to become inspired is to learn as much as possible about your industry and put yourself in a position to be an industry leader. You can achieve this status by writing articles such as this one by Daniel Lerner and David Lerner Associates, hosting presentations, your own podcast, workshops, or becoming a speaker to share your knowledge.
Stay On Top Of Things
One of the most common mistakes that business owners make is that they don’t manage to stay on top of things. We’re not saying that it’s going to be easy, but we are saying that it has got to be done or you can kiss your business goodbye. You constantly need to know if you need new supplies or equipment ordered and then get it done for example. Depending on your business there are so many things that you may need at any given time from pens to a neon indicator to something else entirely.
Every area of your business needs to be managed effectively, and if you are struggling to do this then you need to make use of what you have to make it easier. We’re looking at tech here!