et’s be honest with ourselves for a moment. We started this decade focusing on ourselves. I wouldn’t degrade the progress we are making by saying it’s a trend. I would rather say we are healing from the trauma of the last decade.

Some could say, “You’re older now. You can surround myself with like-minded people”, and honestly I strongly disagree. I have seen a huge wave of people finding accountability partners, setting goals, building self-awareness, and I strongly support this evolution.

I want to dedicate this post to all my solopreneurs because I feel like sometimes we forget about the power we have. We are our own bosses and I feel we are not holding ourselves accountable (myself included). So, solopreneurs, when you’re sad or having a hard time, read this blog post to remind yourself of your own greatness.

Don’t Do It (If You Don’t Want To)

Dear Solopreneurs,

I want to reassure you that it is 100% okay to decline projects, end projects because of toxic relationships with clients, or even subcontract people for projects. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying decline and end all your projects the moment things go wrong. Rather, I am reminding you of your power: you are your own boss. Whether you are the contractor or the client, you’re always in control of who you work with and the environment you work in.

“If you don’t want to do something, hire someone else to do it.” - Clarke Sanders, Hustle MRKTG

Talk is Cheap

Dear Solopreneurs,

As solopreneurs, this can be our full-time or part-time job. If you wear your solopreneur hat, have a strong portfolio, and a list of paying clients. Stop accepting exposure, and start sending invoices. Why? Because your clients need your ideas and talents. If someone can not afford you, it is okay. Your prices are for the hours, time, and creativity you will be putting into a project. We cannot keep negotiating and underpaying ourselves because in the end we won’t be on a yacht with Beyonce, we will be on a rowboat with a Beyonce impersonator.  

"Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility." -Peter Drucker

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Dear Soloprenuers,

Get out of your head!! I know this isn’t an easy thing to do but we have to get uncomfortable in this career field. When you’re working on a project, always put your best foot forward. But remember these things:

1. Always overpromise. People love when you work faster than expected, so tell them you need 2 weeks and get it to them in 1 week. This also affords you some breathing room if the project ends up taking more time than you expected.

2. Find new ways to work faster. If you’ve ever created a template or used old material from past projects, you will notice that you can recycle or repurpose things. Not all projects HAVE to be new ideas.

Remember time is money!

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell

It’s Your Schedule, Not Theirs

Dear Solopreneurs,

Most of us don't charge extra for meetings because it’s what helps the project run successfully (myself included). I am here to remind you that you have the power to delay meeting someone for 3 weeks because you’re currently busy working on a project. If we don’t set boundaries around our own lives, our clients and team will not give us the space we need. Scheduling a meeting more than a week in advance can give you a chance to think and prepare properly.

"Time is the scarcest resource and unless it is managed nothing else can be managed." - Peter Drucker

Do it Right the First Time

Dear Solopreneurs,

I have some bad news for you. Your mother was right! Has someone ever told you “You should double check your work before sending it”? The good news is, in most cases this isn’t your fault. Why? Because all clients will rush you. It is the typical client-solopreneur dynamic that will never die (hopefully it will one day). I want to remind you to give yourself the power walk away and come back for a fresh look before you send your completed work to the client. Why? Because you may have missed something. As long as you over promised, you will always have the time to walk away and come back to it.

"Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything." - W. Clement Ston

You're a Boss Own It

Own your title, own your business, and own your life! As business owners, if we have the power to be in control of our clients and the things we are involved in, why aren't we using it to the best of our abilities? We have to stand up for ourselves and show up for our own mental health. If we dont show up who will? This may all sound easier said than done, but trust me, from time to time I need to read this, and I am sure someone else is needing this also. Bookmark this post for the next time you need a pick-me-up! Until next time, keep shining!