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.
- Join 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. If you’d like to learn more about marketing coaching and how we can work together to accomplish your goals, contact me for details about scheduling a Profit Breakthrough Strategy Session.
A service professional that maintains a positive, forwarding thinking mindset and implements proven strategies will be successful as an entrepreneur. So I’d like to invite you to a FREE, on-demand webinar, “How to Structure Your Business for Maximum Profits and Productivity” where I share more on the power of a positive mindset and four other pillars that ensure your success. Visit http://sydnicraighart.wpengine.com/profitable-structure for details!
Brigette Carrington says
Syndi, I can relate to this article. There are a lot of emotions and thoughts attached to being solopreneur and I am slowly understanding them one by one. I am still in building the foundation of the business but this article rings true with me even now.
Thanks again for the great articles you provide.
Sydni Craig-Hart says
You’re quite welcome Brigette! Becoming an entrepreneur, I believe, is one of the best catalysts for personal growth. Yes, indeed, there are a lot emotions and thought patterns that need to be worked through. I am watching you do that and so proud of the progress you’re making. Keep up the great work! You are going to be an amazing business woman. 🙂
Amy Kinnaird says
Sydni – I am so happy to see you write what I have been thinking about. Lately I have talked to a number of business owners who aren’t yet claiming their power or “owning their value.” It took some time for me to internalize that, but it made all the difference in my business and how I approached what I do.
Thanks for the heads up on “Millionaire Women Next Door.” I didn’t know about that book. May have to pick that up this week!
Amy xo
Sydni Craig-Hart says
You’re most welcome! Let me know if you pick up the book and we can compare notes. 🙂
Brenda Stanton says
Great article Syndi! The inner work is the key because everything boils down to who you’re being in your business…it’s how you radiate out to the world and clients get a vibe on how confident you are and how much you believe in what you do – and who you are. This is a subject near and dear to my heart (self-worth!) and it’s so so important to own who you are and your true value! Thanks for a great article Syndi! xoxo
Jennifer Bourn says
Oooh… this critical. Owning your own value and worth is a big challenge for entrepreneurs in general as many of us tend to be doers – we thrive in the doing and getting things done. We more than likely started our business because we saw we could do it better, or that there was a better way.
Reaching the point where you can step up and step out into the spotlight and own how great you are is a journey, but when you get there … everything changes.
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
Kristi LeGue says
Oh Sydni, I completely understand what you are talking about here. After I was in business for two years and about to close up shop, I hired a business coach and she completely turned my business around. She helped me calculate my hourly rate and it was pennies an hour. It was amazing, when I increased my rates and my confidence, I had so much business, I had to hire someone to help me! Mindset is so important. Thank you for bringing attention to it.