The face of business was changing away from the big bohemoth institutional employers and back to smaller and quicker even before today’s “new economy” began.  The economic crisis of the past months has only hastened the timing and increased the numbers of individuals who want or need to go out on their own, to move from employed to self-employed.  It’s an amazing and unique time for new solo professionals to join those of us who have been at it for a while now.  I believe that it benefits us all if the “old time” solo-preneurs (meaning anyone who has been on their own for 2 years or more) reach out to encourage and support those who are ready to take the big step.   Here’s three pieces of advice from me to those people just now testing the solo-preneur waters.

1. If you feel really pumped one day and horribly insecure the next, don’t let that stop you.  Rudolph Bahro, a visionary German who was eventually deported from his homeland, once said,   “When the forms of an old culture are dying, the new culture is created by a few people who are not afraid to be insecure.” If you are entrepreneurial, you are in the minority, and it’s very easy to hear other people’s fears and doubts and let them become your own.  Don’t.  Learn all you can about what you want to do, make your plans, and step out.  Insecurity can be OK.
2. Distance yourself from friends and family members whose own insecurity and fear are projected onto you by constant worrying, negative statements, or lack of support.  This isn’t harsh, it’s vital for your own success.  I’m not saying that your plans are perfect (they probably aren’t!) or that you should not tolerate questioning from anyone.  But you will be much better served to stay away from those whose fear is so great it extends to you and what you want to do with your life and work.  Thank nay-sayers for voicing their concerns but then turn right around and ask for their support.  When you don’t get it, steer clear.
3. Get the very best, highest level of mentoring and coaching you can find, and don’t worry so much about what it costs.  This will be counterintuitive, because you are probably saving money and fear spending what you don’t have in hand. Pick your coaching or mastermind group well, step up, and invest in yourself.  You will gain insight, motivation, expertise, and community of other solo-preneurs who understand and support your mindset.

This is a great time to create your own work and future – deals are out there for office space, equipment, and people. I know what it’s like to walk away from an executive position and carve out my own work.  You can do it, and I’m here to greet you.  Welcome to solo-preneurship!

(C) Sue Painter works with solo-preneurs who want to create work that supports both their inner and outer life.  She can be found at www.confidentmarketer.com.

Related Posts

• Being Vulnerable is Being Strong
• The Spiritual Evolution of Solo-preneurs
• Four Steps to Creating “Me-Time”…and How it will Benefit Your Solo Business AND Your Life

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 1:08 pm and is filed under Becoming a Solo Entrepreneur, Solo Entrepreneur Mindset, The SELF of Self Employment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.