In the vast expanse of the entrepreneurial world, there lies a unique breed of business owners: solopreneurs. These individuals, driven by a desire to make a difference, venture out on their own to create businesses that are deeply intertwined with their personal identities. For them, their business isn't just about making a profit; it's a reflection of who they are, what they believe in, and how they envision their place in the world.
Solopreneur Success is All About Authenticity
When it comes to establishing a successful and sustainable solopreneur business, embracing and celebrating your authentic self is where you start. This isn't just about having a unique selling proposition or whatever fancy marketing term you want to give it. Embracing your authenticity is about understanding the nuances of your personal journey, the motivations that drive you, and how these elements shape the essence of your business. As a solopreneur, you are the very heart and soul of your venture. Knowing what makes you tick ensures your heart can happily keep on ticking for a long time.
What Do You Do?
“What do you do?” Meet someone new or go to any networking event, and this is a typical question. So, how do you answer it? Let’s be honest… Do you start explaining in general terms what it is that you do? Or do you jump to how you do it? What if you started your answer with what you believe in? What if you began with “I believe that…” and then told the story about why you do what you do? How would that conversation be different?
If you listen to Simon Sinek*, renowned public speaker, motivator, and founder at The Optimism Company, he emphasizes the importance of the "Why." According to Sinek and many other experienced marketers, people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. People choose you because they feel connected with your why. This is why it's so important to build and run an authentic business.
I Believe!
Let me give you an example. Facts: I am a certified business coach for solopreneurs. I am also a mindset coach, working with the world-renowned PQ methodology. Picture this: I am at a chamber of commerce meeting…
“Hi, nice to meet you! So, what do you do?”“I am a business and mindset coach for solopreneurs.”“Oh? Cool! I didn’t know there was something like a mindset coach.”
Then I start explaining why mindset is important if you want to make it as an entrepreneur, and we end up having a conversation about that. All important stuff, but completely missing from this conversation are the positive results my clients experience with my custom program. I have missed an opportunity to inspire.
What if I answered that initial question with:
“I believe that today’s world needs more successful female business owners. There are so many amazing and strong women creating positive change in the lives they touch. I fully believe that when these solopreneurs can embrace their uniqueness, there is nothing they cannot achieve. My experience shows that after our time together, my clients run successful businesses and lead the fulfilling lives they envisioned for themselves.”
Not a word about how I do it, or even what I do, and not a word of a lie. My answer is about the results my clients get, and above all: it reflects my mission, why I do what I do. Let that sink in for a bit. How would that answer have changed the conversation?
The Four Pillars of Authenticity
Your individuality, which encompasses your mission, passion, vocation, and profession, forms the bedrock of your business. These four facets guide your decisions and provide a deeper understanding of your life's purpose.
1. Your Mission
This is the important “Why” you do what you do. It's the reason you get up every morning, ready to face the challenges of the day. Your mission is the guiding light that provides direction and purpose to your professional and personal endeavors.
2. Your Passion
This is the fire in your belly that keeps you going. It's the energy that fuels your journey, motivating you to overcome hurdles and turn dreams into reality. Passion is the lifeblood of every solopreneur, making tasks feel meaningful and challenges worth facing.
3. Your Vocation
Beyond just a job or career, your vocation is your calling. It's the work that feels right, aligns with your inner self, and allows you to utilize your innate talents to make a difference in the world.
4. Your Profession
While it's how you earn your living, when aligned with your mission, passion, and vocation, your profession becomes an extension of who you are. It's a commitment to excellence, ethics, and continuous growth in your chosen field.
Owning Your Uniqueness
In today’s crowded (online) market, what sets you apart is your uniqueness. Embracing the very elements that define you — your guiding mission, your burning passion, your inherent vocation, and your chosen profession — will distinguish you in the marketplace. And as you live the life of a solopreneur, remember that your business is a reflection of your authentic self. It's an expression of your beliefs, values, and dreams. By staying true to yourself and embracing those unique qualities, you can create a venture that is not just financially successful but also deeply fulfilling and resonant with your true essence.
Being able to help and witnessing those solopreneurs get there is exactly why I do what I do.
*Start with Why (2017) by Simon Sinek
About the author:
Bouwien (Bo) Luppes is the heart and soul of Coach 4 Solopreneurs. A certified life coach with a background in marketing and decades of firsthand experience building and running her solo businesses, she brings a unique blend of coaching, mentoring, and business know-how to her clients.
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