Do you love working independently? Have a great business idea and want to see it through from concept to execution? Does the idea of managing a team of employees make you cringe? If you answered yes to these questions and dream of being your own boss, you may enjoy working as a solopreneur. An individual who starts and runs their business independently, without the support of a co-founder or W-2 employees. In other words, a solopreneur is an entrepreneur who performs all duties related to their business alone. Career opportunities for solopreneurs are on the rise, with an annual projected growth of 3.6% for independent workers. To be exact, 82% of independent workers report feeling happier working alone than they did for traditional companies. With high satisfaction and increasing opportunity for independent workers, embarking on a career as a solopreneur can offer sought-after flexibility for those who want to create and operate a business around their lifestyle. Now you may be thinking — what’s the difference between your average entrepreneur and solopreneur? We’ll break down each career in the next section. Wondering how being a solopreneur differs from traditional entrepreneurship? It’s important to note, while all solopreneurs are entrepreneurs, all entrepreneurs are not solopreneurs.What is a solopreneur?
Solopreneur vs. Entrepreneur
By definition, an entrepreneur is an individual who starts and runs their own business. However, they do not necessarily manage all aspects of their business independently as a solopreneur does. Let’s break down some of the key differences between these two roles.
1. Solopreneurs are both founders and employees.
An individual who works as a solopreneur manages every aspect of their business and does not heavily rely on delegating tasks to others to get things done. Not only are they the founder and creator of their business, but they are solely responsible for producing and delivering the products or services offered to keep their business afloat.
In some situations, a solopreneur may hire a contractor or freelancer to perform necessary tasks, however, this is typically not a part of the daily operation of a solopreneur-run business.
2. Entrepreneurs often hire and manage a team.
Many entrepreneurs start off running their businesses solo and eventually hire others to carry out their day-to-day tasks. Unlike a solopreneur who runs the operations of the business and fulfills tasks needed to deliver their products and services, entrepreneurs often outsource the fulfillment of products and services to their employees so they can focus on managing the business itself.
Once an entrepreneur has built a team, they often step into a managerial role in overseeing the work of their employees.
3. Solopreneurs have a single business focus.
Those who choose to pursue a career as a solopreneur are often not pursuing serial entrepreneurship. Solopreneurs tend to start their businesses to offer a specific niche offering and are focused on building a steady customer base to keep their business profitable but are not looking to expand. This keeps the business manageable for one person who intends to continue running things solo.
For example, a solopreneur who offers social media management services to small businesses is more likely to be focused on delivering a set of packaged services to their clients that they know they can fulfill.
On the other hand, an entrepreneur who runs a marketing agency and employs a team of 10 people may also offer social media management, brand consulting, and content creation services because they have a larger team. They can provide a broader range of options and may look to add on more services as their team grows.
4. Solopreneurs are not building a business to scale.
For many entrepreneurs, their goal in building their business is to grow and scale their company to sell it for a profit down the road. While this is not the case for all entrepreneurs, this effort is more common among those who manage companies than those who run their businesses solo.
Many independent workers are looking to create a profitable business they can continue to run, work in, and live off of themselves, and are not looking to grow an empire or sell to another entity.
5. Differences in financial management.
The bigger a company gets, the more financial responsibility the owner has. Not only are entrepreneurs with employees responsible for managing a business that is profitable enough to operate and pay their team, but they are also responsible for making sure factors such as payroll, benefits, and taxes are accounted for in their business structure.
Those who work as solopreneurs often manage their businesses as a single-member LLC or sole proprietorship, which are simpler to manage and grant full decision-making authority to the owner.
6. Solopreneurs often have minimal workplace requirements.
Because many solopreneurs offer a specific set of services that can be performed remotely, their workspace requirements tend to be minimal, often only requiring a computer and internet connection depending on their scope of work. In fact, 15 million small businesses are home-based.
Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, may have more complex workplace requirements depending on the nature of their business. For business owners whose companies create physical products, they will often need space to create, store their products, and provide work accommodations for their employees.
Now that we know what makes these two professions so different, let’s take a look at a few successful solopreneurs in unique fields.
Solopreneur Examples
There are so many ways to begin a self-led business, you just need the drive to see your idea through to completion. Some examples of successful solopreneurs would be:
1. Jackie Aina
This solopreneur began making YouTube makeup videos from her home in 2008 and has risen to be one of the most prominent beauty gurus on the website. She offers insight on how to apply makeup on deep complexions, provides skincare tutorials, and preaches the importance of self-confidence to over three million subscribers.
2. Alex Trochut
Trochut studied design and focused on typography and how language could be translated into a visual medium. He’s created immersive and colorful designs for companies like Pepsi, Audi, Fila, and other companies from all over the world.
3. Farnoosh Torabi
Farnoosh Torabi is an award-winning personal finance expert, podcaster, and book author. With a degree in journalism and work experience as an editor for Money Magazine and Oprah Magazine, this solopreneur created her own podcast, So Money, to give financial advice to her subscribers’ personal needs and goals.
Enough inspiration for you? There’s countless avenues to explore when you want to become a solopreneur, here’s a list of ideas to help you brainstorm.
Solopreneur Business Ideas
1. Airbnb Host
Listing part of your home or a separate space on Airbnb is a great way to generate income while you pursue other passions. In this avenue of solopreneurship, you need to keep up with routine maintenance, house cleaning, and making happy customers boost your credentials on the app against your competitors.
2. Personal Trainer
Do you have a passion for fitness like CrossFit, boxing, or more? Use social media to show off your expertise and attract clients looking for personal trainers that can teach them with one-on-one guidance.
3. Graphic Designer
If you have an artistic eye and digital artwork, being a freelance graphic designer could be a fun avenue for solopreneurship. Share your portfolio and help businesses or entrepreneurs improve their social media channels with your inventive logos, banners, and more.
4. Artist
From abstract paintings to realistic sculptures, selling one-of-a-kind artwork is a special way to generate income. If your art has a distinct style, tag it as such on social media and you’ll find plenty of connoisseurs on the lookout for your next masterpiece.
5. Photographer
Wedding photographers, graduation portraits, and other occasions are a great way to run your own business. People want to capture special moments with a passionate photographer that’s willing to do it, put yourself out there and build your portfolio.
6. Furniture Refinishing
Home-owners will pay top dollar for vintage furniture pieces that can’t be found in your average furniture store. If you are handy with woodwork or reupholstering pre-loved furniture, there’s a wide market for your services to explore.
7. Event Planner
Dealing with event planning logistics can be a headache for anybody, and plenty of people don’t mind reaching out for a helping hand. If you’re good with problem-solving, organization, and communication — then event planning could be a great avenue to work in.
8. Freelance Writer
Some small business owners may not have the bandwidth to write blogs or product descriptions. By offering freelance writing services, you can establish a relationship with a business and become more credible as you grow in your field.
9. Web Designer
Not everyone is tech-savvy, and many businesses could benefit from having a seasoned web designer to show off their product or service. This avenue of solopreneurship will always be in need for business development, especially older ones looking to revamp their existing web pages.
10. Baker
Baking is not an easy skill — and plenty of people would pay for desserts they can’t make on their own. You don’t have to own a bakery to become one either, you can create special cakes and other pastries from your own home and deliver them directly to the customer.
11. Child Carer
Traditional daycares are extremely expensive, and nerve-wracking for parents leaving their children in a building they’re unfamiliar with. By offering services as a child-carer, you can take care of children in their own family home, where you’ll devote your full attention to them individually versus in a group.
12. Farmer’s Market Vendor
If you have a green thumb for growing herbs and vegetables or have other homely items you’d like to sell to your community, look to become a farmer’s market vendor. People are trying to support local businesses currently, and selling to people in your community can make you money, and build relationships.
13. Language Teacher
Being bilingual is an impressive skill that many people would pay to gain. Language teachers can charge clients by the hour to learn a foreign language, and even more if taught in a one-on-one setting.
14. Musician
You don’t need to be signed to a record label in order to sell your music. If you enjoy recording songs or performing live, you can book gigs at local venues and share your work on streaming services like Apple Music or Spotify for profit.
15. Cleaning Service
Offering a cleaning service can help businesses maintain their space on a routine basis or even someone’s own home. Some people may not have the time or energy to keep up with cleaning, so offering this service can be a consistent and rewarding business.
16. Personal Accountant
Bookkeeping is not everyone’s strong suit, and many small businesses will reach out to professional personal accountants for a helping hand. If you uphold your customer’s trust and demonstrate transparent budget-keeping, you can have a long-term business relationship.
17. Content Creator
YouTube, Tik Tok, or whatever social media you know best, is full of content for every interest. Create visual tutorials, act out comedy sketches, or record yourself doing what you love for viewers around the globe to enjoy. If you gain enough traction, you can become a paid ambassador for various brands, the social media channel itself, or even sell your own merchandise.
18. Podcaster
56% of all Americans, from ages 12-34, listen to at least one podcast per month in 2021. Take advantage of its rising popularity to explore topics you love, and turn it into a stream of revenue.Start Your Career on Your Terms
Whether you choose to be a solopreneur who fulfills all tasks related to your business, or an entrepreneur who manages a team and grows a company to scale, working for yourself can be a rewarding experience. The best route to take will depend on the nature of your business and your personal preferences.
Topics: Entrepreneurship
FAQs
What is the difference between an entrepreneur and Solopreneur? ›
Solopreneurs are dedicated to one service or product, while entrepreneurs may scale their business to include various products and services. For example, a solopreneur may offer graphic design services, while an entrepreneur opens a digital marketing agency offering graphic design, copywriting and video marketing.
What are 3 major differences between an entrepreneur and a businessman? ›Businessman | Entrepreneur |
---|---|
A businessman is an individual who operates or starts a business with the same old business idea. | An entrepreneur is an individual with an exclusive idea to initiate and establish a new venture |
Market state | |
Market player | Market leader |
Market |
...
Difference Between Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur.
Parameter | Entrepreneur | Intrapreneur |
---|---|---|
Motivation | Self-motivated and determined to take the business to another level | Motivated by appreciation, salary growth, and appraisals |
- small business.
- scalable startups.
- large company or intrapreneurship.
- social entrepreneurship.
- Hustler.
- Innovator.
- Machine.
- Prodigy.
- Strategist.
- Visionary.
- 10 most common types of entrepreneurship: ...
- Small business entrepreneurship. ...
- Scalable startup entrepreneurship. ...
- Intrapreneurship. ...
- Large company entrepreneurship. ...
- Imitative entrepreneurship. ...
- Innovative entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurs tend to be classified as those who take on high-growth, high-risk innovations while small business owners oversee an established business with an established product and customer base. Successful entrepreneurs are seen as a driving force in the modern economy.
What is the main difference between a small business owner and an entrepreneur quizlet? ›What is the difference between a small business owner and an entrepreneur? Entrepreneurs can be small business owners, but not all small business owners are entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are less likely to accept the status quo and take a longer term view than small business.
What is the difference between entrepreneur and small business owner? ›Entrepreneurs are the founders and creators of new products or services, while small business owners start a type of business that already exists within the marketplace.
What are two differences between entrepreneurship and entrepreneur? ›An entrepreneur typically initiates and operates a new business. Simultaneously, they're accountable for any associated risks. Entrepreneurship is the procedure of starting a new business that prepares someone for both risks and opportunities. An entrepreneur coordinates the essential requirements of an organization.
What are the similarities and differences between entrepreneur and intrapreneur? ›
An entrepreneur is the founder of the startup company they establish. While an intrapreneur is an employee in an existing company. An entrepreneur takes on much higher risks compared to an intrapreneur.
What are 5 examples of entrepreneurship? ›- Social entrepreneurship. ...
- Scalable startup entrepreneurship. ...
- Small business entrepreneurship. ...
- Large company entrepreneurship. ...
- Innovation entrepreneurship.
There are three main types of entrepreneurs: The Creator, The Builder, and The Operator.
What are the 6 C's in entrepreneur? ›Answer (1 of 7): The 6Cs that motivate the Entrepreneurs - Change, Challenge, Creativity, Curiosity, Control & Cash.
What are the 7 characteristics of entrepreneurs? ›- Vision.
- Passion.
- Motivation.
- Risk-taking.
- Curiosity.
- Creativity.
- Confidence.
The various functions of entrepreneurship are Innovation and creativity, Risk taking and achievement and organization and management, Catalyst of Economic Development, Overcoming Resistance to Change and Research.
What are the 9 characteristics of an entrepreneur? ›- Motivation.
- Creativity.
- Persuasiveness.
- Vision.
- Versatility.
- Risk Tolerance.
- Flexibility.
- Decisiveness.
An entrepreneur is someone who locates the need of society and tries to meet them with an innovative idea. On the other hand, entrepreneurship refers to the process of establishing a business entity, intending to get profit as a return in the future.
What are the similarities and differences between entrepreneurs and owner managers? ›The main difference between entrepreneur and manager is their role in the organization. An entrepreneur is the company owner, while a manager is the company's employee. Entrepreneurs take risks, particularly financial ones, while managers are not susceptible to such business-related risks.
What is the difference between entrepreneur and entrepreneurship explain Class 10? ›Entrepreneurship refers to the process of setting up a business by an individual (entrepreneur) and entrepreneur is the individual who is responsible for setting up and running that business.
What is an entrepreneur example? ›
The entrepreneur is defined as someone who has the ability and desire to establish, administer and succeed in a startup venture along with risk entitled to it, to make profits. The best example of entrepreneurship is the starting of a new business venture.
What are the two main types of entrepreneurs? ›There are two accepted categories of wealthy and successful entrepreneurs – the business owner entrepreneur and the angel investor entrepreneur. There are some distinct activities in the path to becoming a business owner entrepreneur versus an angel investor entrepreneur.
What is the difference between entrepreneur and employee? ›An employee is a person who works for a company while performing his or her duties, whereas an entrepreneur is a person who creates a new business while bearing risks and enjoying most of the profits and rewards.
What is the difference between an entrepreneur and entrepreneurship quizlet? ›An entrepreneur is a person who recognizes a business opportunity and organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of starting and operating a business. Entrepreneurship is the process of recognizing an opportunity, testing it in the market, and gathering the resources necessary to go into business.
What are the 10 qualities of a good entrepreneur? ›- Problem-solving. First up on our list is a trait that is often taken for granted. ...
- Impeccable communication. ...
- Determination to excel. ...
- Calculated risk-taking. ...
- Learning continuously. ...
- Strong leadership skills. ...
- Passion and ambition. ...
- Open-mindedness.
- Analysts. Analyst entrepreneurs are people who like to take their time and thoroughly research when starting a business. ...
- Buyers. The buyer type of entrepreneur uses their money and wealth to fund their business ventures. ...
- Social good. ...
- Innovators. ...
- Scalable startup. ...
- Hustlers. ...
- Imitators. ...
- Small business.
- Small business entrepreneurship. ...
- Large company entrepreneurship. ...
- Scalable startup entrepreneurship. ...
- International entrepreneurship. ...
- Social entrepreneurship. ...
- Environmental entrepreneurship. ...
- Technopreneurship. ...
- Hustler entrepreneurship.
An entrepreneur takes a new business idea and starts a company to bring that idea to market. An intrapreneur is an employee who channels that same creativity and innovation to develop new products and services — and sometimes even markets — for an employer.
What are the differences and similarities between entrepreneur and business? ›A businessman is a person who runs the business, undertaking an unoriginal business idea. On the contrary, an entrepreneur is someone who first initiates a product or business idea and thus the leader of that in the market. In the long run, an entrepreneur becomes a businessman, but there is a difference.
What are examples of Solopreneurs? ›An interior designer who works alone, a woman who makes and sells elegant pottery products, and a caterer who arranges food for parties or a solo party planner are all examples of solopreneurs.
Why do Solopreneurs fail? ›
They've failed to identify the true benefit they offer.
They care about the benefit they'll receive by working with you. Most solopreneurs also tend to sell their commoditized skill. But if you're selling the skill itself, your audience puts you in a predetermined price category in their brain.
The entrepreneurial mindset consists of three key elements: Curiosity, Connections, and Creating Value—the 3C's. This emergent understanding came from years of work with KEEN faculty, students, and industry.
What are 3 common characteristics of entrepreneurs? ›Researchers at the Harvard Business School have identified three core characteristics to look for in entrepreneurs: their personality traits, attitudes toward risk, and their goals and aspirations. It's important to stress that there are a lot of variations in these characteristics.
What are 3 qualities of an entrepreneur? ›- Successful Entrepreneurs are Resilient. ...
- Successful Entrepreneurs are Confident. ...
- Successful Entrepreneurs are Innovative.
- Passion. If you have nothing else, you should have passion for the work you're doing. ...
- Determination. Before you start, it's important to understand that you will experience failure. ...
- Creativity. ...
- Versatility. ...
- Tech savvy. ...
- Accountability. ...
- Confidence. ...
- Courage.
A single-location restaurant, one grocery shop, or a retail shop to sell your handmade goods would all be an example of small business entrepreneurship. These individuals usually invest their own money and succeed if their business turns a profit, which they live off of.
What are 4 things entrepreneurs do? ›A great entrepreneur must be able to effectively communicate, sell, focus, learn, and strategize. An ability to continuously learn is not just a key entrepreneurial skill, but also a very valuable life skill. Growing a business requires a sound strategy based on inherent business sense and skills.
What are the 6 C in entrepreneurship? ›Answer (1 of 7): The 6Cs that motivate the Entrepreneurs - Change, Challenge, Creativity, Curiosity, Control & Cash.
What do Solopreneurs struggle with the most? ›- Not Having Enough Time In The Day. ...
- Outsourcing The Wrong Tasks. ...
- Knowing When To Let Go Of Certain Things. ...
- Not Being Mindful Of The Roles That Are Yours Alone. ...
- Spending Too Much Time In The Business. ...
- Finding The Right Balance Of Tasks. ...
- Stabilizing Your Finances. ...
- Not Setting Aside Time To Work 'Above' The Business.
Solopreneurs tend to struggle with prioritizing activities and maintaining that priority irrespective of the changes that may occur. Thus, prioritizing is a fine art which every solopreneur must learn.
What are 3 disadvantages of being an entrepreneur? ›
- Greater personal responsibility. ...
- Potential financial risks. ...
- More personal stress. ...
- Requires a professional network. ...
- Requires greater sacrifices, longer working hours. ...
- Competition with other established businesses.