Knowing Your Worth as a Solopreneur
April 23, 2025
How Small Businesses Can Compete Online with National Brands
May 4, 2025
The Hurdles of Being a Solopreneur—And How to Overcome Them
Taking the leap into solopreneurship is bold, empowering, and exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Many solopreneurs jump into business driven by their passion and expertise in one area, whether it’s photography, design, coaching, or tech development. But running a business means wearing many hats—and not all of them fit comfortably.
The Challenge: Gaps in Expertise
One of the most common issues solopreneurs face is a lack of experience in areas outside their core skillset. You might be a brilliant creator or consultant, but when it comes to
- Marketing - How do you build a brand, grow a social media following, or write effective sales copy?
- Finance - Are you pricing your services correctly, budgeting efficiently, or tracking your income for taxes?
- Legal- Do you know how to protect your intellectual property or draft a solid client contract?
These gaps can lead to costly mistakes, slow business growth, and high stress levels. Worst case? You burn out or give up on your business dreams altogether.
The Solution: Don’t Go It Alone
The good news: you don’t have to master everything overnight. Solopreneurs thrive when they learn to be resourceful, not just skilled. Here are three powerful ways to fill in those knowledge gaps:
- Learn Strategically
Pick one skill at a time to level up. Online platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses in everything from digital marketing to bookkeeping.
- Seek Mentorship
A mentor who’s been in your shoes can fast-track your growth. Look for industry-specific communities on platforms like:
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): Free business mentoring from experienced professionals. www.score.org/hawaii
- SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program: Especially helpful for women, veterans, and minority-owned businesses. www.sba.gov/local-assistance
- Local Chambers of Commerce: Great for networking and finding local mentorship opportunities. www.mauichamber.org or www.mnhcoc.org
Final Thoughts
Solopreneurship doesn’t mean you have to do everything solo. By investing in your own learning, leaning on mentors, and outsourcing strategically, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and build a stronger, more sustainable business.
You’ve got the vision—now surround yourself with the tools and people to make it thrive.
