The Best Advice for New Solopreneurs
Solopreneurship has become easier to pursue with the rise of smart software solutions for businesses. A single individual can orchestrate the functions of a full staff, from fulfilling orders to following up with customers by sending custom greeting cards. It is possible for solo entrepreneurs to achieve levels of customer satisfaction that were previously only possible for large operations. The most important advice for an entrepreneur starting to go it alone is to be aware and make use of resources for new businesses.
Automate Tasks When Possible
A solopreneur does not have time to take on all of the operational responsibilities of a business, day in and day out. Individuals should consider automating the following repetitive tasks:
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- Importing and exporting records
- Sending order confirmations and updates
- Following up and soliciting customer feedback
Moving data between systems may require the use of integration tools or other software solutions, but has the long-term benefit of reducing errors associated with manual entry. Operational and customer relationship management software may provide options for automating these functions.
Manage Time By Outsourcing
A solopreneur may be a jack of all trades, but he or she is likely to possess more skill and specialized knowledge in some areas than others. Consider outsourcing any tasks that are not your strong suit and require skills you don’t have time to learn.
Online platforms and real-world networks can be rich sources of experts in areas where you need help most. A retainer or service fee may be necessary, but getting work done right by someone with the aptitude and training can pay off in the long run, especially if tasks are related to record-keeping and have the potential to affect the success of a startup.
Order Custom Greeting Cards
Most solopreneurs, like many other professionals, spend a significant amount of time on computers. Physical greeting cards are an exceptional form of passive promotion. In other words, once you design and send cards, your work is done. Cards have the potential to promote a business over the following days and weeks while you move onto other tasks.
Depending on the nature of an enterprise, you may want to order several types of greeting cards. Holiday cards can be sent to large numbers of recipients on mailing lists at certain scheduled times of year. Show a more personal touch by ordering other types of cards such as birthday cards or cards that commemorate other life events to send based on an automated schedule or individual basis.
Make Use of Resources
Setting out as a solopreneur should not make you an island. A vast amount of digital and real-world resources are available to small business owners with a staff of one. It may be possible to get assistance from experts with practically any aspect of planning or running a business at no or low cost. Look out for useful opportunities that arise in online and local networks.
A business owner can also find ways to do good. Donate 20% of the cost of a custom greeting card order to any registered charity and include a line in the card to promote this cause. A business can also find other ways to give back to the community or organizations that build a positive reputation that goes beyond promotional materials.
Entrepreneurs who work alone can automate routines, outsource tasks and rely on external resources that facilitate starting a new business. Ordering custom greeting cards in bulk gives business owners opportunities to customize the covers and interiors of cards for any occasion. Custom cards are precision-printed on high-quality stock and arrive with matching envelopes ready to send to customers or professional contacts on any mailing list.