KATHMANDU, Oct 1: Solopreneurs are those people who start a business on their own. They are self employed and do not take orders from anyone. At the same time, they are accountable for their own successes and failures. While starting a business alone might have its own perks, many times it can be hectic and disheartening.
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Some solopreneurs start out with the intention to look for partners once the venture takes off while the rest continue to build their companies on their own.
If you're looking to be a successful solopreneur, the following tips are the most basic guidelines to success.Learn to multitask effectively
As a solopreneur, you might have to multitask a lot. But if done poorly, it can do more harm than good. Know that your brain isn't wired for multitasking. If you think you are a good at it, then you are only deceiving yourself. Your brain can only focus on one task at a time. Therefore, in order to train your brain to multitask, you should instead do two (or more) similar tasks at a time. For instance, you could be watching the news and writing down points that you can use later in your proposals or for upgrading your business. That way, your brain won't be exhausted switching between different sorts of tasks. The best way to do this is by prioritizing the work you have for the day. Each day make a to-do list and rate them as per your priority. For important jobs, try giving them your full attention without multitasking. You can choose to multitask for less important and similar chores.
Organize
A clean and organized work environment is vital for productivity. As a solopreneur, you're the one who handles the most important things and you need a more organized work life to be fruitful. Make sure your desk is clean and all the right papers are in the right files. That will enable you to see clarity in your work which will further enable you to get maximum work done at a minimum time frame. Maintaining a diary, a phonebook, a visiting card-book, among others can be effective tools. Being organized this way also sets a good professionalism on your part which will propel you to take your work seriously. Ujjwal Chapagain of Himalayan Rabbit Farm is a firm believer of categorizing the important tasks so that he gets to them as soon as possible.
Learn to delegate responsibilities
Assigning work and trusting your employees to do it is an important lesson for every entrepreneur. It is especially essential for solopreneurs who obviously can't get everything done all by themselves. Have faith that the employees you hired can get the tasks done as well as you can. If you are nervous about assigning the important work, start by handing them responsibilities you know they can do very well. Make sure they know that you are open to questions and to clearing their doubts. Delegating work responsibilities frees up your time which you can use to do other important things.
Socialize
If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you can't do that simply by staying put in your desk. You will have to go out, meet new people and market your products. Networking is a must for businesspeople. But you shouldn't only mingle with people you can yield some benefit from. Make time for old friends and possible new friends. Talk to them and join workshops with them. They will help you generate new ideas, for they are a sample of your consumers. They will be able to guide you about the demands in the market. Through them, you will learn what consumers are looking for, the service they expect, and the grievances they have against the existing companies. You can use your experienced friends to gain constructive criticism on your venture. Socializing will get your creative juices flowing.
Make the most of apps
It's the era of the Internet and Smartphones. The Smartphone has got a plethora of apps for almost all of your problems. Apps such as Evernote enable you to take notes in a more organized manner. There is Skype for keeping faraway clients or investors updated while also maintaining a healthy contact with them. Similarly, there are apps like eSewa that help you pay bills and save the travel time or the hassle of standing in queues. Search for such services and utilize them for your maximum efficiency.
Take breaks
Even the superpreneurs need breaks. Therefore, schedule breaks and take them. But try not to spend it by sitting at home and being stuck in mindless social networking for hours on end. Go on a long walk- although you might not have the energy or enthusiasm for it in the beginning, once you get it done, you will feel a renewed zeal towards your life and work. Don't check up too frequently on your employees or they will assume you don't trust them at all. Many successful entrepreneurs go on hikes every week. Try it yourself.
