Week 3: Wins as a Beginner Solopreneur
Not spreading yourself thin is a flex
Here’s week 3 of my wins as a beginner solopreneur. I didn’t post yesterday on Saturday because of a super long work day.
P.S. I’ve included additional sections to include in these issues to provide more of a holistic view of this journey.
Here we go.
1. Opening Reflection: The Reality of This Week
This past week I’ve emphasized discernment.
It’s tempting to want to grow across multiple platforms all at once. So I’ve had to consistently remind myself why I shouldn’t spread myself thin.
Some of my highs were making significant progress in the Literally Academy I bought from Lara Acosta, getting consistent with this series, and getting clearer in my mind about why I’m building online.
Some of my lows have been releasing old thought patterns I used to have when it came to building online. Or I guess it’s a high that I’m working on releasing that. I used to think I had to invest or pursue every single idea I had in that very moment - but this only distracted me from doing what I was doing in this moment (e.g., being consistent with growing an audience or learning a skill).
Pivoting when you get new ideas is great - but if what you’re doing right now isn’t “broken”, then keep on going with it. Don’t switch what you’re doing just cause things seem a little slow.
The way I see it is that you’d only need to pivot when things are going “downhill”.
And here’s a raw, honest take on what’s been on my mind. I know I want to build a business, and so I’m going to do what it takes to do that. Because all of the strength, ideas, knowledge and wisdom that I need comes from God. So why would I need to worry about whether or not it isn’t going to happen?
Results come. But you have got to keep building. Especially if you’re teaching yourself and learning the ropes on your own. You can only rely on yourself to do the work.
2. Wins & Progress: What Moved Forward
I haven’t had any significant movement in strategies, skills, audience or business metrics. The most significant progress I’ve had has been in my mindset, like in deciding that I won’t spread myself thin anymore like I said.
But I do know, and have firmly decided, that the skill I am surely pursuing is email marketing.
Why email marketing?
Security in keeping an audience you’ve built across platforms - it’s an asset that you own, not a platform.
High ROI - emails are more personable and those that join your list are already interested in what you do
Great for monetization - it’s a great way to sell digital products (e.g., eBooks, guides, courses), offer coaching, promote affiliate products, launch paid newsletters, etc
Strengthens a personal brand - you can control the narrative
Next, and like I’ve mentioned in previous issues, I’ve invested in the Literally Academy.
What I like about this academy is that it clarifies things like personal branding, content creation, growth, creating offers and more.
And it’s all centered around LinkedIn, a platform I’ve deliberately chosen to focus on now (besides Substack and growing a personal newsletter of course).
3. Pivots & Adjustments: What I’m Changing
So now how I’ve pivoted.
Months ago, I posted on Substack, X, YouTube, tried building a newsletter at the same time, tried learning LinkedIn, brainstormed products or services to create, and even gave thought to a personal brand.
Like, way too much was on my mind.
Now, I’ve pivoted to knowing, cause you have to know it, that things will work out best if you focus on one thing really well right now while knowing that you will eventually get to that “other stuff”.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that you don’t have to do everything all at once.
4. Epiphanies & Lessons: What Hit Me This Week
In truly realizing that I shouldn’t spread myself thin, it’s been an epiphany that has slowly grown on me. Cause I’ve been used to doing so much that I’ve had to sort of grow into this epiphany.
With this epiphany has come other ones. I’ll mention those next week. But one of them is that networking is insanely valuable—it’s why I’ve shifted my focus on LinkedIn besides many other reasons.
Now on epiphanies. In the past year, I’ve become more mature. Not because of one specific thing, but just cause it’s what’s happened for me. As a result I’ve become interested in wanting to be involved in this whole business thing. I’m just more serious about building online, and maturing some more has gotten me eager to network, build a solid foundation, and genuinely add some value through the things I create.
5. Challenges & Vulnerabilities: Where I Struggled
There are some moments of doubt. This is normal. It’s human nature to have a slight desire for wanting to see something with your own two eyes before you believe it. But that’s what faith and hope is for. It’s about knowing that it will happen for you. Plus, I’m okay with slow progress. I know that my intentions are to build something solid, like I said, so why would I expect results to happen tonight (even though it’s possible)?
I’ve also been thinking about what routine I want to have for myself with building online, working a 9-5, working on fitness, and spending time with family. I’ve had moments where I’ve thought that it’s just too much to build online right now.
But I keep reminding myself that simplicity is key.
If you can simplify what you do, and not make things to complicated overall, then things are manageable. Again, we can’t spread ourselves thin and think we can do it all. Baby steps with some slight urgency.
By the way I just posted an article about not spreading yourself thin, check it out.
6. Networking & Relationships: Who I Connected With
No new or significant relationships yet. Will update next week if I do.
7. What’s Next: The Focus for the Coming Week
I’m excited to improve on my email marketing, networking, and personal branding. I’m also excited to focus on researching more about whether I want to connect with fitness businesses or CEOs and founders in general to assist with email marketing.
Here’s what you can expect next week.
A deeper dive into LinkedIn and what I’ve learned in studying the platform
More personalization into this series
Other entrepreneur endeavors
A closer look at my personal newsletter, The Pitstop, which I’ll be launching soon
Let me know your thoughts.
Recent articles I’ve posted:
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