Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`m curious about something. There`s the notion of "solo-preneurs", who are doing a wonderful job spreading this term around and gaining a lot of attention.

Some are like me, just entrepreneurs, and definitely not millionaires (yet). But that`s because we just started. Others are multi-millionaires, but are they truly "solo?" Or is that something they`re using just to get the attention of the real solo-preneurs hoping to become multi-millionaires someday?

The reason I ask is this: I can`t really think of any Fortune 500 companies that are "solo"-preneur organizations. Nor can I think of a single Forbes 40 under 40 company that is owned and managed by just one person. Really. There are support staff, legal staff, financial advisors, etc that are all part of these organizations, taking them from what I would consider solo-preneur organizations to full blown regular ol` companies.

So I guess the question is what is a solo-preneur, really, and can you really make it BIG being one?

It`s my belief that business is never done solo.  I mean, one person always relies on the assistance of others.  I`m self employed and there is only me doing what I do.  But is it?

Nope.  I rely on my accountant.  I sometimes rely on printing companies to create my products.  I rely on my web hosts.  I rely on friends for opinions.  I sometimes rely on SuN.  I rely on the entrepreneur groups of which I belong.  Etc.

In my opinion, just because someone is running a "one person operation", that doesn`t mean that only one person is behind what happens.

Tia:

I think Steve makes some valid points - it is both rare and usually foolish for an entrepreneur to truly "go it alone."

Also, it depends on what you mean by "making it BIG." I`ve worked with solo business owners who simply don`t want the hassle of employees or workers comp insurance or corporate tax returns. In other words, their definition of success isn`t measured in dollars. Everyone is different.

Good luck!



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Understood. I agree that success gets measured differently by different people.

I also find it interesting that you said it is "rare and usually foolish" for an entrepreneur to truly `go it alone`".  How so?

Cheers!

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Confadate for your peace of mind.

Sandy

Most businesses start with an idea that someone has - in time that person enlists the assistance that he/she may need to get the work done efficiently. I agree with the previous posts - and as mentioned above - you will know when you need to add to your business. Hopefully, you wont suffer from being in control of everything - a symptom many of us have at one point or another in ensuring that our vision is carried out the way we want it to - as it reflects what our purpose for creating our business in the first place.

Best wishes for your business!



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Take each day, mold it and make it yours.......

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Enh...there`s always someone who wants to put an "-ism" on something, or make a play on words like "entrepreneur." Not long ago, the hot buzz word was "mom-preneur." Now it`s "solo-preneur." They`re all made-up words to shorthand an apparent lack of comprehension on the part of the wordsmiths.

You can`t take a made-up word and examine it for reality or definition. It`s like trying to define "groovy," or "hip." Is a hip a joint in the skeletal system, or is it a real word that means what..."in with the cultural present?"

It`s bad enough to try and make sense of these kinds of spin words, but if you then try to adjust your course in life according to those words, you can end up in trouble. You`ll add frustration, anxiety, and potentially, envy into the mix. You`ll think you have to compete with millionaires who did it all on their own, without a single bit of help from anyone, ever. Of course that`s not true.

I guess the reason I don`t pay much attention to media spin words and terms is that I grew up in the music business. Long ago, right from the start, I`d hear about "overnight success" bands. That worried me.....for about a minute and a half, until I found out that "overnight" actually was more like Biblical time. "Overnight" usually meant more like 12 years or so. :-)

"Long ago, right from the start, I`d hear about "overnight success" bands. That worried me.....for about a minute and a half, until I found out that "overnight" actually was more like Biblical time. "Overnight" usually meant more like 12 years or so. :-)"

ha! True.

Well, thanks for the replies! Much appreciated!

Cheers!