Solopreneur Lessons: What I Wish I Knew When I Started

Hey guys, I’m Demetria, your friendly content strategist! With 20 years of business experience under my belt, I’ve learned some invaluable solopreneur lessons that I wish I had known when I first started. Today, I want to share my heart and give you a peek into the things that shaped my journey as an entrepreneur. If you’re at the start of your business journey—or even somewhere in the messy middle—this one’s for you.

So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s chat about what I wish I had known before starting my business.

If you prefer to watch, here’s a video for you…

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You Don’t Need Everything Figured Out

One of the biggest lessons I learned (the hard way) is that perfectionism will slow you down. Back when I first started, I thought every detail needed to be flawless before I could move forward—like that logo that I tweaked a hundred times. Truthfully, nobody cared if my logo was perfect. What mattered was showing up and taking action.

If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to stop overthinking and just start. You’re going to make mistakes; that’s part of the journey. Waiting for perfection only delays your progress. Start messy, learn as you go, and tweak things along the way.

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Building a Business Takes Time

Oh, how I wish someone had told me that growing a business is a long game. Back in the early days, I thought I could hit major milestones quickly. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t work like that.

It takes time to build a reputable business, refine your skills, and develop trust with your audience. And guess what? You don’t have to serve everyone. You only need to serve your specific niche.

I didn’t fully understand this at first. I tried to help everyone, which ultimately meant I was helping no one. Once I got clear on my niche—helping entrepreneurs and creatives with content strategy—things started to click.

If you’re still figuring out your niche, don’t stress! I created a free workbook to help you narrow it down. It’s okay if it takes some trial and error to find your groove. Give yourself permission to grow into your business.

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You’re Allowed to Change

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to have it all figured out. When I started my first business in my mid-20s, I was still figuring out who I was as a person. Life is full of transitions, and as we grow, our priorities and passions can shift.

For example, what I cared about at 25 isn’t what drives me now. Back then, I was all about web design services. Today, my passion is helping people create content strategies that align with their goals.

Don’t be afraid to pivot when your interests or circumstances change. Your business should evolve alongside you. Of all my solopreneur lessons, this has been one of my biggest.

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You Can’t Do It All Alone

Let me tell you, as a solopreneur, I wore all the hats in the beginning. From designing my logo to editing podcasts, I tried to do it all.

Here’s what I learned: it’s okay to ask for help. Outsourcing—even just a little—can save you so much time and energy. When Fiverr came along, I was thrilled! I finally had access to affordable professionals who could take tasks like logo design off my plate.

If you’re just starting out and don’t have a big budget, consider reinvesting some of your earnings into hiring help. Whether it’s graphic design, social media management, or even editing, outsourcing frees you up to focus on what you do best.

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Balance Passion With Focus

When I was younger, I wanted to do everything. I had a passion for so many things, but trying to juggle them all made it hard to focus.

If this sounds like you, my advice is simple: pick one thing and run with it. Focus doesn’t mean giving up your other passions; it just means prioritizing what will move the needle in your business.

Trust me, there’s time to explore other ideas later. Start with one core offering or goal and build from there.

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Invest in Yourself

Here’s a game-changer: personal growth fuels business growth.

I spent years learning new skills—SEO, graphic design, marketing strategies—not just to save money but to better understand my business. While DIY-ing everything isn’t always sustainable, it’s a great way to learn the ropes in the beginning.

As your business grows, don’t hesitate to invest in courses, mentorships, or tools that can help you level up. Every dollar you spend on your growth is an investment in your future success.

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Success Looks Different for Everyone

One of the most freeing things I’ve learned is that success doesn’t have to look like someone else’s journey.

In the age of social media, it’s easy to compare yourself to others. But remember, you’re not behind—you’re on your own timeline.

For me, success isn’t about making millions or going viral. It’s about creating a business that aligns with my values, allows me to support my family, and helps my clients succeed. Define what success means for you, and don’t let anyone else’s version of it distract you.

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It’s Never Too Late

Finally, if you’re feeling like you’ve missed the boat, let me assure you: it’s never too late to start.

Whether you’ve been putting off that business idea or you’re ready to pivot into something new, now is the perfect time. The experiences and skills you’ve gained up until this point are assets that can help you succeed.

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Final Thoughts on my Solopreneur Lessons

Looking back on my 20-year journey, I can say this: every mistake, detour, and challenge has shaped the businesswoman I am today. If you’re just starting out or feel stuck, know that you’re not alone.

Take it one step at a time. Be patient with yourself. And most importantly, enjoy the ride.

I’m rooting for you! If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to check out the free niche workbook I mentioned earlier. Let’s keep growing together.

With love,
Demetria