Running a solo business can feel like operating without a map at times. Sometimes you can stumble along the path, figuring things out as you go. Other days, you look around and realize that you’ve wandered pretty far off course.
One of the hardest parts is not having anyone to rely on for guidance. That’s why community matters so much for solopreneurs. Rather than operating in a vacuum, you can bounce ideas off other people. Or you may find that community reduces your feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The sooner you find (or build!) a community, the easier it becomes to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of being a solopreneur.
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The connections that make solo work sustainable
Even though you don’t have coworkers, you can still create a network that fills the same role: support, accountability, and a place to ask questions. For example:
One-on-one relationships
Fellow solopreneurs or “business friends” are incredibly important. These are the people who understand what your day actually looks like, because theirs looks similar. If you find a solopreneur with a similar business or in a similar niche, you can gain a lot. You can swap ideas, compare notes on pricing, or share resources. Or simply be a sounding board for each other when a client is being difficult.
The other day, I got a Slack DM from a fellow solopreneur who said, “Can I run something by you real quick?” And I was happy to answer. She would do the same for me.
If you don’t know where to begin, start with platforms you’re already using. Reach out to other solopreneurs and invite them to a virtual coffee chat. Be specific about why you’re reaching out. You’d be surprised at how many solopreneurs are generous with their time and knowledge.
Structured communities (paid or free)
If you prefer something formal or with a larger group, consider joining a free or paid community for solopreneurs.
Paid memberships often come with perks, like workshops, expert Q&As, or networking sessions. If you’re a new solopreneur, these communities can significantly shorten your learning curve, because you’re surrounded by people who’ve “been there, done that.”
Free communities—like Slack groups, LinkedIn groups, or Discord servers—can offer many of the same benefits. However, you’ll need to do a bit of quality control. Some spaces are overrun with self-promotion or spammy messages. Others are simply too quiet, for the group isn’t big enough for conversations to happen organically.
Some solopreneurs hesitate to spend money on community, especially in the early days. It’s an understandable concern. But the right community can save you hours of trial and error, or prevent you from making a costly business mistake.
Coworking (in person or virtual)
Maybe you don’t need advice. You simply want to be around other people. What you miss most about corporate life is the time spent with coworkers.
Traditional coworking spaces give solopreneurs a way to work around other humans again. They can be especially helpful if you miss the rhythm of an office or struggle with motivation at home. Even being around strangers who are deeply focused on their laptops can be energizing. (I’m a big fan of working in coffee shops.)
Virtual coworking offers a similar effect without the commute. Focus sessions and online coworking communities help solopreneurs stay accountable. I’ve done virtual coworking with complete strangers, friends, and even people who aren’t solopreneurs but just want to get things done.
Of course, formal coworking usually has a monthly fee for either coworking spaces or virtual coworking. However, if you’re more productive during coworking time, it might be worth the cost.
You don’t have to navigate work alone
There’s no single “right” way to find community as a solopreneur. But one thing will always be true: The support you build now will grow alongside your business. You’ll never regret the time you spend finding your people. I’ve done all three things I suggest here: one-on-one relationships, structured communities, and coworking. The people I’ve met are truly incredible.
The people you surround yourself with—whether through relationships or coworking—will influence your business just as much as any tool or strategy you adopt. They’re worth the investment.
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