Finding the confidence to go solo

IreneMoore

Irene is a professional mindset and business coach helping female leaders package their skills and launch their freelance creative, consulting or coaching services in her online community for solopreneurs - SavvyStartupClub.

Combat three of the most common confidence killers when starting a business.

For many the idea of going freelance or starting a service-based business (such as consultancy or coaching) is wildly appealing – you set your own schedule, spend more time with loved ones, only work with who you want to and get to take holidays without permission. Sounds idyllic right?

So why do so many ambitious and experienced career women with incredible skills lack the confidence to go it alone – even if deep down they know it is what’s best for their health, wellbeing and relationships?

When speaking with my clients I’ve noticed three common confidence killers that creep in when considering stepping in to solopreneurship – fear of failure (and making no sales); feeling out of alignment (and unclear what you really want); and fear of loneliness (with no team to support you.)

If you’re looking to go it alone and find the above three (very valid!) concerns are killing your confidence; then my top tips to combat these fears and cultivate greater confidence in your next move will help.

Confidence Killer 1: Fear of failure.

Combat Tip: Set profit driven (not just popularity!) goals to begin with.

More often than not the reason why solopreneurs struggle is because they are focusing on all the wrong things when they first get started (typically the things that are tangible like branding and social media) and not spending enough time actually crafting their message and securing clients.

Not only can this be hugely time consuming it can really zap your confidence too! No business – big or small – can survive without clear targets and a clear, step-by-step plan on exactly what you need to do to hit your income goals.

If you’re serious about becoming your own boss and want to feel confident that you can replace your current salary, then I suggest you begin planning sooner rather than later. I have a handy Business Plan Template you can use to get you going.

Confidence Killer 2: Being out of alignmentwith the real YOU.

Combat Tip: Get clear on what you want for your bigger life.

Confidence comes with clarity and clarity comes from taking authentic action. The key word being ‘authentic’.

Whilst many advise just getting started, this can be a dangerous (and costly!) approach if you are unsure which direction to go in. Most of us have spent years in the corporate world and, if we’re honest, have maybe lost sight of what really lights us up when it comes to work.

Going solo is your chance to shape a career on your terms so it’s worth giving it a little more headspace to connect with your most authentic self so that you feel confident stepping out on the right path.

It makes sense that many of us jump into doing what we know however it’s important to take the time to ensure that that is really what you want to do and, if not, what do you want instead?

Confidence Killer 3: Fear of loneliness.

Combat Tip: Curate your community.

Going solo doesn’t have to mean going it alone.

Entrepreneurial ‘brain fog’ isn’t commonly discussed because – well it’s not very glamourous! – but the truth is, after years of perhaps working within a company, it can be a little daunting and frustrating having to make all the decisions yourself.

Being part of a supportive community of people who are on the same path as you can really help combat the pangs of loneliness and confusion that sometimes come with being a solopreneur. Plus having a fresh new network of like-minded women around you can increase your confidence as you see what is possible, not to mention open you up to a whole new world of opportunities.

Download your free Business Planning Template at irenemoore.com/businessplan.

Find Irene online at www.IreneMoore.com sharing weekly mindset and business start-up business tips on her blog and running her SavvyStartupClub.com – an online community for aspiring solopreneurs.