What are the pitfalls of working independently?
What are the keys to success from self-reliance?
These seven points can help you succeed on your own when building a business in the 21st century.
Craft a unique story.
In business, its important to show your customers that you are different from the rest.
What is special about you?
What is different about the way you do business vs. your competitors?
Craft a unique story that you love to tell and one that your customers will remember.
If youre going into business on your own, a good differentiation strategy is even more important.
If your focus just replicates what others are already doing, youll be fighting an uphill battle.
photo bysola
2.
Be careful with that advice, however.
photo by lichtfaktor
3.
Be flexible, but be patient
The early months of running your own business can be slow and difficult.
Its not easy to sit idly by while your savings shrink and business trickles in.
Be flexible during these early days, but be patient.
photo bytaylor pemberton
4.
Trust your talents, but know your limits.
Hire out the things you cannot do well enough on your own.
photo by lapp pro
5.
Image is everything, so invest in your brand identity.
photo by julien breton
6.
Get your own space and leave it often.
A laptop in the living room wont cut it, because distractions will constantly take you away from work.
Remember, however, that sitting idle in your office can hurt your creativity.
Make and keep real connections.
That office can get quite lonely when working for yourself.
Join industry groups and attend conferences, and develop friendships with people who share your interests.
