13 January 2024
Michelle Knight,
The Life Passion Coach
Solopreneur Lifestyle
Today, I’ll be talking about the importance of community and connection during your solopreneur journey. It can be lonely starting a new business and we humans are social creatures by nature. It is important to look after your mental health and your physical health along the way, so finding what works for you is critical and having a support system in place to help you through is crucial. To find out more, you’ll have to read on…
Bonjour mes amis et bienvenue! I am The Life Passion Coach, Michelle Knight, I’m a digital nomad, a passport stamp collector and an avid reader and motorcyclist. Starting and running a solopreneur business is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. Today, I want to talk about something that often goes overlooked but is absolutely critical: the importance of community and connection during your solopreneur journey.
While the independence of building your business can be exhilarating, it can also be isolating. Humans are social creatures by nature, and navigating this path alone can take a toll on both your mental and physical health. That’s why finding a support network—your tribe—is essential to both your well-being and your success.
Starting a business requires hard work, dedication, and the willingness to take on multiple roles and responsibilities. From day one, you’ll face critical decisions that can shape the success or failure of your venture. Entrepreneurship offers immense rewards—financial independence, personal growth, and creative fulfillment—but it also demands resilience, persistence, and the ability to handle uncertainty. And let’s face it: uncertainty is stressful. Our brains crave predictability, so the ever-changing landscape of starting a business can feel overwhelming.
Research shows that more than two in five entrepreneurs experience burnout. Long hours, irregular schedules, and the pressure to wear multiple hats—handling everything from marketing to legal affairs—can leave you drained. Solopreneurs often grapple with self-doubt and mental health challenges, and without a support system in place, it’s easy to feel isolated. That’s why prioritizing your mental and physical health is not just important—it’s non-negotiable. Taking care of yourself is the foundation upon which everything else is built.
I’ve learned this lesson firsthand. When I first started working from home on my business, I was struck by how much it reminded me of the early days of the 2020 COVID lockdowns. Do you remember those times? Our government of the time restricted everyone to their “bubbles” for weeks on end. Suddenly, we were all working and living within the confines of our homes, disconnected from our usual networks. For me, this disconnection was profoundly challenging. I found myself scheduling as many phone calls and video chats as possible, just to feel a sense of connection. I even took my calls outside, pacing around the boundaries of my property to combine socializing and exercise. It worked—to a degree—but it wasn’t sustainable.
Over time, I realized that I needed a more intentional approach to maintaining my sense of community. Through trial and error, I discovered what works for me: a balance of alone time to recharge and social time to connect. I joined clubs and societies that aligned with my interests and passions. Some of these groups are directly related to my business, while others are purely for fun. These regular meetups, whether weekly or monthly, have become my lifeline. They’ve helped me build a tribe of supporters who understand and uplift me.
If you’re on a similar journey, I encourage you to take the time to figure out what you need. Start by asking yourself a very simple but powerful question: Are you an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between? Understanding where you fall on this spectrum can guide you in creating a support system that energizes and sustains you.
Introverts often recharge by spending time alone or in smaller, more intimate gatherings. If this sounds like you, consider joining small mastermind groups, participating in one-on-one mentoring relationships, or seeking out quiet spaces where you can connect with like-minded individuals. On the other hand, if you’re an extrovert, you may thrive in larger social settings and enjoy meeting new people. Networking events, co-working spaces, and community workshops might be a better fit for you. Most of us, however, fall somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. The key is to identify what works best for your unique personality and energy levels.
There are many different ways you can try creating your tribe. You might volunteer for a cause that aligns with your values, join a professional association, or connect with peers through social media groups. While online communities can be valuable, it’s also important to seek in-person interactions whenever possible to foster deeper connections. Attending workshops, signing up for a community college class, or participating in a local hobby group are just a few ideas to explore. Building a network takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
The solopreneur journey is not meant to be walked alone. Building a community and nurturing your connections will not only help you weather the inevitable ups and downs but also enrich your life in ways that go beyond business. Your tribe can offer guidance, inspiration, and encouragement, making the path to success feel less daunting and more fulfilling.
Creating a tribe is about more than just business networking; it’s about forming meaningful relationships that contribute to your overall happiness and well-being. A strong support system can provide perspective during challenging times, celebrate your victories with you, and help you stay motivated when the going gets tough. These relationships remind you that you’re not alone and that others are rooting for your success.
So, take that first step. Reflect on your needs, seek out your tribe, and create a support system that will empower you to thrive. Remember, success isn’t just about financial gains—it’s about building a life that is joyful, meaningful, and connected. Embrace the journey, invest in your relationships, and watch how much stronger and more fulfilled you become as both a solopreneur and a person.
I’m still giving away my two Freedom Pursuit Checklists – either the “Nomad Nirvana: Your Starter Checklist to Freelance Freedom” or the “Side Hustle Serenity: Your Checklist to a Profit Partners Passion”. I’m giving these away to you, completely free – all you have to do is fill out a basic form so I can email you the checklist you have chosen.
I have developed these checklists to get you started on your journey and give you some actions that you can take to get the ball rolling. The idea is to lay a strong foundation that will enable you to move forward and make meaningful progress. These lists will provide a basic roadmap that will help you identify and prioritise the steps you need to take to reach your destination.
If you are interested in the details of the Freedom Pursuit Checklists, just go to my website and click on the button to fill out the form and receive the checklist you chose. Just remember, big change requires big support, and I’m here to help you through the transition from the rat race you’re running now to the passionate, fulfilled life you want for yourself.
Thank you for reading this BLOG post of the “Freedom Unleashed: Solopreneurship” Broadcast. Believe in yourself and trust the process. Always look for new opportunities and be open to change. Enjoy the journey and make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Take the first step, embrace the journey, and rediscover the excitement and purpose that life has to offer. Until next time, stay passionate.
I will leave you with my final thoughts:
BDK – Be Brave, Be Different and Be Kind. Remember: Laughter is the answer to everything.
Je vous remercie et je vous souhaite une bonne journée.
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