Solopreneurs and the new gold rush

Rugged individualism has always appealed to me. There's something magical about self-reliant mavericks carving their path--one that others may, or may not, follow.

I'm of the mind that if all the fish are swimming one way, you're probably better off doing a 180. Maybe you'll run into the shark that's chasing them, but at least the view is better. And this is how I feel about careers today.

Certainly there are people who love jobs inside companies they don't own. Going solo or building an entrepreneurship isn't everyone's bag. But if you're reading this, you're probably like me--experiencing a persistent restlessness any time you try to fit your round self inside their square hole (a.k.a. a cubicle... and no, I didn't just call you fat.)

I have a love-hate relationship with technology. On the one hand, I think it will be the downfall of humanity. On the other, it's handed solopreneurs the oyster their world is supposed to be. (Your sixth grade principal promised this in your moving-up ceremony, right?)

If you crack the tech code, you can work from anywhere on any schedule, allowing your virtual presence to keep the lights on even when you're curled up asleep. It's no wonder more people are dipping their toe in the water of online business. For some, it's still unchartered territory--scary and overwhelming. But pioneers have gone before you... they've machete'd the wildness and created a path if you seek it. Be warned: once you descend over that ridge, you probably won't come back.

When you're a certain kind of Creative, some of what you offer undoubtedly needs the human experience -- think makeup artist, for example. But, I bet you dollars to donuts that another part of it--even if it's small--can work through tech... say, white labeling a new line of lipstick... Hello, Bobbi Brown!

Tell me what you're up to. Bring me your questions about how to make tech your first employee. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone who does. I have insatiable curiosity like that.

To your success,

Andrea