How to Become a Super Productive Solopreneur

Being in business for yourself is the best, but there are definitely challenges. You might find yourself stuck in a loop with your productivity sapped. Without anyone to answer to, like a boss or a team, it can be hard to break free and get headed in the right direction.

In the same vein, we only have our own perspectives when we’re working on a project alone. Seeing things from a different angle can be difficult without fresh eyes to help out. That, and no deadlines on our own projects can make us procrastinate or just have no real sense of urgency.

These are some of the reasons why masterminds are a huge boost to business owners’ growth. Joining and facilitating a group has done wonders for my focus and productivity.

If you’re a solopreneur, freelancer, or otherwise self-employed, I think a mastermind can be revolutionary for your business, too.

What is a mastermind?

A mastermind is a group of people who meet together to improve themselves and each other. Often, these groups are formed around improving businesses, but not always. Some masterminds get together to improve writing skills, health, deepen understanding of intellectual pursuits, and more.

Why would you want to start or join a mastermind?

Accountability.

Though the frequency of your meetings will vary, a mastermind will have regular meetings where each member shares what they’ve been working on, what’s worked, where they’re feeling stuck, and then sets goals to achieve before the next meeting. Your meeting will also usually have a member that gets extra attention that week so every person gets a longer session with the group to work out whatever they’re having trouble with or get feedback on projects.

Camaraderie.

Solopreneurship can be a lonely biz and often people in our regular lives don’t quite “get it.” A mastermind provides a space of people who totally do. If you feel frustrated by friends, family, old colleagues, etc., who think your biz is a hobby or not serious, the mastermind is an oasis, filled with like-minded people to keep you motivated. And a motivated solopreneur is a productive solopreneur.

Learning new things!

Each member will have their own unique background, career and life experiences, and ways of seeing the world that can help you see a project in a new light, improve on a specific skill, or point you in the direction of the resources you might have never stumbled upon on your own. Got an expert storyteller in your group? She can help you see why your About page isn’t connecting. A fitness coach in the mix? Maybe they’ve got some insight into your 2 p.m. crash that’s killing your afternoon momentum.

Support.

Help each other out, with referrals, opportunities, connections.

Not only can you learn new things from each other, but often new opportunities, clients, and other connections can spring from the group. If someone in the group starts podcasting, you might just get an interview opportunity. Know someone working on their health? Why not recommend a mastermind member? You really never know what great opportunities can come out of groups like this.

How to Join a Mastermind:

Start one yourself.

Do you have some people you like to chat with on social media? Some other solo biz operators that you admire? Reach out and see if they’d like to join your group. Or put the word out that you’re looking for members and see who might be down for creating a mastermind with you.

Join an established mastermind.

This is what I did. I LOVE my mastermind group. Our meetings are so motivating and leave me ready and raring to go.

Here’s what I love about my mastermind:

Ladies only. I love that the group is for women as I’ve had a harder time speaking up in the past with men in meetings and sometimes in class. That’s not true for everyone, I know! And I know there are probably benefits to mixing it up, but a women-only group is what feels like the most positive place for me to flourish right now. 

Twice a month meetings. This is really where the power of the mastermind is for me. These bimonthly meetings feel like just the right amount of time to take action on my goals and keep motivated while not stressing my introverted self out by having too many meetings.

Webinars and special training each month from Gina Horkey, Ariel Rule, and Lisa Kimrey. These ladies are awesome and have some serious knowledge, so it’s fantastic to get a chance to learn from them every month. They’ve taught us everything from personal branding to how to get better testimonials and feedback.

Awesome Facebook group. With so many large Facebook groups, I can sometimes feel a little lost. I do like other groups, too. But, it’s also nice to have a tight-knit support network where I can connect/commiserate/celebrate with other solopreneurs, many of whom I’ve had a chance to talk with face-to-face in our meeting.

I do hope this post inspires you to find a group that works for you or get one going with some new business besties! It will help you stay grounded and moving forward on this crazy solo biz ride.

Have you thought about joining a mastermind? Are you in one currently?