Ask Sarah: How to keep going as a solopreneur and when to ask for help or switch strategies
Q: What keeps you going on your worst days? Not like motivational things but tangible actions for when you feel like calling it quits.
ANSWER: At the beginning of my business, when things got tough, I’d just have a huge meltdown. I’d spend many hours crying and then wake up the next day, put on my big girl pants, and get back to it. I was going after every opportunity and I was wearing myself out. That was not the best choice.
Now, 14 years in my answer is totally different. When I have a garbage day (or week or month) I take a break because my business that I created should not be giving me terrible days. I make the rules and I can change them.
The best thing to do on a bad day is to take the pressure off. Leave the house and do something you haven’t done in a while. One day at the beach here in San Diego and I’m locked back in.
You need space to objectively look at your business and find what’s keeping you stuck or overwhelmed. For those that are committed to “not having time” or whatever excuse. Remember, if you don’t take a break, it WILL TAKE YOU. Go sit in the grass and read a book!
Q: I’ve been building my business for the past few months and I’m realizing the hardest part isn’t creating my course, it’s not knowing if I’m doing the right thing because nobody has signed up yet. How long do I keep going before hiring a coach or finding someone to help with my marketing?
ANSWER: Ohhh do I remember this feeling. Starting a business going from zero decisions to 1000 important ones every day. You may be running on vibes and a prayer for a bit, but if you’re feeling stalled, it’s time to make some changes.
Make sure your course has a very specific outcome and includes almost too specific examples: For example: I didn’t just change my hair color and I didn’t just dye it green. I dyed it seaweed green like the salad you get with sushi. Now you can picture it, right?
Reach out to your network again and maybe again: Your first student will probably be connected to someone you already know. Post on your personal Facebook, dig through your TikTok followers, and find that one person that is the perfect match for your course. Then get in their DMs!
Switch marketing channels: Instagram not working? Maybe your audience is on TikTok, Pinterest, or Discord. Maybe they prefer podcast episodes over emails. Maybe you’re better at writing than making Reels and you need a blog for search engine traffic.
Hire a coach. Maybe marking isn’t your thing and you need a second pair of eyes on your sales page or someone to encourage you through making Youtube content. Maybe you have the leads and need help closing sales. There are TONS of brilliant marketing coaches you can hire to give you the second opinion. I’m available sometimes too!
