How Freelancers Can Make Entrepreneurship Accessible for Solo Founders
Share
Building a startup means wearing many hats. I’m the sole founder, operator, seller, marketer, financier, product developer, etc. Even though I take on every role, I'm not skilled in all of them.
I “grew up” at a professional services firm, which is very different from a product-based business. But, I was lucky enough to learn firsthand how to build and operate a company with a lean team and then sell it to a larger organization.
I’m a big proponent of doing as much as you can on your own to learn and save money when you’re starting out. That said, there’s a time when you may need help with something that’s outside of your wheelhouse.
One of my favorite podcasts right now is Female Founder World. As you can guess, the host interviews female founders, mainly from product-based businesses, who are currently running companies or who have sold their business.
In multiple episodes, the host has said, “freelancers make entrepreneurship possible.”
That phrase stuck with me after hearing a few founders swear by working with freelancers in the early days.
When you’re in the beginning stages of a startup, self-funded like I am or have limited resources, hiring skilled personnel isn’t always an option.
I don’t have enough work to hire a full-time designer right now.
I don’t have enough work or money in the bank to hire a full-time food scientist and supply him or her with the necessary equipment.
That’s why I started working with freelancers.
It’s kind of like dating.
We go on a first date, and if it goes well, we decide if we want to see each other again.
If we do, then we schedule a second date. Before we know it, we might find ourselves in a long-term relationship.
And if we don’t, then we go our separate ways, never looking back.
Nowadays, there are plenty of resources to help you start a business. Depending on your budget, there’s a lot you can outsource.
Regardless of who you work with - freelancers, manufacturers, suppliers, or employees - it’s critical to remember one thing.
No one cares about the success of your business as much as you do.
I “grew up” at a professional services firm, which is very different from a product-based business. But, I was lucky enough to learn firsthand how to build and operate a company with a lean team and then sell it to a larger organization.
I’m a big proponent of doing as much as you can on your own to learn and save money when you’re starting out. That said, there’s a time when you may need help with something that’s outside of your wheelhouse.
One of my favorite podcasts right now is Female Founder World. As you can guess, the host interviews female founders, mainly from product-based businesses, who are currently running companies or who have sold their business.
In multiple episodes, the host has said, “freelancers make entrepreneurship possible.”
That phrase stuck with me after hearing a few founders swear by working with freelancers in the early days.
When you’re in the beginning stages of a startup, self-funded like I am or have limited resources, hiring skilled personnel isn’t always an option.
I don’t have enough work to hire a full-time designer right now.
I don’t have enough work or money in the bank to hire a full-time food scientist and supply him or her with the necessary equipment.
That’s why I started working with freelancers.
It’s kind of like dating.
We go on a first date, and if it goes well, we decide if we want to see each other again.
If we do, then we schedule a second date. Before we know it, we might find ourselves in a long-term relationship.
And if we don’t, then we go our separate ways, never looking back.
Nowadays, there are plenty of resources to help you start a business. Depending on your budget, there’s a lot you can outsource.
Regardless of who you work with - freelancers, manufacturers, suppliers, or employees - it’s critical to remember one thing.
No one cares about the success of your business as much as you do.