When you run a branding and website design service-based business, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to go it alone as a solopreneur or build a team to support you. Both paths have their own unique challenges and rewards, and the right choice ultimately depends on your goals, resources, and personal preferences. In this episode, I’m diving into the realities of both options, sharing my own experiences, and helping you navigate this pivotal decision.
The Solopreneur Life
Let’s start with the solopreneur path. The biggest perk? You keep all the profits. Every dollar you earn stays with you, and there’s no need to worry about salaries, benefits, or team management costs. You also have full control over every aspect of your business. Every decision, every creative choice—it’s all up to you, which can be incredibly empowering.
However, there are challenges. As a solopreneur, you’re wearing all the hats: designer, marketer, accountant, and admin all rolled into one. This can quickly become overwhelming and limit your ability to grow. There are only so many hours in the day, and burnout is a real risk when you’re trying to do it all.
The Team Approach
Building a team comes with its own advantages. One of the biggest is time freedom. When I became a mom, having a team allowed me to step back from the day-to-day grind and spend more time with my son. Delegating tasks meant I could focus on the parts of my business I’m most passionate about while trusting my team to handle the rest.
Having a team also enables scalability. You can take on larger projects, serve more clients, and grow your business in ways that would be impossible on your own. Plus, working in your “zone of genius” becomes more attainable when you’re not bogged down by every little task.
That said, building a team isn’t without its challenges:
- Increased costs: Salaries, benefits, and tools for your team can add up quickly.
- Added responsibility: You’ll need to manage payroll, HR tasks, and team dynamics, which can be a lot to juggle.
Making the Decision
So, how do you decide which path is right for you? Start by evaluating your goals: Do you prioritize freedom and simplicity, or are you driven by the idea of scaling to new heights? Take a hard look at your finances to determine if you have the revenue to support a team while still meeting your personal income goals. And finally, think about your passions and capacity. Are there aspects of your business you’d love to delegate, or do you thrive on doing it all yourself?
A Word on Legalities
If you choose to build a team, it’s crucial to do it the right way. Recent laws have clarified how businesses must classify contractors versus employees, and staying compliant is non-negotiable. Proper classification will protect you and your business. Consulting an HR specialist or lawyer is a smart move to ensure you’re navigating these requirements correctly.
If you need any help in this area definitely checkout my friend and client Kira’s company Paradigm. She and her company set up everything I have today with HR, Payroll, and making sure I’m legally compliant with how I operate the team side of my company.
My Journey and Advice
For me, transitioning from solopreneurship to having a team was a game-changer. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of lessons learned, but it’s given me the time freedom and scalability I was craving.
That said, it’s not the right path for everyone. My advice? Take your time. Make sure you’re ready both financially and mentally, and don’t hesitate to seek help—whether that’s hiring a coach, streamlining processes, or leaning on your network for advice.
Choosing between solopreneurship and building a team is a deeply personal decision.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Solopreneurship: Full control and higher take-home pay but limited growth potential and risk of burnout.
- Team: Scalability, time freedom, and focus on your strengths, but higher costs and added responsibility.
What works for one entrepreneur might not work for another. Align your choice with your goals, values, and the life you want to create. If you’re grappling with this decision or want to share your experiences, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment or reach out, and let’s keep the conversation going. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow entrepreneurs. Let’s navigate this journey together!
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