Being a solopreneur is hard. You’re the CEO, CFO, and janitor all rolled into one. And while you may wear all those hats with pride, the fact of the matter is that it’s impossible to do everything on your own and expect to be successful.

Chances are, you’re making some rookie mistakes that are holding you back from reaching your full potential. Let’s take a look at three of the most common mistakes solopreneurs make and how to fix them.

1. Trying to Do Everything Yourself

As a solopreneur, you wear many hats. But that doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. In fact, trying to do everything yourself is one of the quickest ways to burnout. Instead, learn to delegate and outsource the tasks that aren’t essential to your success.

For example, if bookkeeping isn’t your strong suit, hire an accountant or bookkeeper to do it for you. By outsourcing the tasks you’re not good at or that don’t contribute directly to your bottom line, you’ll free up time and energy to focus on the things that really matter. We love using Upwork to find freelancers who can help with all kinds of tasks.

2. Not Investing in Your Business

Just because you’re a solopreneur doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in your business. In fact, not investing in your business is a surefire way to stagnation.

If you’re not willing to put money back into your business, how can you expect it to grow? reinvesting in your business shows that you’re committed to its long-term success.

So, if you haven’t been putting money back into your business, now’s the time to start. Invest in marketing, new products or services, employee training, or whatever else will help take your business to the next level.

3. Not Taking Time for Yourself

When you’re a solopreneur, it’s easy to get so caught up in work that you forget to take care of yourself.

But if you want to be successful, it’s important that you make time for yourself every day—even if it’s just 10-15 minutes.

That 10-15 minutes can be spent meditating, reading, exercising, or doing anything else that brings you joy and helps reduce stress.

Taking time for yourself will refresh and recharge your batteries so you can approach work with a clear head and renewed energy. 

4. You’re Not Focusing on Your Strengths

When you’re a one-person show, it’s easy to feel like you have to do everything yourself.

But the truth is, there’s no shame in admitting that you can’t do everything. In fact, trying to do too many things is one of the quickest ways to sabotage your business. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on the things you’re good at and outsource the rest.

For example, if you’re great at sales but terrible at bookkeeping, hire an accountant to handle your finances. Freeing up your time will allow you to focus on the things that really matter and grow your business more quickly.

5. You’re Not Building a Support Network

One of the biggest mistakes solopreneurs make is thinking they can go it alone. But even the most successful entrepreneurs need a supportive network of people they can rely on for advice and guidance.

If you don’t already have a network of mentors and peers, now is the time to start building one. Joining professional organizations or taking classes related to your industry are great ways to meet potential mentors and peers.

Once you’ve established relationships with these individuals, don’t be afraid to lean on them when times get tough or you need advice.

6. You’re Not Marketing Yourself Effectively

If you want your business to succeed, you need to get the word out about what you do and why people should care.

But marketing yourself effectively can be difficult when you don’t have a lot of money to spend on advertising. T

he good news is, there are plenty of free or low-cost marketing channels available to solopreneurs. Social media, blogging, and speaking at industry events are all great ways to raise awareness about your business without breaking the bank. 

Solopreneurship is no walk in the park—it takes dedication, commitment, and hard work. But if you find yourself struggling to achieve success as a solopreneur, chances are you’re making some rookie mistakes.

From trying to do everything yourself to not taking time for yourself, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls if you want to succeed as a solopreneur.