Small business credibility: You cannot be serious!

A majority of soloists admit they are concerned about their small business credibility. But before changing our ways to suit others, we should recognise the legitimacy of our chosen workstyle.

There’s no doubt cynical attitudes abound in the wider business community.

When you think about it, those who view soloism using a traditional work paradigm are bound to struggle with the concept. It’s easier for them to talk in patronising terms like ‘how's your little business?’ or 'Are you still just working from home?' than it is for them to appreciate our integrity, autonomy and earning potential.

I suppose they think a regular job in the Cube Farm is the way forward.

What a cheek. Why should 'their' (wider business community's) be 'our' (soloist) way?

In reality, solo businesses have not so much rewritten the work rulebook as razed it to the ground. Furthermore, there are almost as many ways of working as there are solo businesses.

For me, soloism is a lifestyle choice. My business is not a stepping stone to 'better' things, but a way of work uniquely crafted to fit and finance the way I live. As a result, work is not a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 endeavour. Instead, my weekdays are a joyous mix of family, friends and office time. Ditto my weekends, actually.

But before you worry that mine is a slacker approach which gives the solo movement a bad name, let me assure you, I can turn on the professionalism when I need to.

For example, I want to go to the beach at 10am on a Wednesday. Do I divert calls to my mobile? No. I have a message that says "I will respond to your call within two hours." I am aware that clients don't want to hear seagulls and pounding surf while talking business.

And return the calls within two hours I do, without explanation or apology.

"What if it’s urgent?" you ask. This won’t happen. Because I am not a thrive-under-pressure type, I won’t take on work if deadlines are too tight. Also I don’t believe in being always available, even if it is during so-called work hours. Clients know this, i.e. their expectations are set and boundaries are in place.

Plenty of outsiders, as well as more earnest solo business types, would frown on me popping off to the beach during the day. They would despair of me working propped up in bed, in my tracky daks, sans lipstick. I can empathise with that view, particularly when so many in the solo community struggle with credibility issues.

But, I argue, does my unconventional style mean the work I do for my clients is cack-handed? Hardly. Does it make me incompetent or stupid? No.

Besides, I've tried the whole 'dress smart so you'll feel more professional' bit and ended up feeling like an alien in my own skin. It didn't work...for me.

However, I've found a work style that does and I honour it. I love my work, but I also love my friends and family and recognise the time needed to keep these relationships healthy. And if I lavish time on them in the week, that's my choice. Happy Sam = happy clients.

Whether you're a serious soloist driven by money and prestige or an idler seeking the path to an easy life, surely finding what works for you has got to be central to any soloist's definition of success.

Sam Leader is a director of Flying Solo and its editor. She is the co-author of Flying Solo - How to go it alone in business.

13 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 | Next» View all»

Brilliant article Sam! It's funny how some people seem to be so concerned with things that shouldn't even bother them. The results a soloist (or anybody for that matter) produces is what counts above all else. How those results are produced should be left entirely to the individual(s) who are creating them. I guess us solopreneurs and entrepreneurs are constantly pushing the perceptual barriers. Unfortunately it may be a while until unconventional/custom work habits are as acceptable as casual Fridays. Paul J. Morris from Sydney, Australia | Read my articles
What a super article Sam. I really identify with the unstereotypical approach in how we work & like you am loving it. I love being free to beach or movie or work as it suits me & this means I get to enjoy all the moments NOW & not one day when....
I agree with Paul that it may take some time for that sense to be a generally accepted concept - yet how funny to hear from most people outside that work style how wonderful it must be to have. Yay to going solo & stretching the paradigm of what's possible. Meny Lees from Sydney, Australia
Spot On, Sam !! I love Friday morning tennis, swimming a laps in uncrowded pools and watching a movie in an uncrowded cinema ! My clients seem to appreciate my consequent good humour, positive attitude and ability to achieve results in an AGREED timeframe ! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
I run a home business whilst raising 3 young children. I was recently told by a close friend that when my kids start school I'll probably want to get a job. I said I have a job. Apparently not (according to my friend). At least not a "real one" - her words. B Coppock from Engadine
Tracky daks are part of MY sme's uniform, will in summer includes MY boxers. MY start time is 4pm(unless out of the office) so MY boss is always catching me at MY desk early. He keeps harping on about MY value to the company and MY workplace agreement reflects this. As for MY clients, do they like it? SWSWSWEW...... Some will, some won't, so what, enough will! Michael Gates from NSW Central Coast
I have just returned from spending most of the day with my (nearly) 92-year-old Granny, who has not been well; my 2yo is in bed, & I will now start the work that needs to be done for tomorrow (red wine in hand!). I was in the wonderful position of being able to spend time with my Grandpa, "doing stuff", in all the years I've had my business (10). Clients want work done well, to your strengths, on time. Like Sam, I don't apologise for where I've been. I might tell close, well-known clients (say about Granny, because it's a genuine relationship and they genuinely care) — or I might not. I always get dressed every day, with hair and make-up done... because... that suits MY brain/achievement style, or, as Sam says, it's honouring your way of working (which means you'll do a good job...!). BTW, I've just rung my husband to say we need more red wine on his way home! I haven't had to say it for oh-so-long, but I do love the comment of "whose reality?"...!!! Samantha Schelling from North Ringwood

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