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Unleashing Your Inner Micropreneur: Embracing the Very Small Business Mentality

I've been blogging about small business for years, covering topics like hiring and firing employees and scaling to become a multimillion-dollar company. According to the SBA, microbusiness is distinct from small business, yet 95 percent of small businesses are microbusinesses. There's a lack of resources for shop owners, consultants, and accountants who are the backbone of our small business culture. If you establish yourself as an expert, your business will thrive. It's a bit envy-inducing when small business owners with staff can take vacations without shutting down. A micropreneur on Twitter mentioned he couldn't take time off because he was his business.

Staff Editor January 23, 2024

Are you a micropreneur, running a business with few to no employees? Join the club! According to the Small Business Administration, 95 percent of small businesses fall under the category of microbusinesses. Yet, the majority of advice seems tailored to larger small businesses, leaving the micropreneurs, shop owners, Etsy designers, consultants, and accountants yearning for resources and guidance.

When you’re a one-person show or have a tiny team, it’s hard to catch a break. You envy those small business owners with staff because, let’s face it, when they take a vacation, their business doesn’t have to grind to a halt. But fear not, my fellow micropreneur, for there are ways to thrive in this space. Consider positioning yourself as the face of your business. After all, your personality and expertise are what sets you apart. People connect with people, not just with a brand name.

However, if you have dreams of selling your business down the road, it might be wise to separate your personal brand from the business name. This can make your business more attractive to potential buyers, as it no longer relies solely on your personal reputation.

The struggle is real, though. I recently sparked a discussion on Twitter about the woes of being a micropreneur. A fellow business owner shared that they couldn’t even fathom taking time off because, essentially, they were their business. Sound familiar? It’s a common predicament for many micropreneurs. But remember, acknowledging the issue is the first step towards finding a solution.

So, where do we go from here? With the odds seemingly stacked against us, it’s crucial to seek out the support and resources that cater to our niche. Whether it’s finding efficient ways to automate tasks, seeking mentorship within the micropreneur community, or learning to leverage our unique position as a small, agile business, there are avenues to explore.

In the end, being a micropreneur might have its challenges, but it’s also a testament to your resilience and creativity. Embrace your uniqueness and forge ahead with the knowledge that you are an integral part of the small business culture. After all, the best things often come in small packages.