How does the 2.0 version of yourself as a Solopreneur look like? – Andrea Cristancho

Is entrepreneurship, a force for change in the world? 

Yes, indeed it is.

Entrepreneurship creates jobs, creates equality in society, narrows down market gaps, and keeps innovation in constant flow by seeing and acting on market opportunities.

However, we might believe we aren’t all born to be entrepreneurs, or perhaps the total opposite, we can learn to become entrepreneurs. No matter in which direction you currently perceive it, this is your invitation to outgrow your current state and see your 2.0 version in its UpLevel capacity. 

Organizations like the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) have reached the top ranks globally reporting the entrepreneurial scene across the globe since 1999. In the 2019/2020 GEM Global report, they share the current global data. 

GEM as a key stakeholder looks after:

• Developing entrepreneurial talent and inspiration
• Sustain businesses into maturity
• Promote entrepreneurship across all contexts
• Ensure equal access to all
• Boost entrepreneurship’s overall impact on an economy
• Build national entrepreneurship framework conditions

I encourage you to read the report, notwithstanding, it’s about the people. For example, the training to become an entrepreneur is essential these days, no matter if you end up taking up a job at a global corporation after your entrepreneurial studies because it’s all about building the mindset. Personally, I believe 2020 has been an eye-opener to many who doubted things can change overnight. Having the capacity to create/innovate in a systematic way is an asset to thrive in any economy, that’s for sure. 

So, let me ask, why people start businesses solo?  It could be financial motives, social impact (wanting to make a difference), continue a family tradition, or can’t find the right job opportunity under a new set of life circumstances (as career new mothers, for example).

Now, the key lies in sustaining the business through the obstacles that appear, that’s the crucial component to thrive, not just getting people to start their business. 

So, what makes it easier? 

Having a pool of entrepreneurs is key, the ecosystem (peers, mentors, coaches), and infrastructure, as well as, the law of proximity help to motivate to transition into maturity.

For example, according to GEM (source)

Switzerland tops for ease of starting and developing a business

Last year GEM introduced the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), a measure of the ease of starting and developing a business. In the latest report, Switzerland topped these rankings among the 54 countries involved in the study, followed closely by the Netherlands, Qatar, China, and the United Arab Emirates.  

Data from NECI was derived from the 2019 GEM National Expert Survey (NES) in which national experts are asked to assess the national environment for entrepreneurship in terms of 12 GEM-defined framework conditions. 

Physical Infrastructure is universally rated the most well-developed of the framework conditions that support entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship Education at the school-level is universally regarded as the least developed, weakest condition.

What can we learn from this? 

As female entrepreneurs doing business in Switzerland we can benefit from a wide network established to support us. However, in my international experience, playing at a local level at times will keep you narrow-minded. Carrying on doing what you have set as habits can be detrimental if you’re starting to feel burned out. 

On the contrary, from Switzerland, and mainly if you’re running a serviced based business, you can reach international markets with ease. And, that is a winning proposition!

And, this brings me to our top question, how can we adapt this report to our business so that we can bring by our 2.0 version to light today? A few aspects to consider: 

1. Review your 2020 Business Growth Strategy – before the 3rd Quarter ends!
2. Try not to re-invent the wheel by adding more, rather focus on what has worked keeping your eyes on the #1 thing that moves the needle forward – brings in revenue!
3. Utilize the resources available, leverage the existing entrepreneurial network, your own, and the one available in Switzerland too. 

And, last but not least, be ready to reset, rinse and repeat! Reach out for mentors that can assist in your strategy to regain focus and growth. My hope for you is that 2020 has challenged you to grow into your best version yet. To your Success! 

• 2020
• Business
• review
• solo entrepreneur