Interview with a Soul Proprietor

There are sole proprietors, and then there are soul proprietors. Not everyone working solo does so for the money. In fact, research that my company conducted several years ago revealed that finances showed up fourth on the list of best reasons to be in business for yourself (it came behind freedom, flexibility, and fun).

Soloists who integrate their work and business are often referred to as "lifestyle entrepreneurs." Once a term of derision, its meaning has shifted as greater numbers of individuals realize that small (and independent) can be a favorable status.

Entrepreneurial expert Jane Pollak has been alongside me on the journey to promote the independent workstyle, and I'm delighted to share with you the news that she's published a new edition of her book, Soul Proprietor: 101 Lessons from a Lifestyle Entrepreneur. This is a book filled with engaging stories of her improbable first business as an artist decorating eggs (featured on the Today Show and at The White House) and how she transformed that experience into valuable business lessons. Along the way, she's become a respected and in-demand business coach, speaker, and entrepreneurial advisor.

I recently had a chance to chat with Jane about the new edition of her book. We spoke about what's changed in the last decade since the book first appeared, and what opportunities await today's solo entrepreneurs. Here's part one; we'll continue next week.

Terri: You've been a participant and witness to the lifestyle entrepreneur movement, as it developed over the last decade. From your perspective, what's changed -- and what's the same?

Jane: I think the biggest difference is that so many more people are now looking to chart their own destiny. It's not unusual to be self-employed. But we're much more values-driven than even a few years ago. People want meaning in their work.

What's not changed is the underlying cause for moving forward, which is fear. I see it all the time in my clients -- the inner voice that says "not good enough," or berating yourself that you over- or under-charged a client, or didn't quite get things right. I encourage soloists to recognize that there are always days slated for growth or learning, and to stay with them and not get upset. (TL: That's Lesson 81). It also helps to recognize that a sense of humor is helpful in learning humility (Lesson 88).

Terri: You devote an entire section of your book to building relationships. How has that changed, in our uber-ditigal era?

Jane: Networking is as important as ever, only now there are so many more ways to connect. As solopreneurs, we don't have the beauty of the water cooler. It's important to get out and meet people face-to-face, even though most of us love the comfort of our offices. One of the reasons I started blogging two years ago was to share my ideas and connect in new ways. A dear friend and mentor told me it would take about two years to figure out my voice and what I wanted to do. She was right. Now I go through my daily business activities, always mindful of what I want to share with my readers. I also have individuals that I check in with -- with one person, it's each morning -- and we keep each other on track and accountable.


Next week I'll continue my conversation with Jane. In the meantime, in her book you can learn why Arnold Schwarzenegger is her role model (Lesson 5), the value of making an appointment to do absolutely nothing (Lesson 80), and what she did when Steve Jobs of Apple Computer called her to place an order (Lesson 85).

Jane also is making a special offer to Working Solo Minute readers: Order by May 31, and receive an autographed copy of Soul Proprietor for $20 (which includes shipping). Details at her site, janepollak.com.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com