The 7 Essential Solopreneur Allies: Which are you missing?


Lately, I’ve been thinking about how solopreneurs are all tightrope walkers, balancing between independence and isolation.

Seasoned solopreneurs understand that surrounding ourselves with other independents makes our journey easier, more enjoyable, and much less lonely.

Yet those we invite into our solo spheres can greatly influence us and our business. So we need to choose wisely.

Today I want to share 7 types of allies every solopreneur should cultivate. See how your solo squad compares — and who to add.

You + allies = Team Solo

Let’s tackle a common myth right at the start: As much as we value our independence, successful solopreneurs can’t thrive in isolation. Working solo is not working alone.

Yes, we may have no employees. But we rely on others.

In fact, research shows that entrepreneurs with strong social connections are more likely to succeed and experience less stress.

So who should be on your solo squad? Let’s explore.

Meet your 7 essential allies. Who’s on your list?

🔵 #1: THE MENTOR

Think of this ally as your personal business guru. They've been there, done that, and have the t-shirt (and scars) to show for it. Your mentor offers:

  • Valuable insights from years of experience
  • Guidance on strategy and work-life balance
  • Perspective on the challenges you face

Keep in mind that mentor guidance for solopreneurs can also come from books, audio programs, courses, and peer learning groups.

🔵 #2: THE ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER

We all need someone to keep us on track, right? Your accountability partner:

  • Helps you stick to your goals and deadlines
  • Regularly checks in on your progress
  • Isn’t afraid to give you a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge when needed

🔵 #3: THE CHEERLEADER

Solopreneurship can be an emotional rollercoaster. Your cheerleader:

  • Believes in you, even when you doubt yourself
  • Celebrates your wins, no matter how small
  • Boosts your confidence during tough times

🔵 #4: THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

While positivity is beneficial, so is constructive criticism. This ally:

  • Challenges your ideas and points out flaws
  • Helps you see your blind spots
  • Asks tough questions to refine your strategies

🔵 #5: THE INDUSTRY LEADER

Networking is vital, and this well-connected colleague:

  • Introduces you to potential clients and collaborators
  • Keeps you updated on industry news and trends
  • Helps you spot opportunities you might miss

🔵 #6: THE OUTSIDER

Sometimes, the best insights come from outside your professional sphere. This colleague:

  • Offers fresh perspectives from a different field
  • Sparks creativity with “naive” questions
  • Reminds you of the world beyond your business

🔵 #7: THE SAME BUSINESS-STAGE COLLEAGUE

There’s comfort in shared experiences. This ally:

  • Provides a reality check to your daily challenges
  • Exchanges tips, insights, and resources
  • Can collaborate on projects or problem-solving

Building your dream team

Now that you know who you need, how do you find them? Here are some ways:

✅ Proactively seek connections

✅ Attend industry events and join professional communities

✅ Use social media to find like-minded individuals

✅ Offer value in return — the best alliances are mutually beneficial

With the right allies, you’re never truly alone in your solo journey. They always make the adventure more fun, more meaningful, and more successful.

Your challenge this week: Identify which of these 7 allies you have, and which one(s) you’d like to add. Then, take one concrete step towards cultivating that relationship.


Solo Business Canvas Workshop coming soon

I’m delighted to share preview news of a new two-part, interactive workshop arriving in a few weeks, just for solopreneurs. It’s based on my new visual framework, the Solo Business Canvas.

The Solo Business Canvas Workshop is a hands-on, live workshop perfect for preparing to make 2025 your best year ever.

Using the one-page framework, you’ll gain a bird’s-eye view of your solo business and discover where the bottlenecks and holes are. Then you’ll create a simple, clear roadmap to move forward quickly and confidently.

Best of all, you won’t have to do it alone. I’ll offer expert guidance, and there will be time to share ideas and feedback with other solopreneurs.

So, in less time than it takes to watch a Netflix movie, you can have a personalized action plan for your solo business that is ready to use immediately.

I’ll share full details in an upcoming SOLO issue. For now, if you want to be on the early notification list, click ​here​. And if you haven’t yet downloaded your free copy of the Solo Business Canvas, you can do so now.


❤️ My favorite visual delights

Here are this week's gems from around the Web for all types of visual thinkers and solopreneurs:

🏛️ Essay Architecture: A Visual Framework for Writing
Michael Dean’s masterful visual framework on writing essays is distilled from analyzing hundreds of classics. His 27-pattern system, inspired by architectural principles, offers a fresh perspective on crafting compelling essays. It’s a great read for solopreneurs looking to elevate their writing and communication skills, and a must-see for visual framework makers.

🐝 Sam Altman’s Productivity Secrets
OpenAI’s CEO shares insights on maximizing output while maintaining balance. Learn why choosing the right work is crucial, how to nurture relationships, and why your environment matters for peak productivity. Authentic advice for solopreneurs looking to optimize their workdays.

🤝 The Strength of Weak Ties
Explore Mark Granovetter’s groundbreaking 1973 paper on networks, hosted on a site that lets you “chat” with the research using AI. It’s a fascinating dive into this classic research on the power of connections, and a valuable read for expanding your solo squad.


Did you miss these?

Catch up on recent popular SOLO issues you may have missed.

The Productivity Secret of the Solo 7

7 Powerful Questions to Unlock Your Solo Business

Can You Spot the Invisible Drag Forces on Your Solo Business?

How to Stand Out When You’d Rather Hide

Meet the Solo Business Canvas

Want to check out other past issues? Visit the SOLO Newsletter archive.


Thanks for being a SOLO reader and joining me on this journey.

Know someone who could use allies in their solo business? Share this newsletter!

And if you received this issue from a friend, I invite you to subscribe.

See you next week,

SOLO, a newsletter to help solopreneurs stand out

SOLO is your weekly design and visibility lab — part of the Solo Business School, and dedicated to helping solopreneurs stand out with smart systems, sharp visuals, and tools that unlock your edge. Each week, you get fresh ideas to help you stay small and play big.

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