In a recent conversation with a final-year student who deals in the sales of perfume oil, she lamented how her business operations have slowed down. And the huge blow dealt to youths as a result of the latest economic downturn all across the country. “Many young entrepreneurs are solopreneurs,” she said. Meaning that they operate entirely on their own, and without support from a team. “If they need help at a point, they get freelancers to do some work for them. This class of business owners are not CEOs, rather are sole traders.”
The emergence of solopreneurship in the Nigerian market
The rise of solopreneurship among young entrepreneurs is a fascinating phenomenon that showcases the increasing need for young people to develop essential money-making skills. And create a means of livelihood while still pursuing their education, this is why this mode of entrepreneurship is common among students on Nigerian campuses. This shift in entrepreneurial mindset is indicative of a changing landscape where traditional roles of CEOs and corporate structures are being redefined. Allowing individuals to operate independently and take full control of their ventures.
The surge in solopreneurship has been further amplified by the growing interest in entrepreneurship across Nigeria, as reflected in the country’s global entrepreneurship index. In 2019, the index reached 20.8, a notable increase from the previous year’s 19.75. This 5.33% change demonstrates the nation’s enthusiasm for startups and innovative business ideas. The fact that these numbers continue to rise shows the untapped potential within the youth population to drive economic growth and foster a culture of self-reliance.
Gone are the days when dropping out of the university was seen as the only path to pursue a startup. In today’s interconnected world, university undergraduates are leveraging their time on campus to kickstart and manage their businesses, seeking self-sustainability and financial independence. The proximity to a diverse student community and a learning environment provides a fertile ground for testing and refining business concepts.
Around the University of Lagos, Akoka campus, for example, Temilola, a solopreneur who doubles as a student, tells me a diverse array of goods and services are exchanged by these enterprising students. “From selling edibles and electronic gadgets to offering services like writing, editing, website development, and photography. The range of offerings showcases the entrepreneurial spirit that is blossoming within the university community,” she said. “Additionally, some students have ventured into owning kiosks, barbershops, and fashion houses. While demonstrating their ambition to not only survive but thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors.”
Solopreneurs, by nature, are driven by the desire to keep their costs low and maintain complete autonomy over their businesses. This financial prudence is particularly attractive to young people and students, who are often limited by financial constraints but are eager to seize opportunities for growth and personal development. By taking charge of every aspect of their ventures, these solopreneurs assume full responsibility for their success or failure, and this sense of ownership motivates them to continuously seek new clients and customers.
Freelancing also plays a crucial role in the solopreneur’s journey, serving as a valuable resource when additional expertise or assistance is required. Collaborating with freelancers allows solopreneurs to scale their operations without the need to hire a permanent team, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This model also promotes a dynamic work environment where talents from various disciplines converge, fostering creativity and innovation in problem-solving.
10 ways for solopreneurs to maximize profit and achieve financial success
Solopreneurs, as individual business owners, can employ several strategies to maximize their profit and achieve financial success. Operating on their own allows them to have direct control over every aspect of their business, enabling them to make informed decisions and adapt quickly to market changes. Here are some key tactics solopreneurs can use to maximize their profit:
1. Focus on niche expertise
Solopreneurs can capitalize on their unique skills and knowledge by focusing on a specific niche market. By specializing in a particular area, they can position themselves as experts, attracting a dedicated customer base willing to pay a premium for their specialized products or services.
2. Effective time management
Time is a valuable resource for solopreneurs, and optimizing how they allocate their time is crucial. They should prioritize high-value tasks that directly contribute to revenue generation. And outsource or automate routine and administrative tasks to free up more time for essential business activities.
3. Implement competitive pricing
Solopreneurs should conduct market research to understand their competitors’ pricing strategies. Striking a balance between competitive pricing and maintaining profit margins is essential. Offering value-added services or unique bundles can also help justify higher prices.
4. Build a strong online presence
In today’s digital age, having a robust online presence is vital for reaching a broader audience. Solopreneurs can leverage social media, websites, blogs, and online marketplaces to promote their offerings, engage with customers, and increase sales.
5. Customer relationship management
Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers is key to long-term success. Solopreneurs can enhance customer loyalty through excellent customer service, personalized communication, and offering loyalty programs or incentives for repeat business.
6. Upselling and cross-selling
When engaging with customers, solopreneurs can offer additional products or services that complement their original purchase. This upselling and cross-selling technique can increase the average transaction value and boost overall profit.
7. Strategic partnerships
Collaborating with other businesses or influencers in related industries can expand a solopreneur’s reach and customer base. Partnering for joint promotions or cross-promotions can be mutually beneficial and lead to increased sales.
8. Continuous learning and innovation
Solopreneurs should stay up-to-date with industry trends and continuously seek opportunities for innovation. Adapting to changing customer needs and introducing new and improved offerings can attract more customers and maintain a competitive edge.
9. Monitor and optimize expenses
Controlling expenses is crucial for maximizing profit. Solopreneurs should regularly review their costs, identify areas for cost-cutting, and negotiate better deals with suppliers when possible.
10. Diversify revenue streams
Relying on a single source of income can be risky. Solopreneurs can explore diversifying their revenue streams by introducing new products or services, offering digital products or courses, or monetizing their expertise through consulting or coaching.
Final thoughts
Nigerian solopreneurs need a nation that recognizes the potential of its entrepreneurial population and takes proactive steps to encourage and support them. This can be achieved by providing mentorship programs, networking events, and access to entrepreneurial resources. To foster an ecosystem that nurtures budding entrepreneurs and empowers them to succeed. These initiatives can also help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing young people for the real-world challenges of entrepreneurship.
As the solopreneurship trend continues to evolve, it is essential to foster an entrepreneurial culture that celebrates risk-taking, creativity, and resilience. Encouraging collaboration between students and businesses, both within and beyond the campus, can create symbiotic relationships that fuel innovation and economic growth.
By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive and agile approach to business, solopreneurs can enhance their profit margins and build sustainable and successful ventures. Consistent effort, strategic planning, and a customer-centric focus are essential ingredients for their journey to financial prosperity.
