A #THREAD ON HOW TO START A #SOLOPRENUERSHIP FOR #SRILANKANS. I thought of celebrating this May Day with a thread on how you can empower yourself! Please note, in no way am I insinuating that I am successful, these are just some tips that worked for me, and might work for you! ๐๐ฝ
Tip #1: Do you think you need capital to start a business? FALSE ๐ซ. There are tonnes of businesses that can be started with very very little to no capital, by simply using your own skills, dedication and contacts. Two of my most successful ventures started with ZERO capital.
Tip #2: Do not overthink. A lot of people have fantastic ideas, but either keep overthinking and never launch, or simply procrastinate. So, one of the most crucial tips I have for you is that if you have a business idea just go for it. Don't worry about failure. DO IT!
Tip #3: If you are just starting, try to be as location agnostic as possible. What I mean is, try not to be tied down in terms of resources/facilities/skills to one particular location. This is the secret to going global. If you are location agnostic, the world is your oyster ๐
Tip #4: LEARN A NEW SKILL. Since the pandemic, there has been a major shift in terms of skills in demand. If you are still in a traditional field, that may not have many solopreneur opportunities, learn a new skill in demand. Here is a great source.
emeritus.org/blog/these-are-the-top-5-skills-youll-need-in-2022-to-advance-your-career/
Tip #5: Check out this link. It shows you the most in-demand skills for freelancers in 2022. Try to identify if you already have one/many of these skills. If not, try to find a skill that you may be interested to learn.
techrepublic.com/article/the-most-in-demand-skills-for-freelancers-in-2022/
Tip #6: One of the most valuable links I have ever come across is the list of free courses from @skillshare. Again, these courses are 100% FREE OF CHARGE, and they teach you amazing skills that are in demand! Bookmark it! ๐ฅ
skillshare.com/browse/free-classes
Tip #7: Another excellent place to learn a new skill, and earn a certification that is recognised is edX. There are a variety of different courses/skills that you can learn to become a freelancing pro. ๐ฅ
edx.org/search?tab=course
Tip #8: If you are looking into digital marketing, and would like to begin a freelance career in it, here are some amazing places to get started FOR FREE: ๐งโ๐ป
futurelearn.com/courses/digital-skills-digital-marketing
learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/
Tip #9 (1/2): If you are planning on starting your solopreneurship on a smaller scale, without registering your business first, make sure you have your infrastructure setup carefully. Create accounts on @wise or @payoneer that will enable you to accept USD/FOREX payments.
Tip #9 (2/2): If you are starting on a smaller scale, check out all possible freelance workplaces that have tonnes of opportunities. Here are some newer, niche marketplaces with less competition.
toptal.com/
weworkremotely.com/
remoteok.com/remote-freelance-jobs
This is another fantastic remote job opportunity board that I came across. workana.com/en/jobs
Tip #10 (1/2): Think twice before registering your business in #SriLanka. I know registering your business is a step towards credibility. However, last I checked business reg can cost anywhere between LKR 35000- LKR 100,000. This once again ties you back to Sri Lanka.
Tip #10 (2/2): My suggestion, if finance permits, spend a bit extra, and register in #USA. As I mentioned before, this opens you up to world-class US banking services. Plus, when submitting proposals, mentioning that your business is reg in the USA will give you an advantage โ
TIP #11 (1/2) : MOST IMPORTANT: DO NOT BE SHY. I cannot stress this enough. To first start a business, you have to leverage your contacts. Whether that is your mom, dad, uncle, aunt, or girlfriend, it doesn't matter. Everyone needs a service.
Tip #11 (2/2): Talk to people, they may know someone that needs your services. Set a target where you talk to at least 50 or 60 people/week. That is what it takes. From that 50 or 60, only 1 may bite. But THATS A START. If you are shy, I am sorry, but don't start a business.
So, I hope these resources in this ๐งต were able to help you in some way. I am going to put together a few more avenues on how Sri Lankans can make a side income in USA/Forex soon. In the meantime, as always if you found this useful, do let me know ๐