Freelancer vs Solopreneur
Which one are you?
The words "freelancer" and "solopreneur" get used interchangeably quite often, as both words refer to someone who chooses to perform his or her work independently (like I do). But by the end of my post, we both will be in agreement that there is a core difference between what these two terms are actually describing. Understanding this distinction can afford you the clarity to more accurately define your role and to align your actions. So, I'll be discussing this difference as well as illustrate how one can shift from the title of "freelancer" and into the one of a true "solopreneur".
Freelancer vs. Solopreneur: What’s the Difference?
Firstly, understand this: Freelancers and solopreneurs both work independently, but differ in their respective mindsets, future goals, and their approaches to performing their work.
Freelancer
A freelancer performs their work of specific services for their clients on mostly a project-by-project basis. They are generally skilled in a particular area, like graphic design or copywriting, and work for their client to get a particular job done, after which the working relationship usually comes to an end.
Key Traits of a Freelancer
Works for multiple clients at the same time
Focus is on completing tasks/delivering their service
Lacks long-term business systems and plans
Often has one-off working relationships with clients
Income is directly linked to the amount of hours they work
Flexible manner of work
Unstable cycle of earning income
The "hustle" can lead to burnout
Freelancers are fantastic at their craft, but their income depends directly on their ability to do their work. While freelancing can provide a high level of flexibility, it can also become very limiting. The burnout that can come from hustling for clients, constantly negotiating contracts, and the rollercoaster of feast-or-famine work cycles is real.
Solopreneur
And now what about a solopreneur? A solopreneur is someone who has taken the extra steps needed to form an actual "business" and "brand" around their work. While often starting out as a freelancer, these individuals progress by establishing systems and processes, and by shifting their strategy towards building a model that can scale over time. They have a "business" instead of a "job".
Take myself, for example. My focus is on establishing a model that can operate independently to a degree, and has the opportunity to grow with me. My focus is significantly centered around growing by leveraging processes, systems, and tools to optimize my business operations (and those of my clients, as well).
Key Traits of a Solopreneur
Operates as a business owner with systems and processes
Has stronger and long-term, recurring working relationships with clients
Focuses on long-term stability and growth
Can have diversified income streams with passive or recurring revenue
Can scale over time by using tools, automation, and outsourcing
Is more of a "builder" than a "doer"
How to Transition from Freelancer to Solopreneur
Now, it doesn't just happen overnight, but becoming a solopreneur from being a freelancer is entirely possible with the appropriate strategies and plans in place. Consider this following list as a step-by-step guide towards accomplishing this for yourself.
Change your mindset: First and foremost, start viewing yourself as a business owner. This means thinking long-term and making decisions that are strategic for the future and are sustainable.
Create a "brand" instead of just a service: Build a brand by nurturing a reputation that can be consistently recognized and trusted by your ideal clients Pro Tip: You can establish yourself as an authority by regularly sharing your insights and posts that demonstrate your expertise. This helps in attracting long-term clients who see the real value in your brand.
Build systems: I cannot stress this enough. Build efficient systems with automation and tools that will save you time to perform more of the work that only you can perform to scale your business. Think: your client onboarding, scheduling, taking payments, answering inquiries, etc. I very happily use ClickUp for this.
Diversify income streams: Favor creating passive or recurring revenue streams such as digital products, memberships, and retainers. This ensures that you won't be fully dependent on the amount of hours that you work. Some other ideas of passive income streams include:
Online courses or workshops
Digital products like templates, guides, or resources
Membership communities.
Sustain long-term client relationships: You can escape living paycheck-to-paycheck by offering retainer services, ongoing consulting, or creating custom packages that keep your clients coming back. The more you build these relationships, the more stability your business will have.
Delegate or outsource: You just can't do it all. Smart solopreneurs realize that in order to grow, you will require some help. Hire a virtual assistant or an OBM (like ME!) to lighten your load of tasks so that you can remain operating in your Zone of Genius.
Have a long-term vision: Instead of project-to-project, think years ahead. Actually create a Business Plan and Marketing Plan to provide yourself the guidance needed to make decisions and take actions.
Becoming a solopreneur isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter and building a business that allows you to thrive and enjoy life outside of work. With the right systems, mindset, and strategies, you can turn your freelance hustle into a sustainable, scalable business.
Action Items for You
Note your current business model: Are you primarily working project-to-project, or are you starting to build systems and recurring revenue streams?
Automate or systematize one area of your business: What repetitive tasks can you streamline to free up time?
Diversify your income: Think about how you can offer digital products, retainer services, or memberships to create recurring revenue.
P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start, I’ve got resources to help you. Be sure to check out my upcoming episodes on my podcast, Clarity Calling, or book a complimentary discovery call to see how I can support your journey.
🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS
🔔 REMINDERS
My all-new ClickUp Clarity Audit is still at Beta pricing!
This audit will ensure that your ClickUp workspace is operating at its highest potential without the need for ongoing support, enabling you to feel confident and capable of using ClickUp to its fullest capacity…
✨ LET’S ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS TOGETHER! ✨
If you’re looking to streamline your digital operations and implement systems that truly support your business, I’m here to help:
As an expert in digital operations management and systems strategy, I work with creative and service-based entrepreneurs to bring structure, clarity, and ease to their businesses. From project management and CRM setup to personalized strategy, I’ll help simplify and scale your operations so you can focus on what you do best.
📅 Ready to explore how we can work together? Book a free Discovery Call with me today, and let’s chat about transforming your business from the inside out!
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Ah ok this makes sense. My business is a freelancing business. So maybe a bit of both for me?