Introduction
In this article, we will learn about the stories of Becca Dente and Melissa Johnston, two independent non-solopreneurs who offer insights into how to work smart and stay connected in the business world. We will explore their experiences in building their networks and growing their businesses, and how tools like Dropbox can help them stay on track.
Clearing Residual Attention
Everyone knows that modern work requires a lot of coordination tasks, as most of the work time spent by knowledge workers is on sending emails and scheduling meetings. Unfortunately, being your own boss does not exempt you from facing the same organizational fate.
For Melissa Johnston, organizing from the ground up took time – finding a workflow and organization approach that suited her and sticking to it. “It took experimenting with three different systems to discover Dropbox and realize how easy it is to use,” she says. “I use it to keep client files organized so I have healthy records in one place without cluttering my therapy space.”
This clutter can also be psychological, as it turns into what Sophie Leroy, an associate professor of management at the University of Washington, calls “residual attention.” This term describes the presence of multiple tasks and commitments dividing our attention in a way that diminishes overall performance – a type of administrative work that can seep into work relationships.
Becca Dente’s ultimate goal when implementing Dropbox Sign into her workflow was to protect her clients from logistics that could seem shaky and unprofessional. Her first step with clients involves sending a non-disclosure agreement via the platform. “Having Dropbox Sign as an initial introduction sets the right tone of professionalism that I hope to convey,” she says. “I get the start of the relationship to feel like I have everything under control.”
Staying Connected
While non-solopreneurs are on their own paths, that path cannot extend beyond the limits of their networks. For many, staying connected is not just a way to help bolster their professional momentum but also a means of combating the isolation and loneliness that can afflict non-solopreneurs.
In Becca Dente’s case, she wouldn’t have the business she has today without a steady flow of referrals from her network to start her consulting agency. “The more and more people work with me and feel what I do, the more my network grows, and therefore they can refer me to the next person,” she says.
However, the benefits of businesses that rely mainly on word of mouth do not end here. These intimate and direct referrals can provide a form of support and connectivity in an otherwise isolated experience. “I never thought people valued my skills as much as they do. Hearing people and seeing what they write about me when they present me in emails is beautiful to see,” says Becca Dente.
Melissa Johnston agrees that lacking an incorporated community as a freelancer can lead to professional and creative stagnation. “The big challenge is staying connected with other people in the field and what they are doing,” she says. For her, bridging that gap is essential for ongoing growth and motivation. “I overcome that by seeking out people who inspire me and surrounding myself with those who challenge me mentally and offer new ideas.”
Don’t Try to Read Minds
Working solo can quickly turn into an echo chamber for your own thoughts and ideas – no matter how extensive your network is. For entrepreneurs, it’s not just important to build a broad community, but also to foster relationships with individuals directly involved in your work. Actively seeking feedback from clients or collaborators is something both Melissa Johnston and Becca Dente recommend for non-solopreneur entrepreneurs.
“Don’t
“You can fix a problem you don’t know exists,” says Becca Dente. She warns against getting too wrapped up in your own thoughts, which can lead to trying to read your clients’ minds instead of communicating with them directly. “You can spend the whole day guessing, ‘Is this client happy? Are they not? Are they unhappy but afraid to say so?’ Make sure you leave yourself open to getting that feedback.”
For Melissa Johnston, finding opportunities to listen to her clients helps maintain trust in the professional relationship. “I make sure that when my clients talk to me, I’m not busy with other things and I do my best to listen to what they need,” she says. These conversations not only allow her to do her job better, but also remind her of the motivation behind why she does what she does in the first place. “My reason is to help people live their lives without pain, or with manageable pain,” says Johnston, “and ultimately, helping people be the best version of themselves.”
Don’t try to do everything
Between Becca Dente and Melissa Johnston, there is a common theme in their advice for solo entrepreneurs: even though you start out alone, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. It starts with leveraging personal relationships and relying on tools to lighten the burdens you don’t have the time, skills, or patience to handle.
Knowing when and where you need support starts first with understanding your own skills and capabilities. “Be very honest with yourself about what you’re good at and what you’re not good at,” says Becca Dente. “When I meet new clients, I’m very clear about that. [Either] I can’t do that for you, but I can refer you to someone, or yes, that’s me and I’m 100% confident in it.”
Melissa Johnston adds that delegating when you need to can help prevent burnout and keep your business healthy. “Let people help you,” she says. “As entrepreneurs, you don’t have to be the best at everything. There are ways to get help with finances, scheduling appointments, or direct communication. Do what you’re good at and let others help your business succeed.”
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