How to Create Your Own Opportunities as a Solo Entrepreneur

Being a solo entrepreneur is a journey of resilience, creativity, and faith. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace the challenge, it can be one of the most rewarding paths in life. Over the years, I’ve learned that opportunities don’t just fall into your lap—you have to create them. Here are five key principles that have helped me build my online personal training business and can help you create opportunities in your own life and work.

1. Do Your Best in Every Situation

When you’re a solo entrepreneur, your reputation is everything. Every interaction, every piece of content, and every client session is an opportunity to showcase your skills and build trust. Even when the situation isn’t ideal, doing your best can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Why It Matters:
People notice effort and excellence, even if they don’t say it outright. A client who feels valued and supported is more likely to refer you to their network. A blog post or podcast episode that you pour your heart into might reach someone who becomes your next big client.

My Experience:
When I worked at GoodLife Fitness in 2018/19, I struggled to get clients, even with the leads they provided. But I learned that the key wasn’t just having leads—it was making the most of every opportunity I had. Now, as a solo entrepreneur, I carry that lesson with me. Whether I’m creating free resources or working with a paying client, I always aim to deliver value. That mindset has led to unexpected opportunities, like referrals and collaborations, that I couldn’t have planned for.

Actionable Tip:
Treat every task, no matter how small, as if it’s the most important thing you’ll do that day. Whether it’s responding to an email, creating a social media post, or coaching a client, give it your full attention and effort. You never know who’s watching or what it might lead to.

2. Provide Value Without Expecting Immediate Returns

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that giving without expecting anything in return is one of the most powerful ways to create opportunities. When you consistently provide value, you build trust and goodwill, which eventually come back to you in ways you can’t predict.

Why It Matters:
People are drawn to those who genuinely want to help. By offering free resources, like blogs, podcasts, and challenges, you position yourself as an expert and build a loyal audience. Over time, this audience becomes your biggest asset.

My Experience:
I’ve been creating free content for years—blogs, cooking videos, walking challenges, and even a podcast I’ve been running for almost a year. None of these things directly pay me, but they’ve helped me build a community and attract clients who trust me because they’ve already benefited from my work.

Actionable Tip:
Think about what your audience needs and how you can help them. Create free resources that solve their problems or inspire them. It could be a blog post, a video tutorial, or a free challenge. The key is to focus on providing value, not on what you’ll get in return.

3. Stay Consistent, Even When Motivation Wavers

Motivation is fleeting, but consistency is what drives success. As a solo entrepreneur, there will be days when you don’t feel like working. On those days, it’s important to show up and do the bare minimum to keep the momentum going.

Why It Matters:
Consistency builds trust and credibility. It shows your audience and clients that you’re reliable and committed. Over time, even small, consistent efforts add up to big results.

My Experience:
There are days when I don’t feel like creating content or reaching out to potential clients. But I hold myself to the same standard I expect from my clients: do the bare minimum on tough days, but never stop moving forward. This approach has helped me stay consistent and keep my business growing, even when progress feels slow.

Actionable Tip:
Set non-negotiable “bare minimums” for your business. For example, commit to posting on social media three times a week or reaching out to one potential client every day. On days when you’re feeling unmotivated, focus on these small tasks to keep the momentum going.

4. Be Open to Creativity and Fun

One of the best parts of being a solo entrepreneur is the freedom to experiment and have fun with your work. Embracing creativity not only keeps you engaged but also helps you stand out in a crowded market.

Why It Matters:
When you’re having fun and being creative, it shows. Your audience can feel your energy and passion, which makes them more likely to connect with you. Plus, creativity often leads to new ideas and opportunities.

My Experience:
I’ve had so much fun creating cooking videos, designing challenges, and experimenting with different types of content. These creative projects not only keep me excited about my work but also help me connect with my audience in unique ways.

Actionable Tip:
Give yourself permission to try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s starting a podcast, hosting a live Q&A, or creating a new type of content, embrace the freedom to experiment and see where it takes you.

5. Have Faith in the Process

Success as a solo entrepreneur isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, and progress often comes in waves. The key is to trust that your hard work and dedication will pay off in the end.

Why It Matters:
Faith in the process keeps you going when things get tough. It helps you stay focused on your long-term goals, even when short-term results are disappointing.

My Experience:
I’ve learned to embrace the waves of entrepreneurship. Some months are great, and others are slow, but I know that as long as I stay consistent and keep providing value, things will work out. This mindset has helped me stay resilient and keep moving forward, no matter what.

Actionable Tip:
Remind yourself of your long-term goals and why you started in the first place. Celebrate small wins along the way, and trust that the effort you’re putting in now will lead to bigger opportunities in the future.

Conclusion

Creating your own opportunities as a solo entrepreneur isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. By doing your best, providing value, staying consistent, embracing creativity, and having faith in the process, you can build a business and life you’re proud of. Remember, opportunities don’t just happen—they’re created through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to put yourself out there.

What opportunities will you create today?