In this tutorial, I'm going to tell you the five best free resources for solopreneurs.

Just like entrepreneurs, solopreneurs need tools in their arsenal to make their days easier and work more professional. For solopreneurs just starting out, it can be hard to afford some of the fanciest resources available, which is why knowing the free sources can be key to success.

Let's learn about these great resources that are completely free and will help your solopreneur business dramatically.

1. Workflow Max

If you are looking for an integrated platform, Workflow Max is tough to beat. You can use this tool on a smart device or laptop, making it convenient for you. Additionally, Workflow Max handles just about everything related to solopreneur job management. 

For example, this project management software lets you manage your scheduling, quoting, invoicing, time tracking, and reporting. It does even more, such as lead management, making all processes of project management easier. 

2. Zapier

One thing that can be annoying as a solopreneur is that every little task must be finished by you, even the little minute tasks that are more annoying and time-consuming than difficult to complete. Zapier helps you automate tasks, which saves you a lot of time.

How Zapier works is that it teaches over 750 apps to work together. With the free plan, you can create basic automation and build individual connections. If you want more customization, you can invest in the premium plan.

3. Grammarly

No matter which industry you are in, you will have to write something at one point, such as a proposal or an email. One of the worst things you can do is show potential clients a document that is riddled with spelling or grammatical errors.

Grammarly is one of the best tools to make sure everything you write is correct and sounds great. You can easily integrate Grammarly into your web browser or download the app. You can upgrade for a premium account if you want more technical suggestions.

4. Square

As a solopreneur, you may need to accept payments through debit or credit cards. If you are a solopreneur, you likely understand the stress of trying to find a payment option that doesn't cost an arm and a leg in setup or fees while still being safe and secure.

Square is one of the safest and most affordable options on the market. It has zero fees associated with setup, and it only keeps 2.75% of transactions made through Square. This will allow you to accept more credit and debit card payments with peace of mind that you aren't breaking the bank or jeopardizing someone’s payment sources.

5. Hootsuite

Social media is crucial in any market today. If you want to be a successful solopreneur, you need professional social media accounts. It can be difficult to track all of your accounts and processes though. Hootsuite makes the job easier.

Essentially, Hootsuite works as a virtual assistant and manages all of your accounts. With the free version, you can connect to three different social media sites, view analytics, and schedule messages. You can invest in the payment options if you need more account access or if you have a team.

Closing Remarks

I hope these five free tools can help your solopreneur business reach new heights. With the help of these tools, you can look more professional and save time throughout your day, allowing you to focus on the bigger project hurdles and tasks.

 The Digital Vibe Network

 

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Today, I am going to tell you 5 helpful tax tips all solopreneurs should know. As just about any self-employed person knows, tax season is incredibly stressful. Even if you hire an experienced accountant, tax season is a little different for self-employed people, which is what makes it so challenging.

These five tips can help the process go a bit smoother with fewer headaches. Let’s get started.

1. Estimate Income

The first tax tip for solopreneurs is to estimate your income. When you estimate income, you can also estimate how much you will need to pay in taxes. This will come in handy in case you need to file for quarterly taxes. It also helps you you can plan ahead. Currently, the self-employment tax is about 15.3%.

If you have been consistently working self-employed for some time, estimating your income will likely be pretty easy. If you're new to the game, it can be more of a challenge. Look at how much you are making now and try to factor in how much you expect to increase throughout the year.

2. Plan Ahead

As a solopreneur, you will need to pay a self-employment tax. These taxes go to paying Medicare and Social Security. All freelancers, small business owners, and independent contractors must pay self-employment taxes. Once again, this comes out to 15.3% of your earnings. It's important to plan ahead so that you are not left in the dust whenever tax season rolls around.

I recommend creating a separate savings account where you withdraw about 25% of each paycheck and stash it away for tax season. This will make it much easier to pay taxes without breaking into your savings.

3. Organize Receipts

Make sure to have a thorough receipt organization system. This includes physical receipts, email receipts, and other digital receipts. You will not be able to prove your earnings or expense costs if you do not have the proper receipts and documentation.

For earnings, make sure to keep the receipts, but also create an Excel spreadsheet. It's also a good idea to create an Excel spreadsheet about all of your expenses. This makes it much easier on you when tax season comes around.

It's also a great idea to automate as much as you can. Automation will ensure that everything is organized, even when you are a bit scatterbrained or too busy to focus on meticulous details.

4. Take Advantage of Tax Deductions

As a solopreneur, you get more tax deductions. This can include features of your home office and even your Internet and phone bills if they are used for your business. Even specialized publications, subscriptions, and car mileage can be tax deductible. Take advantage of these tax deductions to pay as little as possible in tax season.

I recommend looking online or talking to an experienced accountant who knows a lot about self-employment tax deductions to learn about exactly what can be deducted from your taxes.

5. Increase Retirement Contributions

Although IRA contributions are limited, you can contribute more to your retirement accounts by opening a SIMPLE, SEP, or profit-sharing plan. This is a great way to increase retirement contributions, even as a self-employed worker..

Final Thoughts

Tax season is stressful for anyone, but it is especially stressful for solopreneurs and other self-employed workers. Incorporate these tax tips into your tax plan so that you'll be more prepared and knowledgeable when tax season rolls around.

The Digital Vibe Network

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Today, I am going to talk about four shocking ways your children can help grow your solopreneur business.

When people think about both work and having children, they naturally think of all the negatives. Obviously, starting a solopreneur business when you are also a parent is a lot of extra work, leaving you to feel tired and overwhelmed. Although there certainly are negatives to starting a solopreneur business as a parent, there are many benefits as well.

For example, children can actually help grow your business. I know this sounds odd, but it is true. Let’s find out exactly how your children can help your solopreneur business grow to new heights.

1. They Can Give You Wacky Ideas

Many people don't take what children say very seriously. After all, about 95% of what comes out of their mouth is utter nonsense. As a solopreneur, you can use that nonsense as inspiration to help your business become more successful and unique.

Kids have the wackiest ideas. Although they sound weird at first, their ideas are a little bit genius in their simplicity and effectiveness. Sometimes, all it takes is a really random suggestion by your child to come up with new products or ways to promote your services.

2. They Can Introduce You To More Potential Clients

Kids want to have really active social lives, complete with a lot of play dates and end sleepovers. Although this is a lot of work to you, it does give you the opportunity to meet more potential clients and customers. You should not bombard your children’s friend’s parents with your services, but it certainly does not help to mention that you can help out if the situation ever arises.

Even if the other parents do not meet your business's target demographic, those parents may be able to recommend you to other people they know.

3. They Are Free Promotion 

All children are excited to show up and represent their parents. That is, until they become preteens and teenagers who care about looking cool. Still, young children look up to their parents and would be more than happy to be free promotion.

If you have merchandise shirts, you can easily have one made in their size for them to wear to school or other functions. Plus, young children are likely to tell other adults what you do if you can explain your work to them in an easy-to-remember way. If you integrate your child into the production or services, they’re even more likely to be eager to tell other people about it.

4. They Keep You Motivated

Children are a hassle at times, but they are some of the best motivations. As parents, we want our children to have the best lives possible. Because of this fact, your children can help you stay motivated, even when you feel tired or rundown.

Final Comments

Oddly enough, children can be a great help when it comes to running a solopreneur business. Whether it’s their odd commentary that leads to wacky services or free promotion, children really can help you grow your business without even trying.

The Digital Vibe Network

 

 

 

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Today, I'm going to tell you about 5 amazing tips successful solopreneurs want to keep secret. Becoming a solopreneur can be incredibly beneficial, but it requires a lot of hard work and know-how, which is why knowing these tips can make your solopreneur journey easier and more successful. Let's learn about these 5 tips successful solopreneurs swear by. 

1. Know Why You Want To Become A Solopreneur

The first step in becoming a solopreneur is knowing why you want to become a solopreneur in the first place. Even though being a solopreneur comes with a lot of benefits, it requires a lot of time, effort, and sweat. If you don't know why you want to become a solopreneur, it's easy to get bogged down in the work and effort.

Whether you want to eventually start your own business or benefit from delegating your own time, know exactly why you want to become a solopreneur to keep yourself motivated when things get tough.

2. Create Your Working Base

Another tip that successful solopreneurs swear by is creating a working base. When you first start working, your kitchen table or couch is fine. In the long term, you need a comfortable and efficient working space that allows you to make the most of your time and effort. You can either create an office in your home or rent out a coworking space.

3. Work Smarter, Not Harder

The next tip you need to keep in mind is to work smarter, not harder. The work of a solopreneur is difficult, to say the least. Don't make work harder on yourself by taking the longest route for everything. Instead, don't be afraid to delegate tasks, automate tasks, or pay for helpful tools that are worth the investment. These items will make work easier, allowing you to focus on the heavy lifting.

4. Create A Network 

One of the most difficult parts of being a solopreneur is it often feels like a one-man show, which is why successful solopreneurs recommend creating a network of like-minded individuals. A network will keep you connected with other people, and it will also help you when times get tough.

For example, your network may be able to help promote your services or give you recommendations when you need help on a project. Just make sure your network is trustworthy and like-minded to give yourself the best chance of succeeding. Also, don’t forget that you are part of their network, meaning to give back and help them when they need it!

5. Don’t Give Up

Finally, the last tip to remember is to not give up. You are guaranteed to make a lot of mistakes in the process. Do not get discouraged whenever this happens. Instead, stay motivated and use those instances as learning opportunities. Later on, you will be more than thankful that you kept pushing and didn't give up.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful solopreneur is hard, but you can make the task easier for yourself by learning from other successful solopreneurs who have stood where you currently stand. Remember to know why you want to become a solopreneur, create a working base, work smarter, create a network, and don't give up.

Though these tips won't make becoming a solopreneur as easy as pie, they certainly will make the process easier and more beneficial in the long run.

 

 The Digital Vibe Network

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An introduction to the new podcast series from The Digital Vibe Network, The Mystery Behind!

The Digital Vibe Network

The Mystery Behind

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1. Allen Walton

Allen Walton, according to himself, was a high school failure with a GPA of just 2.9. After that, he worked at a camera store for a little over minimum wage. It wasn't until he got the idea to become a solopreneur that he became successful.

Allen’s solopreneur business included a spy camera website. His website became so popular, in fact, that he eventually transformed from a solopreneur to a full-fledged business person, complete with hired help and all. Now almost 27, he is on track to making 7 figures.

What really makes Allen’s story stand out is that he wasn't necessarily spectacular. Instead, he was just a regular guy with regular talent. With a special niche and a lot of hard work, however, he grew an incredibly successful solopreneur business.

2. Mark Anastasi

Some people have some real rag-to-riches stories because of their solopreneur business. Mark Anastasi is just one of these stories. Before he started his own business, he was $12,000 in debt, unemployed, and homeless. Today, the script is completely flipped, and Mark makes nearly $10,000 a month with almost no effort.

His solopreneur business started when he got a mentor who helped him market himself. From there, Mark wrote helpful eBooks and websites all about making money online. By using Google AdWords relentlessly, he was able to market his book at a really high price.

Much like Allen’s story, Mark’s story tells you that you don't need anything to run a successful solopreneur business. All you need is a lot of ambition and effort. As long as you don't give up and find helpful mentors and peers along the way, you too can have a rags-to-riches success story.

3. Spencer Koppel

Finally, the last successful solopreneur story on our list is that of Spencer Koppel. Spencer is a little different from our top two stories in that he had a traditional nine-to-five job. He didn't start his solopreneur journey until after he retired.

His solopreneur business is all about helping geeks like himself find love. His matchmaking service serves nearly 60,000 members just after five years of work. Since Spencer does all the work himself, he gains incredibly high profits, allowing himself to make six figures a year.

Spencer’s story is completely unique in that he started a successful solopreneur business after retirement. He is living proof that you can take control of your finances and start a passionate solopreneur project no matter how old you are.

Final Thoughts

These amazing solopreneur stories show you that transforming your solopreneur business into a lucrative money-making operation is fully possible. Whether you are a high school dropout or retiree, you can be a successful solopreneur story yourself with a little bit of effort and ambition.

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In this tutorial, I'm going to teach you 3 tips for a healthy work-to-break ratio as a solopreneur. One thing many solopreneurs struggle with is feeling overwhelmed and overworked since they handle all their business themselves.

Not to mention, many solopreneurs feel like they have to keep working in order to make enough money to support their lifestyle and goals. All around, overwork and burnout are some real challenges that the everyday solopreneur faces.

One way that solopreneurs can tackle these issues is by having a healthy work-to-break, or work-to-life ratio. Here are 3 tips for achieving a healthy work-to-break ratio to keep you motivated and healthy, even as a solopreneur.

1. Set Up “Work Hours” 

As a solopreneur, it is easy to simply work when you feel like it. Because you manage your own time and resources, there's no one breathing down your neck to tell you when to work and when to sleep. This is an obvious benefit of being a solopreneur, but it comes with a drawback: your work-to-break ratio can be completely skewed.

Though it is OK to not follow a schedule every now and then, you need to have a pretty consistent work schedule to follow on your regular work days. Work hours can help you know when it's work time and when it's rest time. Make sure to schedule given breaks into your day, just as you would if you worked at an office.

2. Schedule Off Days

In addition to having work hours, make sure to schedule off days as well. Most solopreneurs have a wacky schedule that has them doing work seven days a week. Though there are some weeks where you may need to work more than others, you need to have consistent off days.

If you have children, you might want to schedule your off days on the weekend when they are home from school. You can also schedule off days on any other day during the week if another day fits your schedule better. It doesn't matter when your off days are, just that you take them.

3. Plan For Holidays, Vacations, and Sick Days

Finally, the third tip for having a healthy work-to-break ratio is planning for holidays, vacations, and sick days. When you have a regular nine to five job, you will have paid vacation and sick days. Though you obviously won't get paid for these days when you work for yourself, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take them.

Follow Through

The three tips we mentioned above all relate to planning your work life in a way so that you have free time to focus on yourself and rejuvenate. It's important to note that these tips mean nothing if you are not willing to follow through.

Make sure that you consistently stick to your work schedule, complete with frequent breaks. Also, do not work at all on off days, holidays, vacations, and sick days. Though it may be difficult to fight the temptation to work, give yourself a break and view these off days as actual off days.

If you need a little extra motivation to improve your work-to-break ratio, just remember that breaks are necessary for mental and physical health. If you don't take time off, you will get worn out and sick, causing you to experience burnout and produce lower-quality work. In other words, taking more breaks leads to better work, which leads to a more successful business.

Thank you for listening!

The Digital Vibe Network

 

 

 

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17 Steps To Take Back Your Power!

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MOVE BEYOND FEAR

“Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is freedom.”

Marilyn Ferguson

 

With any great change in life there's bound to be a moment of fear. A brief second in our lives where we hold our breath, truly alert and alive, as we try to muster up the courage to step forward into the unknown.

Fulton Oursler, author of The Greatest Story Ever Told said that, “Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves - regret for the past and fear of the future.”

Fear has no special power over us. Nothing does unless we give our power over to it. And what is the past but a memory, a faint whisper upon the wind.

If you want to change your life you must push past your fears. And an easy way to do that is to get clear on where you want to be. It's easier to step forward bravely if their is a goal that we can work toward. And sleeping within all our hearts is a secret world that we all want to awaken. So cling fiercely to this vision for it will help to see you through.

Feel your fear but do what needs to be done.

F.E.A.R.

I can't remember where I heard it from but I do know that it was years and years ago. I think a wise friend of mine must have told me what fear means.

FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real

You may have already noticed this: Every time you feel fear it's not because the situation you're about to encounter is one that can strike terror into your heart.

It's not like while you're walking home one night you're going to encounter a Bengali tiger that hasn't eaten for weeks. And he sees you, licks his lips, and you notice a determined certainty in his eyes, that he knows with every fiber of his kitty cat being that you're about to be his main course.

This is not going to happen in the modern world. In beautiful India maybe. But not in the urban environment we find ourselves in today.

But what does happen is that some external event triggers a cascade of memories to flood our mind. We create within our own imagination a world colored and filled with fear. If you begin to realize these thoughts as they arise then you can control them.

Napoleon Hill, the grandfather of the self-help movement and author of the international bestselling book, Think and Grow Rich, said that once a memory is triggered all the associated memories come to the surface, “As if lifting a chain.”

Link by link, memory by memory, flash before our minds eye. These memories can be of the past, or fears that we've created about the future. But the truth in either case is that the past no longer is. The future is yet to come. All that we have then is this very moment.

Bring yourself back to this moment and see it clearly. It's here waiting for you to love it. To enjoy it. To embrace it. And when you do, you touch the very essence of eternity. The soft fabric of existence...

Listen to the rest of the show!

Annette

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CHOOSE-Wisdom Key Five

“There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” Denis Waitley

 

From the moment you're born you begin to choose. Life presents you with options. Life brings to your mind variety and contrast. A selection process occurs that helps to shape your life and who you choose to ultimately become.

Choice is a meditative opportunity. A brief moment in time where you can tune in to the inner core of yourself. You're able to be in touch with the still small voice inside. To listen to the longings of your heart. Choice is a sacred blessing where you can get in tune with your essence and understand the magic of each moment.

The time has come to actively participate in the process of your life. To become creators of creation. To begin to use wisely the power and strength that is within you. To consciously bring forth a reality that is in tune with the great symphony of life. To create a world that is beautiful and filled with magic and wonder.

Little by little and bit by bit you create the reality of which you call your life. The world in which you live in is a world of your own creation. Whether you like what you see is once again a matter of choice. But in that matter is the moment where you can wield your will and steer your strength toward creating the world of your dreams.

The New Paradigm of Legacy Living

We have now come to a time in our evolution as a species where we can see clearly the effects our choices have made upon our lives, the lives of others, and the planet as a whole.

There's a tremendous courage that's needed now. A powerful determination to lead by example and guide our lives toward peace and prosperity for all.

This starts with you. This starts in your life. In your mind. In your home. Deep within your heart. A deep realization must take root within you that the solution to all your problems and even the world's problems won't come from something outside of us. The answers are within us. We are the solution.

A conscious commitment is needed. Not to the world, or some great concept of life, but to yourself. That is the duty required. To make a secret and sacred promise to yourself to unfold your greatness. To awaken your humanity and to express your love. To seek out the countless opportunities you have to lead by example and become a beacon of light for the rest of the world to follow.

Develop an awareness of life. Seeing and sensing the magic of it. Feeling the tremendous power that's within your grasp. Take the time to really think of the world you want to live in. Contemplate the legacy that you want to leave for the generations to come.

We must begin to create the paradigm of Legacy Living.

Choice is an amazing gift. For in this moment you bring forth tomorrow’s new dawn. The sacred gift of life is given to you upon your waking. Cherish it’s presence. Be focused upon the fragility of it all. Worship the wonder of life. For heaven can be a place on earth if we so choose it to be.

“You are free to choose, but the choices you make today will determine what you will have, be, and do in the tomorrow of your life.”

Zig Ziglar

Listen to the full episode..

Enjoy

Annette

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