4,尤其一个之间的区别nd an Entrepreneur Working AloneIt isn't unusual for an entrepreneur to single-handedly launch a business. Solopreneurs won't have it any other way.

ByJohn Rampton

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

"Solopreneur" isn't a brand-new term but it has definitely become more relevant in recent years. The word is easily interchanged with the word "entrepreneur," but there are distinct differences. As an increasing number of professionals choose to start a business with no intention of ever adding staff, solopreneur is likely a term that will only grow in popularity.

The differences between solopreneurs and entrepreneurs can be subtle, especially since some entrepreneurs work alone until they can build their businesses enough to make a team. However, those who choose solopreneurship over entrepreneurship without plans to change have distinct differences.

Solopreneurs don't wait for a buyout.

An entrepreneur works hard to build his business but he isn't quite as attached to the concept as a solopreneur. Many, but not all, entrepreneurs build their businesses with at least a small hope that a much larger company, like Google, will come along and offer millions of dollars for it once it grows. At that point, he could easily move on to the next great venture.

Of course, many entrepreneurs have turned down buyout offers to continue pursuing a passion, so this isn't a defining difference. However, a large divide between the two may come when an entrepreneur can run a variety of businesses over the course of his career, while a solopreneur tends to work at one thing consistently.

Related:The Difference Between a Solopreneur and a Side-Gigger (Infographic)

Entrepreneurs put a face to a company.

While a solopreneur tends to spend hours working hard to build his business, an entrepreneur frequently prefers to be out making connections and getting the word out about his or her business. An entrepreneur may be perfectly happy doing that and that alone, leaving his team behind to do the work.

Solopreneurs can be great networkers, as well. One major difference is that an entrepreneur may be more comfortable spending all day at a variety of networking opportunities and client meetings, while a solopreneur is content simply doing the work.

Related:Where to Find a Community If You're a Solopreneur

Entrepreneurs are managers.

When someone is an entrepreneur at heart, even as a solopreneur, he's waiting for the day when he can build his team. He may even begin working with freelance workers and virtual assistants to delegate his work. He is comfortable leading a team of people toward a defined goal.

Solopreneurs, on the other hand, likely are in no rush to hire an employee to manage. Even if the day comes when they must outsource work or bring in a team member, a solopreneur may find himself pitching in and doing the vast majority of the work himself. He may even have a hard time letting go of tasks, since he simply wants to jump in and work hard to grow his business.

Related:Managing a Growing Startup? 4 Ways to Keep Your Criticism Constructive

Solopreneurs are workers.

虽然entrepreneurs can work harder than anyone they know, a solopreneur is a worker by his very nature. If a task needs to be done, his first thought is to roll up his sleeves and start working. For this reason, this new generation of freelance workers and sole proprietors have emerged, with professionals content to run a one-man shop with no intention of bringing another person on.

Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, have no trouble delegating, even if they have to delay that process until they have enough money to bring additional workers on. They realize the sooner they can delegate tasks like billing, web development and database management, the sooner they can focus on building and growing their businesses.

Related:8 Tasks You Should Delegate Today

The distinction between a solopreneur and entrepreneur can be difficult to see, especially since so many entrepreneurs start out working alone. But the mindset of a solopreneur and entrepreneur are subtly different and noting those differences can help professionals determine the long-term direction they'll take with their businesses.

I've met some of the best solopreneurs in the world. They make some of the best partners. Know which type of an "preneur" you are so that you can best find how to work with yourself and others.

Related:Solopreneurs Should Resolve to Focus on Growth and Efficiency to Prosper in 2015

John Rampton

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® VIP

Entrepreneur and Connector

John Rampton is an entrepreneur, investor and startup enthusiast. He is the founder of the calendar productivity tool Calendar.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

McDonald's Employee Shoots, Kills 30-Year-Old Woman Following Dispute: 'Completely Senseless'

The victim has been identified as Jacklyn Marie Reed from Johnson City, Tennessee.

Business Ideas

This Retiree's Yummy Hobby Is Now a Remote Side Hustle That Makes $250 an Hour: 'I Attached My Bank Account And the Money Just Flowed Automatically'

Since 1972, in his downtime, Bill Reichman has been dedicated to one delicious diversion. When the pandemic hit, he turned his passion into a lucrative side hustle. Here's how he did it.

领导

Is Your Business Built to Last? These 5 Leadership Practices Could Put It on the Right Track

For any company, durability means the difference between success and failure. Here are five ways leaders can build with it in mind.

Business News

'We Think It's Overhyped': AI Is in For a Humble Reality Check in 2024, Analysts Say

Analyst firm CCS Insight predicts the generative artificial intelligence (AI) space is poised for a "cold shower" in 2024.

Business News

Alaska Airlines Is Rolling Out a New Coffee That's Meant to Taste Better At 30,000 Feet

The West Coast airline has teamed up with Stumptown Coffee Roasters to create a new blend.