Here’s a sobering statistic: 90% of all new businesses fail.
For people with disabilities, that statistic may seem even more daunting. But don’t let it discourage you from launching out as a solopreneur.
When you have a disability, it’s up to you to break stereotypes and bring a change to your life that will benefit you and your family.
Keep reading today’s post for a few tips on how to position yourself for success, despite any limitations you might have.
Understand Your Abilities
A traditional job may seem safe and secure, but unemployment among people with disabilities is much higher than that of the general population.
Reasons vary, but they usually include issues related to performing physical tasks, such as lifting heavy objects. People with disabilities may also resist looking for employment opportunities because of issues with transportation, employer or employee bias, or the need for a more flexible work schedule.
Before you get ready to start your own business, have an honest conversation with yourself. If your disability prevents you from standing for long hours, make sure you build a business that allows you to sit while you work.
Educate Yourself
No matter what industry you’re in, you’ll benefit from additional training. There are certification programs for many areas of business, but you may also pursue a degree in business.
Having a degree or specialized certification can help you position yourself as an authority in your field. But it isn’t necessary, and you can earn a degree or complete a certification program while you build your business.
Even if you already have a degree or are seen as an authority, you may still need some continuing education. As a solopreneur, you’ll be responsible for wearing all the hats in your business. Identify areas where you need more training and look for specific courses that will help you level up.
For example, let’s say you have all the qualifications, degrees, and certifications available in your field of expertise but don’t know enough about email marketing. As a solopreneur, you know you’re going to need to master email marketing to get your offer in front of your audience. Look for online courses or read up on trends and tactics other solopreneurs are using.
The Solopreneur Life Blog is a good place to start.
Be Strategic About Financing
Financing is a concern that needs to be addressed early in the planning process. As a person with a disability, Oasis Financial says you might qualify for additional incentives and benefits to help you get started. These may include grants and tax credits.
Take time to research any funding sources that are available to you. There are programs available to make sure you’re not missing opportunities and can avoid using up your savings.
Find Your Niche
Finding your niche means narrowing your service and product offering to a small group of people. The temptation is always to cast as wide of the net as possible, but the truth is that you will catch more clients by identifying a specific problem and offering a solution that’s unique to them.
For example, as a person with a disability, you understand how hard it is to find comfortable clothing when you’re confined to a wheelchair. You might design pants specifically for wheelchair users, offer career coaching to people with disabilities, or work with businesses that serve this niche.
Solopreneur Life offers a program specifically designed to help you Find Your Ideal Niche.
Know Your Competition
Just as important as any of the above is taking the time to get to know the competition. If you find a niche that has no competition, it probably isn’t profitable. So don’t worry about competing with other solopreneurs or businesses. There’s enough room for everyone.
But do make sure you know what you’re getting into by performing a market analysis. Use social media to identify your target audience. Is there a term they use to self-identify as a member of this niche? What are the issues they care about? What problems do they want help with?
Keyword research can help you identify what your target audience is searching for. Quora and Reddit can uncover important trends and issues within the niche.
Once you know what you are up against, you can then take steps to make your business stand out.
Bottom Line
As a person with a disability, starting your own business might seem like an insurmountable task. But it doesn’t have to be. You can launch and build your business if you follow the tips I’ve shared here.
And you can build exactly the type of business you need, giving you freedom and control instead of a job that limits your potential.
You’ve never let your disability stand in your way before. There’s no reason that it should now. So take that first step and start your solo business today.
