Public Speaker: Solo Sisters at WEN
In November 2025, I joined the Hong Kong Women Entrepreneurs Network (WEN) on a webinar on solopreneurship together with business coach and strategist Jenny Stilwell.
The session was moderated by Sharlene Jaquier, Board Member of WEN and we talked about the reality of being a solopreneur, the challenges and strategies to grow and scale your business. Here is a summary of the discussion:
About the challenges
Solo entrepreneurs often grapple with both external and internal hurdles. Externally, they face a lack of community, unclear business direction, and pressure to say yes to everything. Internally, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and undervaluing their work can undermine progress. Staying focused and tuning out unhelpful advice are essential to maintaining momentum.
About the motivation and the why
Many solo journeys begin in response to life shifts, whether leaving toxic environments, navigating economic downturns, or facing unexpected transitions like the pandemic. What drives success is a belief in one’s ability to create something meaningful, paired with the courage to take the first step.
About sustainability and prioritization
Early on, saying yes to everything is often necessary to generate income and build experience. But long-term sustainability comes from refining your niche, focusing on what you love, and aligning your work with profitability. Strategic focus is key to avoiding burnout and building a resilient business.
Tips to overcome imposter syndrome
Confidence grows through reflection and reframing. Solo entrepreneurs must learn to recognise the value of their experiences, claim their titles, and speak about their achievements with clarity. Positive self-talk and revisiting past feedback can reinforce self-worth and help shift internal narratives.
The importance of confidence and positive self-talk
Confidence is built through practice. Sharing your work may feel awkward at first, but each attempt strengthens your voice. Audiences are more supportive than we fear, and progress comes from showing up consistently, even when it feels uncomfortable.
How you speak about yourself shapes how others perceive you, and how you perceive yourself. Using “I am” instead of “I do” reinforces identity and authority. Empowering language helps solo entrepreneurs step into their roles with confidence, especially when transitioning from corporate environments. Removing diminishing language like “I’m just a…” helps you build confidence from within.
Practical tips
Growth starts with knowing your strengths and outsourcing tasks that drain your energy or fall outside your expertise. Building a support network, leveraging mentorship, and choosing the right platforms for your audience are all strategic moves that help solo businesses thrive.
About community building
Start by talking to everyone you know and clearly articulate your offer. Community doesn’t have to be large, it needs to be intentional. Platforms like LinkedIn and Substack can help reach different audiences, while joining or forming peer groups combats isolation and fosters collaboration.
How to price your offer
Pricing should reflect the full value of your work, including discovery calls, research, and delivery. Avoid giving away services for free or undercharging out of fear. Mapping your value chain and charging at each step helps reinforce your worth and avoid being seen as a commodity.
How to scale beyond time for money
Scaling means shifting from one-to-one services to one-to-many models. This could include digital courses, webinars, or moving from one-to-one to one-to-many. Repurposing existing expertise into scalable formats allows solo entrepreneurs to reach wider audiences and create exponential impact as well as passive income.
Find out more about The Women Entrepreneurs Network here. A non-profit by women, for women, with women.
To join my community of writers, creators and solopreneurs, join 11,000+ members at my Substack publication The Lemon Tree Mindset.
To book me as a speaker for your next event, please send me an email at veronica@veronicallorcasmith.com
