I was surprised when speaking to a colleague recently and heard a reaction of unfamiliarity when I used the term “solopreneur” and he later asked me, “What was the word you used again?”
There are probably more people than you realize who are running their own business these days. Even if they have a full-time job but are also running a side hustle that could almost make an argument for being full-time, the latter is likely their own business too, so to speak.
In the context of the entertainment business, you might be a solo act – and remember, this could also be a comedian, a magician, or other talent, meaning, not just music performer – and that, obviously, is your own business, your own company.
But why do so many solopreneurs throw around the word ‘we’ when talking about their business?
I heard someone being interviewed on a podcast and after the host read off the introduction and said, “Welcome to the show,” the guest (singular, not plural) responded with, “Thank you for having us.” Us?
Similarly, on a “YouTube Channel Introduction” video that I watched, the person on-camera welcomed viewers to his channel by listing his accomplishments and giving his background, which is all well and good, until I heard, “On (podcast title) WE feature…” He continued on, saying what his goal is, but then went on to eventually say, “Check out our channel…” So again, “our” and not “my”? And for the record, it was, “Check our website and follow us on social media.” All this time, I was staring at the name of the YouTube channel, which was that individual’s first and last name. So again, I ask you, why this pull towards making it sound like there’s more than just you?
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Some people aren’t going it alone, so you could make the argument that as long as there is more than just one person they’re justified in referring to their ‘team.’ However, I still wonder how much of an exaggeration it is when I hear someone drop that term in a way that you can just tell they want you to think they have this enormous group of people who all have their hands in this creator’s business?
Understand, this isn’t me being the grammar police; well, not this time at least. It’s about taking ownership. It’s about taking pride in your work, your accomplishments that you achieved yourself. I know, I know, you couldn’t have reached those heights if your folks hadn’t put you into lessons when you were younger and without fans buying your music and venues giving you a place to perform, but those people aren’t your team. It’s just you. That’s okay! Embrace it!
There is a temptation to try to make yourself sound bigger than you actually are. For starters, keep in mind that the word ‘temptation’ typically has a negative connotation. Thus, if you succumb to it, you’re likely being pulled into something not too wholesome. But secondly, ask yourself what you are trying to mask. In other words, are you not proud enough of your accomplishments to stand on their own merits that you feel you need to inflate your brand by trying to expand it to ‘we’? If you feel your defenses getting up as you read this and you think, “Heck no, I’m awesome,” then that’s great. Go out there and show everyone all about who you are, solely. Resist the urge to make it sound like other people are responsible for your success as opposed to you achieving your position on your own.
Right? No? Talk to me. Tweet your thoughts about this blog to me via @NHT_tweets. Or, share them in a post on Facebook or LinkedIn. And if you’ve got doubts, you need help, you don’t feel you’re where you should be in your entertainment career, let’s have a private, one-on-one video consultation. I’ve been helping artists across the U.S. for more than 15 years now and would love to assist with what you’re doing as well.