Asking Solopreneurs For Business Advice!

Thanks Dropbox for sponsoring this video. If you're a business owner, check out the Dropbox Essentials plan:
www.dropbox.com/charliechang
In today's video, I'll be interviewing 4 successful entrepreneurs, asking them for advice on how they started their own businesses. Most of them had 9 to 5 jobs before going into entrepreneurship, so if you're looking to start your own business then you're going to find this video extremely valuable. Every single interview in this video is basically a mini-mentorship session, so I really hope you find this video valuable.
Today's guests:
Allan - / allanheooo
Fatima - / fatimaelredaphoto
Blake - / blueoceanblake
Nana - / nanadelbiz
► Daily advice and BTS on my Instagram: / charlie__chang
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If you guys are thinking of starting your own business, I will say it's one of the best things I've ever done in my life. If you have that entrepreneurial "itch", you have to chase it, and so hopefully this video inspires you to do so. You don't need to build a huge company all by yourself at the start, and being a solopreneur is a great way to get into business. It's exactly what I did in the beginning, and trust me, life is so much better as an entrepreneur.
If you liked the video, and you want to see more interview videos like this, check out my other videos:
This 24-Year-Old Makes $13,000,000/Year Dropshipping
• This 24-Year-Old Makes...
Asking 9-5 Workers What Their Side Hustle Is (SHOCKING!)
• Asking 9-5 Workers Wha...
I hope you guys found this video helpful, and if you did, please SHARE it with a friend or family member who you think could benefit and also LIKE and subscribe for more videos like this in the future!
Thank you for watching, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!
- Charlie
#SideHustle #Entrepreneur #Solopreneur
Timeline:
0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Allan
5:17 - Dropbox Essentials
6:18 - Fatima
11:38 - Blake
16:58 - Nana
21:42 - Conclusion
Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them I may receive a small commission. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!
In addition, I am not a financial advisor. Charlie Chang does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. The ideas presented in this video are for entertainment purposes only. Please do your own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
► My Instagram: / charlie__chang

[@CharlieChang]

This was a fun video to make! Thanks to the solopreneurs who took time out of their day to share their experiences, stories, and advice. It really felt like we got a deep dive into their businesses in this video and hopefully it will inspire and educate you. Consider subscribing for more content like this, and also drop a comment with any takeaways you have! -Charlie

[@thelifewithnate]

Personally, as someone with a 9-5 looking to transition from a wannapreneuer to an actual entrepreneur one day, this is inspirational! It would be also helpful for someone like me to interview someone who is mid-way in their journey. Like they have one year invested in a project, see where they are, and then a year later see where they went.

[@lisar.2549]

Advice: 1. Take a chance, try new things. 2. Take it slow, take time to learn. 3. Be willing to fail. Invest in a mentor. 4. Copy the best salesman to get better at sales. 5. Put yourself out there in front of people. 6. Get sleep. Have a consistent routine. 7. You need to get good at storytelling (your story) (The last two are not solopreneurs)

[@hunterandchavy]

Soloprenur is really hard. I am in the process of working my regular job to save 6-12 months of monthly expenses before going all in online ecommerce. I, myself, have a family and kids so I am working my regular job while building my brand and creating content. If you’re young with no significant love ❤️ ones… you can be so hyper focus. Thanks Charlie 🙏

[@hermanvdv9680]

It's a pipe dream and very niche. Not a lot of options unless you're a real expert in something (which costs a LOT of time and effort to accomplish). Creating a business with people that work for YOUR dreams is much easier :) Scaling is the hardest part.

[@desleyart]

Don’t listen to doubters. You have a solid plan and a goal. You can do it!

[@handsomelyhung]

Not with that attitude

[@EponaDreams-AmbientDreamscapes]

Hey Charlie, go for it. I'm 55 and have two young children. When I was 46 I retired and moved to a country where I couldn't speak the language. I burned through savings, got scammed at one point and realised I had to get a job. I had a lot of sales experience and needed something flexible as I also had my partner's children to care for. I began telemarketing for businesses who needed help and this took off. I started to set up an agency to scale up but I got asked to do some product copywriting from a guy whose products wouldn't sell. He then sold out within 2 months and passed other leads to me. I then set up an agency that optimised product descriptions. I had 17 freelancers working with me and we did over 500 projects in the first year. But I totally burned out and it was difficult maintaining standards with freelance workers, some just wanted to take my knowledge and then leave. So, I ring-fenced a small bunch of my best clients and took on their advertising too. Then went solo. Best thing I ever did. I have been a mentor, and I've just been asked to mentor a group with 3000+ members. I also have around 400 students who have bought my online courses. I'm not rich though. But that's my choice. I wanted to have time with my children while they are young. I still earn more than any paid job I have had, and I work 2 to 3 hours a day at a time of my choosing. When my youngest one goes to kindergarten I'm going to scale things up. Go for it. Your future self will thank you.

[@EponaDreams-AmbientDreamscapes]

Charlie, I also want to add that for all the children in my patchwork family, there are seven, I am the only person who works for himself. The kids get very inspired to see that I can work whenever and wherever I choose, I can take a break or holiday when I want, and I am happy doing what I do. If I was like the other adults in this family who mostly complain about their jobs, the hours they work, or their bosses, then what view will kids have of their future? So, you might inspire your children too!

[@wisecattt]

the girl at the end should really be proud of herself. 10-20k revenue in the beginning is awesome.

[@rayeatlove]

As an entrepreneur and natural born hustler, your videos are very educational and motivational. Thank you 🙏

[@lazvegaz]

Those a lot of words of wisdom. I really enjoyed this video!

[@MalluStyleMultiMedia]

Blake is the man … so much knowledge.. even though all of them young, all of them very mature and focused. I wish them all good luck 🍀

[@jbivphotography]

Wedding photographer representation lets gooooo 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌 Great to see the life of a wedding photographer being shared on a larger channel.

[@joyfullyfaith]

I needed this!!!! Thank you so much. Such a valuable video.👍🏽

[@MalluStyleMultiMedia]

2024 is the Year of the dragon .. let’s go! Good luck to all.

[@doelhunter]

​ @ahsanasif6752 did she just say only $10-20K per month.... we are still small?

[@ijuluwonodi5266]

this was amazing and much needed content! thank you to everyone involved. This was all really solid advice.

[@Eva.Collins]

“ I worked at a pizza shop now I sell a $5000 coaching program” 🙄 at that one. 🚩

[@joeballer4036]

Wait could you please enlighten me? Eyes rolled over because?? Coaching isn’t always a scam that’s why I’m confused. He’s selling the coaching program, he didn’t create it

[@romiromera8411]

I scared about coaches hahah

[@chloeandludvig]

Absolutely loved the video! Super interesting and motivating 🤩

[@DadinWA]

Great insights from solopreneurs in the LA area. Definitely has its highs and lows.

[@RachelRussellhoping4thebest]

Great interviews, people, and information. Cheers!

[@LivingSwedish]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you! 😊

[@aquaearthnfirequ_pinsnsavi1721]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video! Im taking a class right now, praying it helps but my problem is fear!

[@jasminecontreras7341]

thank you so much for asking the right questions to the right people Charlie! your videos are so insightful, I'm happy that I came across your channel and that I get to learn from your videos! I love that you interview people that are giving real advice, not self help fluff type sort of responses. I started going to Orange Coast College this semester and I especially like when you interview people in the Orange County area bc it's inspiring to see people living in high cost of living areas and making it work. looking forward to your next videos, thanks again for the insight :)

[@doelhunter]

​ @ahsanasif6752 did she just say only $10-20K per month.... we are still small?

[@realzubidoo]

me watching this at 37 feeling old affffff

[@quickgirl80]

Same.

[@vaidiksinghdevda1334]

You are still a young dude.

[@texaslovelylady]

It's never too late. KFC founder 🔎

[@junyaiwase]

ngl dont listen to the replies you are old however it's never over til you stop trying so WE MOVE FORWARD

[@Sarah-kv3qs]

37 is old? Asking as someone that is in their early 20s lol@@junyaiwase

[@aquaearthnfirequ_pinsnsavi1721]

Did he just say 9k for 4 weeks?! Thats my problem FEAR! To scared to make mistake or to upset anyone. Time is another, I cant figure out how to balance my sole parenting, self care, consistency and balance while trying get a handle on my side hustle to eventually turn it into a business that's going to bring in generational wealth. I am an LPN to fall back on but Ive been a stay at home mom since Covid. IM STUCK, TRYING NOT TO GIVE UP! I can feel myself slipping and Im good at what Im doing and not too many people are doing it where I live! I need help....

[@mohammadkhalid6930]

Great video . Thanks charlie.

[@TobinOsusky]

This is one of the best I've seen, no scammers or liars, but legit advice from people who have created real success for themselves. Thanks for sharing

[@cechernandez]

Thanks for this video!

[@letsdanceonhere]

Nana is so young but so smart and confident too.

[@ranchokitty1]

good stuff Charley.

[@danielwright4931]

There’s a lot of opportunities this 2024. Don’t limit yourself, network as much as you can, try new things out and make the best for yourself. I hope y’all win. I had a fair share of struggles before diving into crypto last year. And let me tell you, it completely changed my life! So don't lose hope

[@marvinramirez5586]

What is your best advice for someone to start investing in Crypto?

[@anyssarobertsify]

If I could start my freelance journey over, I’d keep my 9-5 until it was getting in the way of scaling my business. It would have been more work but less stress over my income.

[@nagadoooo]

These were great interviews

[@taylorjanegreen1]

Glad you're so successful with this channel and great work! Curious why camera video quality is not higher. Surprised.

[@TalesOfTrillions]

I'm loving the candid advice here! From humble beginnings to managing over $3 million in revenue, it's a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.

[@MalluStyleMultiMedia]

Excellent video 🔥🔥👍👍

[@leadgenjay]

Great insights from the entrepreneurs in this video. For those entrepreneurs just starting out, leveraging personalized cold emails can be a game-changer for B2B lead gen. A/B test your subject lines for higher open rates. Keep it genuine and value-driven!

[@helloworldcsofficial]

Good vid Charlie

[@user-jg5xm8um8y]

Really liked this video and appreciated that some of their insights have been similar to what I’ve heard from very different people

[@hermanvdv9680]

I cant relax in the morning. I go to work practically right away after some minor movement (5-10 minutes) and a cup of coffee. I have incredible flow in the first few hours. I "bite the frog" and get the most high value (mentally challenging) work done. Rest of the day is communication mostly, with employees and clients, answering emails. Stuff that is relatively easy. I relax in the evening, go to bed early, rinse and repeat. I find morning routines a giant waste of time. Your mind is primed right after sleep, especially when you spend a little bit of time (literally 5-10 minutes) priming your subconsious by thinking about what your most important / valuable task (the frog) is for the next day. Just do that one task (1-2 hours) and you will be 500% more productive

[@annaliisavirro]

Also interesting would be to hear how much time and money have they put into their businesses before starting. Great video!

[@Jayz0507]

most people won’t be open about that, especially the ones that had financial help from parents

[@annaliisavirro]

@@Jayz0507 def agree w that but just would be interesting to know:)

[@tamjeanell]

I got a grant for my business...and the time is massive as u get started

[@hermanvdv9680]

A LOT, and often they used facilities from their employers to gain experience while getting paid, and then basically compete with their former employers

[@victorwarner319]

solid vid

[@MagneticUnicornVlogs]

This was such a fun video to watch!! Thank you so much for sharing. It was also really helpful. I have my own coaching business that I've had for a couple of years now and hearing these success stories really helps me move forward and see more of my success too ❤

[@thelifewithnate]

I got to ask, as a wannapreneur myself, how long have you been in the coaching business for and do you it full-time?

[@MagneticUnicornVlogs]

@@thelifewithnate I have been coaching in my business for over two years now and I am not full time yet. Would love to see more entrepreneurs out there!!

[@silver_2746]

Kudos to Blake!

[@enzo_z_]

Nana the goat 🐐

[@TylerJLecara]

It took me 9mo. of learning my industry almost completely on my own and finding my ACQ Manager before I came across my first deal. Paying for mentorship through sweat equity or capital and outsourcing labor my manager does for me now, back then would have FOR SURE gotten me success significantly sooner. That's my only regret to date.

[@hendakremi1154]

Thank you so much for the great content you are putting out there, I loved this video!! I just have one comment, the background music is a bit disturbing but everything else is perfect, keep going 💪🏼

[@CharlieChang]

Thank you and we will keep that in mind for future videos!

[@uxfoodies]

Super Veggie Delivery is a great meal delivery service too!

[@georgechang4006]

Shout out to the girl that said you need to sleep so important love this video and everyone’s story

[@Mavo1989]

Allan consulting is only really making what you would make if you were just consulting for a business... i work for one of the BIG IT companies at global scale as a consultant senior hybrid cloud engineer and make $1100 a day.... going out on my own when i know they charge me out at $1933 a day, yeah i could charge that a day for myself but it would mean alot of extra hassles, taxes, insurances, retirement plans ect, no sick leave or other benifits....some times those little benifits they have purpose, which means no time out of the day for extra hassles of all the finances and everything else really more feels like you would lose out on more work life balance as your always stressed about pushing harder for the next tender/contract to be working verse the stable income... i fall into a very small category though as my wage working for someone is still extremely good unlike most people

[@being3.196]

Plz make 2 videos like this in a week

[@infini.tesimo]

When's the Jake interview coming?

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

All of these consultant jobs go out after a few years when the software or funnel popularity changes. Important to always learn new skills to replace it when it’s not popular.

[@OCUBOX]

Mentors don't have to be living or in-person or Zoom. Books, Seminars where say a Gary Bencivenga or Gene Schwartz reveals their 4 decades lessons... you can learn from that too.And of course YT videos... (Examples if you're in marketing/advertising/copywriting)

[@meetthereqs]

underrated , solopreneurs can be very scary. Its awesome to see whats in the pudding.

[@throughthemagnifier9024]

Fatima is 🔥

[@ahmadstore]

Wonderful video, any suggestion for a 35 years old want to start a business online? any website or opportunities?

[@masa_ssi]

Thanks

[@DanielBlak]

I wonder if any of them are truly solo. Once youre about 100k in profit there's really no reason to NOT outsource the busywork so you can focus on revenue growth. At least one other part-time person or an upwork contractor.

[@bubblegumblue5304]

I think it depends on what type business their running, and what they offer.

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

Nana said she has other people in agency so not solo

[@joakim3964]

17:07 "Working with CPG brands" 🤣 Just say you do OF

[@eurekadocumentary]

i see solopreneur. i subscribed 😊🎉😊

[@jaanireel]

00:01 Successful Solopreneurs share advice on starting their own businesses. 01:44 Solopreneurs sharing insights on starting a business and making income 05:17 Dropbox Essentials can streamline business operations. 06:55 Managing finances and client acquisition for a photography business. 10:24 Utilizing tech stack for business operations 12:10 Selling online coaching program for real estate investing 15:29 Taking risks and having the courage to try new things is important to avoid living with regret 17:12 Starting an agency with a focus on patience and perseverance 19:58 Waking up early boosts productivity and clarity. 21:20 Master storytelling for maximum impact

[@joelboddie]

Blake spitting game 🔥🔥🔥

[@blakerutherford8160]

Thank you 🙏

[@joshvillareal]

We need more Blake Rutherford!!!

[@ryanyoung5259]

these aren't solopreneurs they're consulting for marketing and sales

[@maxime_vhw]

8k to take some pictures? wtf

[@vikastiwari6780]

Correct.. The things is 9 - 5 is someone passive income... Jitna jaldi business me aa jao utna better he.... Make your own business

[@hermanvdv9680]

Their 9-5 is my passive income 😁

[@derickmoncado]

why is the first homie's left arm huge compared to his right 👀

[@gdew9643]

Where do you learn Sales for free?

[@thelifewithnate]

Experience man, it always boils down to experience. Offer to work for someone for a year (your nearest real-estate dude, solar company, etc) and learn the art of selling stuff. That's what Hormzi always recommends for those that are starting out in the field, Charlie as well!

[@merrittpalmer4349]

0:37 *pointing spiderman meme*

[@hermanvdv9680]

thats waisis

[@AFGixxeR88]

Are any of these money making schemes online actually legit? Like a 20 yr old says he makes 500k a MONTh drives lambos, wagons selling on Amazon but always promotes a 10K course

[@thelifewithnate]

That's why you got to approach said influencer types with a cautious eye. Normally, I find the folks that often show off the most are the ones that typically want to buy something from them. There's nothing wrong with selling a course or product (in fact that can be the end-game for a lot), but the way you do it matters. Cheers!

[@AFGixxeR88]

@@thelifewithnate right you are. Just wish I could find a decent path. Lately I see lots of stay at home people talk about how they make 6 figures a month retired their spouse from digital marketing but it’s always a funnel or course in their bio on how to sell digital marketing. How can you sell something ethically you have no knowledge in

[@DamonCassidy]

@nanadelbiz Killing it!! Been so great to watch your journey

[@letsdanceonhere]

way to go Blake!

[@UpUpDnDnLtRtLtRtBAStart]

12 meals for around a dollar delivered ???

[@GyanPrakash]

17:00 Nana K or Nana O ?

[@asken5139]

borderline parody vibes here

[@dahitman55]

8pm bed time? Yikes !!!

[@user-pg8fy1uf2r]

Andrew Tate was right about cooking

[@whatdahack71]

10% fee from $3M since 2021 gives $8333 a month on average, meaning it can be less or it can be more, not $10K-25K a month. These guys can use calculators if they can not do proper math by their age.

[@auraidenl1019]

at the start he definitely earn less, i think he talk about present earnings

[@TheREVOLUTION690]

What I gathered from this video is that . Having a wealthy Mommy and daddy will basically help you after college to persue any business you want to do. I’m not buying anything that these entrepreneurs are self made . I mean they only worked a couple years after college and all of sudden have the capital to start their business ? lol bullshit

[@brianrios2001]

Yup 👍🏾 exactly what I gathered.

[@CharlieChang]

Woah what a crazy takeaway! Most service based businesses cost very little to start. I think you're mistaking starting the next Google with a low capital service business, which is what these people have started. I encourage you to change your self-limiting mindset

[@the1337fleet]

I started my online business broke af with around $100 for 3 years of hosting. The rest of it was sharing and organizing my knowledge, connecting with others to get my name out there thru guest posts, and slowly building a reputation. I'm in my 9th year doing this and made over 200k in revenue on the side (still have my full-time job). It's not huge like some other entrepreneurs, but I'm very proud of what I do and the lives I've changed.

[@tamjeanell]

I got a business grant and just spent wisely...we all don't have the means to get help from others when starting a business...u probably will never start your own business with that jealous mindset...

[@hoperissa4253]

Depends..my friend who grows up in slum, work for service, started small capital by joining e-commerce. As her business grow, she rent until she was around 21 since she could buy herself a house. The same with my college friend ( college in my place is cheap), he started agriculture with business grant since he does well with his business proposal and even my another friend has 3 coffee chains with the help of business grant. If you get into the right business, you know what you are doing, everything works well.

[@nycnow811]

I've always found photographer guys creepy as hell

[@boot-strapper]

most of these dont seem appealing, I mean I make more than these people at a plain ass job

[@PRODBYGIOURBAN]

everyones just braggers with generic advice