2024's best insights for impact-driven solopreneurs

Lessons, strategies, and reflections to help you build a solo business that combines profit and purpose in 2025.

As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be an impact-driven solopreneur. It’s a deeply rewarding path—but also full of challenges. Whether you’re finding the right clients, building meaningful relationships, or navigating the inevitable trade-offs, every step offers lessons worth sharing.

This year, we explored these themes together. Below are some of our most popular newsletters to guide and inspire you as you step into 2025.

1. Starting where you are

Every journey begins with uncertainty, especially when transitioning into working for yourself. Whether you’re stepping out of the corporate world or seeking alignment between your values and your work, this piece resonated with so many of you:

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2. Building genuine client relationships

Finding clients is only half the battle—building trust and lasting connections is where the magic happens. These newsletters dive into how to create relationships that feel authentic, generous, and mutually beneficial.

• Building Client Relationships: The Art of Professional 'Dating'

  Building client relationships is a lot like dating: showing up authentically, listening carefully, and finding the right fit. This piece explores how to navigate those early “getting to know you” moments with ease.

  How to build with relationships with generosity.
  Whether it’s offering advice, resources, or just showing up for your clients. We share five ways on how to give freely without undermining your value.

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3. The biggest struggle I heard this year

Over the past year, I’ve spoken to hundreds of freelancers and solopreneurs. One recurring theme stood out: many of you struggle with shaping your offering for the impact space. Bridging the new world we want to build with today’s needs and constraints can feel daunting.

Often, it comes down to clarity—understanding who your ideal client is, what they need, and how they talk about it. Without that, your efforts can feel scattered, leaving you discouraged and tired. These newsletters offer practical steps to help you regain focus:

• Your Ideal Client: The Missing Domino
  Knowing who you serve best changes everything. This piece shares a three-step framework to help you focus your energy on clients who truly align with your values.

• Struggling to Sell in the Climate Space?

  Selling sustainability services isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. This newsletter identifies common challenges and offers actionable tips to help you sell with confidence.
  

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4. Learning from others

You don’t have to do it all alone. Leaning on others—through partnerships or hiring experts—can be a powerful way to grow. Here’s how collaboration can help you level up:

• To Be a Better Consultant, Hire Other Consultants

  What if the secret to growth was learning from those around you? This piece highlights why hiring other consultants can help you improve your skills and gain fresh perspectives.

• Partnering Up

  Collaborations and partnerships aren’t just for big businesses. They can help solopreneurs expand their reach and do more impactful work. This piece explains how to approach partnerships with intention.

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5. Understanding the hidden costs

Every decision in business comes with trade-offs. Recognizing these hidden costs can help you make choices that align with your values and long-term goals.

As we step into a new year, many of you have shared a desire for better balance and more focus. This reflection can help you reassess and realign:

• The Hidden Cost Pursuing meaningful work often comes with sacrifices. This reflection is a reminder to pause, assess the trade-offs, and make decisions that truly align with your purpose.

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Here’s to a meaningful 2025

This year has been one of growth, challenges, and invaluable learning. Whether you’re just starting out or continuing to build your solo business, remember: while this journey isn’t always easy, you’re never alone.

Thank you for reading Impactful Insights in 2024. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who replied, shared their thoughts, and offered suggestions along the way—your input makes this community stronger.

Here’s to another year of meaningful work, together.
Warmly,
Lilli

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If you want to work for yourself, but not by yourself in 2025, join IMMA Collective.

Whenever you are ready, we have two paths:

• Seed – If you need to launch your offering and get clear on who your clients are and how to build a profitable solo business.

• Nurture – If you crave peer support and want to find clients together.