In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Welsh discusses the common dismissal of “little businesses” and offers a perspective on the long-term rewards of solo entrepreneurship. Welsh highlights the initial skepticism many solo business owners face from friends, family, and former colleagues, framing this period as a crucial, albeit challenging, early stage of building something substantial.
The Skepticism of Early Stages
Welsh details the typical reactions from those outside the solo business sphere, ranging from condescending remarks to outright disbelief. He shares common sentiments expressed by those who don’t understand the solo venture:
“Your ex-coworkers think it’s silly. Your family can’t describe what you do. People ask when you’re getting a real job.”
According to Welsh, this dismissiveness is a predictable part of the journey. He contrasts the perceived limitations of a “little business” with the significant freedoms it offers. As Welsh points out, the solo entrepreneur doesn’t require external validation or permission for their time or financial decisions, a stark contrast to traditional employment structures.
From “Cute” to “Lucky” to “How?”
The author outlines a progression of how perceptions of solo businesses tend to evolve over time. Initially, these ventures are often met with patronizing comments, but as they gain traction and success, the narrative shifts.
The Evolution of Perception
Welsh describes this evolution through distinct phases:
- In the beginning: “That’s so cute.”
- A few years later: “That’s so lucky.”
- Eventually: “How the hell did you do that?”
He acknowledges the discomfort and loneliness associated with the early “cute” stage, where smirks and doubts are common. However, Welsh emphasizes the underlying advantage: the solo operator’s autonomy.
“But the people smirking have to ask other adults to go on vacation. They have a calendar full of meetings they don’t care about. They have to build a business case to get a 3% raise.”
In Welsh’s view, the ability to operate without these constraints is a significant, often underestimated, benefit that contributes to the ultimate success and personal satisfaction derived from building an independent enterprise.
The Solopreneur’s Advantage
Justin Welsh argues that the perceived lack of seriousness from others is precisely what allows solo businesses to flourish. He frames the current stage for many solo entrepreneurs not as being behind, but as being “early.” This perspective suggests that the foundational work being done, even amidst skepticism, is setting the stage for future recognition and success.
“You’re building something nobody can take from you. That’s worth a lot, my friends.”
Welsh draws a parallel between the current solo ventures and the humble beginnings of many successful independent businesses. He notes that creators with few followers, consultants working from home, and freelancers with minimal clients are all part of this early, often unacknowledged, phase. The implication is that those who are currently dismissive will eventually seek guidance from those they underestimated.
The post concludes by inviting readers to join a community of over 180,000 solopreneurs who are actively learning how to build lean, profitable businesses. This initiative, as described by Welsh, aims to support individuals navigating the often-unseen journey of solo entrepreneurship.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Justin Welsh on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 24, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →