One-Person Enterprises and Business Growth

Abstract

Solopreneurs, i.e. entrepreneurs who run their businesses alone, are surprisingly common constituting some 15% of the work force in Europe and the United States. This study aims to clarify solopreneurs’ relationship to growth by analyzing the daily work of established solopreneurs from two different perspectives; how they perceive their well-being at work and how they perceive the development of their businesses. This research objective is addressed by using grounded theory methodology and thematic interviews. According to the findings of this study, solopreneurs follow a specific pattern in their activities that differentiates them from other entrepreneurs. The entrepreneur’s position as a solopreneur encourages him or her to continue alone. The feedback that solopreneurs receive from the environment directs them to focus on their personal professional skills rather than on business and growth. In addition, solopreneurs do not use networks to develop their businesses even though entrepreneurship literature highlights the importance of networks for business development. However, solopreneurs acknowledge the importance of networks for their personal well-being.