022 | The Business Builder's Dilemma: Solopreneur vs Entrepreneur

In this episode of Emotional Organization, host Dr. Denaige McDonnell explores one of the most crucial decisions business owners face: Should you remain a solopreneur or scale into entrepreneurship?

Over the past few episodes, we’ve explored different perspectives on this topic. We heard from Christina Seitz, a solopreneur who values autonomy and alignment, Keith McDonnell, a seasoned entrepreneur with years of leadership experience, and Rebecca Innes, who transitioned from solopreneurship into full-scale entrepreneurship. Today, we break down the fundamental differences, challenges, and benefits of each path to help you make an aligned decision for your business and lifestyle.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to keep things lean and independent or expand into a full-fledged operation with a team, this episode is for you! Plus, take the Business Builder Quiz at Emotional Organization.com to find out which path is right for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ What is a Solopreneur? – The core traits, business model, and mindset of running a solo business.
✅ What is an Entrepreneur? – The shift from doing to leading, and what it takes to scale.
✅ Personal Business Stories – Denaige shares insights from her own businesses (Bubble Hut and Sotera Safety).
✅ The Challenges & Risks of Each Model – The highs, lows, and mental shifts required.
✅ The Role of Leadership & Delegation – How mindset and behaviors must shift when transitioning from solopreneur to entrepreneur.
✅ Lessons from Christina, Keith & Rebecca – How three different business owners navigated their own paths.
✅ Key Questions to Ask Yourself – How to determine which business model best aligns with your work style, financial goals, and personal vision.

Key Takeaways & Resources:

📌 Signs You Might Be a Solopreneur:

• You thrive on full creative and operational control.
• Flexibility is more important to you than rapid scaling.
• You prefer deep client interactions over managing a team.
• You can handle multiple business functions and wear many hats.
• Your financial and lifestyle goals can be met without expansion.

📌 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur:

• You enjoy leading and mentoring a team.
• You want to build something that grows beyond you.
• You’re focused on scalability, systems, and delegation.
• You’re comfortable taking financial risks for growth.
• You see your business as a long-term investment or legacy.

📌 How to Determine Your Path:

• What does success look like for you?
• How comfortable are you with delegation and leadership?
• Do you prefer working alone or managing a team?
• Are you driven by autonomy or growth?

Take the Business Builder Quiz! 🚀

Find out if you’re more suited for solopreneurship, entrepreneurship, or a flexible hybrid model! Take the quiz at EmotionalOrganization.com

Episode Timestamps:

📍 [00:01] – Introduction to the Business Builder’s Dilemma
📍 [03:25] – What is a Solopreneur? Key Traits & Business Structure
📍 [10:15] – Personal Story: Running Bubble Hut as a Solopreneur
📍 [15:30] – The Risks & Rewards of Solopreneurship
📍 [20:45] – Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: The Mindset Shift
📍 [27:10] – What Makes an Entrepreneur? Scaling, Systems & Leadership
📍 [34:20] – Keith McDonnell’s Story: Growing a Scalable Business
📍 [40:05] – Rebecca Innes’ Story: From Solopreneur to Entrepreneur
📍 [47:00] – How to Decide Your Path: Key Questions to Ask Yourself
📍 [53:15] – Closing Thoughts & Business Builder Quiz

Connect with Dr. Denaige McDonnell:

🌍 Website: EmotionalOrganization.com
📩 Contact: [email protected]
📱 Instagram: @denaigemcdonnell
🎧 Subscribe to Emotional Organization on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

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