Hi there! My name is Wouter Hijlkema. I run SmartSolopreneur as, you guessed it, a solopreneur.
For a long time, I worked in all sorts of coporate jobs. After getting my Master’s degree in Social Psychology I stumbled into the field of data-analysis and research. It was new and exciting, I like diving into a subject and learning all about it. So I did that for some time, and always came to a point where I got bored.
After a while, I would go looking for another job. Not too soon, because, you know, you can’t switch jobs after three months…. (or can you?). Being stuck and bored in job number whatever, I decided I was done with that!
I decided to start a company myself. Went to coaching school to learn some new skills, and got on my way. Alongside my job at first. Pretty soon I learned I loved building my company, so I ditched the job. I was soooo confident, this would be easy!
But….no, it wasn’t. I knew nothing about being a solopreneur. No marketing skills, or even knowledge. So I had to learn more about that. I didn’t have a good business plan, I just decided what my ideal client was, no research required, right? Wrong!
Altough I had some clients, it wasn’t enough to make a living. After some time without any new clients, I decided it was time for a change. But what, how, who?
I needed a plan. I needed to do research. I know how to do research, why didn’t I do that when I started? Instead of blaming myself for being stupid, I decided this was a learning moment. I took the lesson, and adjusted. I made a plan, did research, tossed a lot of my ideas out the window, and kept going untill SmartSolopreneur was born.
I love doing research. Diving in, learning new things, fitting the lessons into my life, and then go to the next subject. Trying out, adjusting, learning. I also love working with people who are smart, have lots of ideas, and want to make the world a better place. During my coaching sessions I learned that helping ‘those kind of people’ is what really satisfied me. Seeing that sparkle in their eyes when they realize ‘yes! that’s it!’. Also, I like to help people getting the best out of themselves.
All of that combined led to SmartSolopreneur. Consulting services for smart solopreneurs on a mission. It can be very lonely and frustrating to do all of it by yourself. A helping hand from someone who understands, is very helpful. Or someone that can keep up with that superfast brain of yours. Someone you can bounce your many ideas off. Maybe sometimes you get a little off track, and need help getting back on track. All of that, you can now find at SmartSolopreneur.
So, if that’s what you need, or want to know more about me, please reacht out to me! You can do so by sending me a message at wouter@smartsolopreneur.eu or plan a 20 minute (free!) coffeebreak to find out what I can do for you.