LinkedIn put out an interesting report on global small business trends this morning, which essentially tells the story of the structural shift happening toward solo and small businesses.

Their recommendations weren't all that surprising:

• Embrace AI
• Invest in your brand
• Lean on your network

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But the many insights behind the recommendations were eye-opening.

One of the more striking stats is that a solid 40% of of US professionals say they want to work for themselves in the near future.

You might think - yeah, ok - there’s a big difference between thinking about starting your own business and actually doing it.

To which, the report shows: no, we’re actually doing it.

LinkedIn reported a 60% YOY increase globally of members adding “Founder” to their profile.

And that this has tripled since 2022.

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So what does this mean for us as solos?

I take it as a signal that if you’re already out on your own, you’re just slightly ahead of the curve.

But it’s going to become all the more important to get very specific on:

• the client you serve
• the problem you solve
• the way you communicate your unique value

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In other words, to survive the deluge of fellow fish headed our way, you’re going to want get rooted in a smaller pond.

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💡

-Wes

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P.S. Need to get your value prop and positioning down pat for the New Year?

The 1:1 'Intellectual Headshots' sprint is part positioning intensive, part custom visual asset development.

I have a few complimentary consults remaining for the rest of this year.

Plus, save a few hundred bucks by booking a January sprint at 2025 pricing.

Available details and dates here.