You’ve got the business plan in place, you’ve got your software loaded up and your website is up and running and looking great. Now comes the hard part: making it work.

Being a solopreneur really isn’t for everyone. You need guts and determination to make your mark and beat back the competition.

You need to be prepared to work harder than you ever have before and you need to believe 100% in yourself and in the product or service that you’re offering.

Can you do it? Of course you can but there’s no harm whatsoever in taking in a few tips and tricks along the way, so take a look at this article on what to expect in the world of start-up online businesses.

You’ll be more than prepared for some of the aspects working for yourself throws your way but there will be plenty that comes as a big surprise.

The trick isn’t avoiding problems but how you deal with them that really counts.

You’re on Your Own

Yes, you knew that and it’s probably something of a relief, especially if you’ve previously worked in a more corporate setting.

However, it also means that each and every decision that needs to be made about your business rests squarely on your shoulders.

Should this be daunting? Not at all.

You’ve already come such a long way that you can handle what comes at you. The key is not panicking and making informed choices.

Not sure whether you’re an LLC, a C corporation or something entirely different altogether? Don’t worry about it, research it.

If you can’t find the answer, ask someone, ask more than one person. Keep going until you find the information you need to make an informed decision.

Take this approach to all the questions that come your way and you’ll stay on top and fully in control.

This may take time, let it.

Far better to slow the process down but ultimately arrive at the right answer then rushing into something and have to waste valuable time untangling a knotty mistake.

While the responsibility rests with you that doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself. Having people around you who love and support your decisions is key to feeling supported and in control.

Trust friends who will listen to your worries and take advice from those who have been through similar. Let them support you in practical and emotional ways.

Read also: How This Couple Earns Over $100K/Month Blogging and Travels The World

When Times Get Tough

Go back to those friends and tell them what’s going on.

It might be that you’re going through a lean patch in your business or quite the opposite and you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work that’s coming in.

Consider outsourcing any jobs that will help free up some of your time.

You don’t have to go through the process of recruiting someone but you could find a virtual service that helps you pick up the slack.

If accounting is getting too much then recruit a service that will keep your accounts, invoicing and tax up to speed. Alternatively, call on the services of a virtual PA to keep tabs on your calls and schedule your social media posting and so on.

Or, you could consider investing in some smart software that you can run yourself but that will help tie up all your loose ends, schedule your workload and help you keep track of your daily tasks that much better.

Read also: 25 Helpful Google Calendar Hacks You’re Probably Not Using

While it might seem like a huge financial commitment paying out for either of these options, consider it an investment into your business and one that will pay off as you are freed up to concentrate on what you do best: delivering a great service.

Starting a business from scratch is a scary, challenging but ultimately highly rewarding experience. It offers you the chance to stretch your talents, overcome obstacles and go bigger and better than you ever thought possible.

You’ll find yourself learning new skills as you go, getting in contact with old friends and colleagues for help and recommendations and you’ll find yourself succeeding.

This can sometimes come as something as a shock for a lot of start-up entrepreneurs, but it shouldn’t. You’ve poured your heart and soul into a business you feel passionately about.

You’ve devoted your time, energy and money into making this dream a reality. So when it does start to pay off, don’t panic, celebrate.

Don’t spend too long celebrating though, the hard work is just beginning and it’s time to get back to it.