Why Being a Solo Founder doesn't mean doing business alone
- Nao Mason
- May 7
- 3 min read
Building a business solo
Being a solo business owner can feel like it’s all on you — every decision, every milestone, every panic moment at 2am.
For a long time, I thought that was just how it had to be.
But honestly? No business is ever truly built alone — and the sooner we stop pretending otherwise, the better.
Today, I’m lifting the lid on the people and support systems that have shaped Social by Nao — and why having the right people around you changes everything when you're building something of your own.
The Real 'Team' Behind Social by Nao
Support at Home
My fiancé deserves a medal for his behind-the-scenes support. He checks my numbers at the end of each year and reassures me when the online world gets noisy. He may not be in any way employed by the business, but just having his support - and truthfully, his stable employed income - is a huge factor in how I was able to take the business full time when I did.
Friends Who 'Got' It
There was a time when client posts had to go live at 7pm — whether I was at a family dinner, catching up with friends, or at home with reliable wifi. My family and friends, especially my sisters, never made me feel bad for working odd hours. They cheered me on in quiet, important ways that made all the difference. My business support network went beyond my business pals and wonderful clients - and I'm so grateful for that!
Getting Business Support Changes the Game
Hiring Virtual Assistants
Since October, two fab virtual assistants (shout out to my social media assistant and graphic designer) have been helping behind the scenes at Social by Nao. Not loads of hours — but enough to give me back serious brain space I didn’t know I’d lost. There’s no badge for doing it all yourself; taking on help is part of building a business support network too. Without them, this blog post (and the podcast it’s based on) probably wouldn’t even exist.
Can we normalise outsourcing?
We don’t talk enough about how common it is to have freelance support. Plenty of online service businesses aren’t as “solo” as they look — and that’s okay. Choosing to get help doesn’t mean you’re less capable, it just means you’re choosing to prioritise. Building a business support network lets you grow without burning yourself out pretending otherwise.
Networking that Becomes Real Connection
Networking has brought clients, friends, and inspiration into my life in ways I never expected.
Take Rachael from Rachael Does Design — we met at a networking event over three years ago, and now I still message her most days. She’s not just a friend; she’s the incredible designer behind my branding, including this website.
Then there’s Ellie and Rach who I met on a business retreat back in January 2024. They used to co-host RE: The Podcast, which inspired me just by showing up as themselves online. (And the energy I aspire to give to my own podcast!)
It’s proof that building a business support network isn’t about collecting LinkedIn connections, it’s about building real relationships that lift you up.
You don’t need to build your business alone. You're probably not - but it's all about how to look at it. So many entrepreneurs say that running a business feels lonely, but if you look at all the people around you, your support network beyond the obvious employees/clients - I've no doubt you'll see that you're not lonely at all.