The 80/20 Rule for Solopreneurs: Focus on What Really Moves the Needle

So, solopreneurs, let’s talk truth.

You’ve got 24 hours in a day, just like everyone else. So why are you hustling like a hamster on a wheel and STILL not getting results?

Spoiler alert: You’re focusing on the wrong stuff.

Enter the 80/20 Rule — your new best friend in business.

Also called the Pareto Principle, it’s simple: ?? 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. ?? The other 80%? It’s busywork that’s dragging you down.

If you’re ready to work smarter (not harder) and actually make progress, buckle up.

Step 1: Identify Your 20%

Let’s keep it real. Most solopreneurs waste time on tasks that feel productive but aren’t.

Here’s how to find your golden 20%:

• Look at your revenue: What brings in the cash? Clients? Product sales? Focus there.
• Review your leads: Which marketing channels or strategies are bringing in the most qualified leads?
• Spot the high-impact tasks: What’s working? Stick to it. What’s not? Drop it.

For example: If 80% of your sales come from email marketing, but you’re spending 5 hours a week tweaking Instagram graphics… you’re missing the point.

Step 2: Stop Majoring in the Minors

Let me say it louder: Busy doesn’t equal productive.

It’s time to delegate, automate, or eliminate tasks that don’t drive results. Here’s how:

• Delegate: Hire a VA or freelancer to handle repetitive tasks like social media scheduling or customer service.
• Automate: Use tools like Systeme.io (yes, I use it myself!) to build marketing funnels, send emails, and run your digital product business with ease.
• Eliminate: Not every task deserves your attention. Be ruthless with your to-do list.

Step 3: Double Down on What Works

Once you’ve found your 20%, give it all you’ve got.

• If email campaigns are converting: Create more sequences.
• If webinars drive sales: Host more webinars.
• If referrals are gold: Invest in building your network.

Remember, success isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things.

Step 4: Test, Measure, Repeat

Here’s the thing: your 20% might change.

• Analyze your results every quarter.
• Adjust your strategy based on what’s bringing the most value.

Data is your best friend. Use it to guide your focus.

The Hard Truth You Need to Hear

You’re not going to scale your business by spending all day “perfecting” your Canva posts or agonizing over a logo.

You scale by: ?? Building systems that work without you. ?? Prioritizing tasks that move the needle. ?? Staying laser-focused on your 20%.

Action Time

?? Ready to ditch the busywork and start scaling like a boss?

Check out Systeme.io — the ultimate tool to automate your marketing and grow your solopreneur business.

Oh, and if you’re in the digital products game like me, check out Resell Ready — where I built funnels that WORK using Systeme.io.

It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start driving results.

Focus on the 20%, and the 80% will follow.

Let’s go!