A solopreneur is a professional who builds a personal brand that is tied to himself as the brand. In contrast, an entrepreneur is a person that builds a brand intending to expand the company/brand outside of themselves. The brand would then be able to technically exist if that individual were to leave the company, sell the company, etc.
Solopreneurship is fast becoming a response to current sociological trends. More women are re-entering the workplace after child-rearing and are opting for new options, besides their previous careers or employment. Old and young people alike are considering second careers as a way to prolong retirement or ease into it.
