The Freedom, Risks, and Hard-Won Lessons of Going Solo

Dr. Steven Mercer, an adjunct professor at the University of California-San Diego and an independent educational consultant, speaks from personal experience when he instructs solo entrepreneurs and consultants on how to build a service practice without sacrificing their values, time, or financial stability.  According to a 2025 Census Bureau report, there are 29.8 million solopreneurs in the United States who contribute an estimated $1.7 trillion to the US economy. On a bare-bones marketing budget, Dr. Mercer has managed to grow his business — Mercer Educational Consulting, which consults high school students and their parents on the best ways to get accepted into college — into a global enterprise. On this week's episode, Dr. Mercer offers lessons on how to transition gradually from employment to independent practice, attract clients through referrals and useful content, and decide when advertising makes sense.  Although there will not be a test, listeners will be schooled on the best ways to set fees, establish boundaries, and handle difficult clients. Monday Morning Radio, now in its 15th season, is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart. Photo: Dr. Stephen Mercer, Mercer Educational Consulting Posted: August 3, 2026 Monday Morning Run Time: 50 minutes Episode: 703 [Be sure to pick up your copy of All You Can Eat Business Wisdom: Second Helpings, the new Monday Morning Radio anthology featuring 21 world-class thinkers and leaders.]