Working alone: how to combat the isolation
There are a lot of benefits to working alone.
Nobody telling you what to do.
Nobody holding you up with their incompetence.
And nobody distracting you with office gossip or personal dramas.
Working alone is great.
Or is it?
Running a business can be a lonely place, and it helps to have someone to bounce an idea off, discuss a problem with or get advice from when we need to make an important decision. Even the most anti-social of us can find ourselves missing human company from time to time.
So, if your only conversations in the last week were with Alexa, your cat or the guy that called about mis-sold PPI, then it’s time to get out and mingle.
Attend networking events
Networking is a great way to meet people and build connections. There are loads of events on offer – each with different formats and different people.
Referral based networking groups are good for building long term relationships and getting more business.
Peer-to-peer boards tend to be smaller and are beneficial if you have specific obstacles you need help overcoming.
Industry meet-ups are good if you want to stay up to date and share advice with people in your field.
And, if you really can’t bear the idea of formal networking, then attending an exhibition might be a less daunting option.
Attend a few different events to find the ones that work for you. Even if you’ve had a bad experience of networking, give it another go. Think of it like eating out – just because you’ve had a bad meal at one restaurant doesn’t mean you’ll never try another one.
Work in a public place
Co-working spaces are brilliant for business owners and freelancers who work alone. Not only are they far cheaper than an individual office space, you also get to network with the people you share the space with.
If co-working feels like to much of a commitment, try working out of a coffee shop, bar, library or even the train station once or twice a week. You get the feeling of being around people all day, but interactions can be kept to a minimum.
Get training or coaching
Personal development is essential if you want to succeed in business. Look for training courses in your area. Not only will you learn a new skill or build your expertise, it’s also a great opportunity to make some new connections.
If you want someone to help you get your business to the next stage, a business mentor or coach is hugely beneficial. They will be there to bounce ideas off, hold you accountable and help you reach your potential. Different coaches and mentors have different personalities and styles, so find someone who feels like the right fit for you.
Need some help?
When I first started out, networking was a scary prospect. Now I regularly attend networking events and training courses. I have also worked with various coaches at different stages of my career and have taken advantage of co-working spaces.
If you'd like to take control of your time, escape the constant firefighting and build a business that works for you, the easy way to get started is to build a 12 Week Plan. My free planner shows you exactly what you need to do.
