Running a small business can be an incredibly lonely experience. Let's face it, we're all quite sociable really and even if we don't need to be around people all of the time, too much of our own company isn't good for us. I don't know about you, but if I've spent a couple of days in the office on the trot, I'm usually climbing the walls. So, here's my top five tips to making your business less lonely:
1: Go out! Go and see a client, go to a networking event, go running - whatever it is, if you're feeling lonely, the worst thing you can do is stay in your office. It's only going to make you feel worse. Even if it's the last thing in the world that you feel like doing, I promise you that if you go out (preferably to somewhere where there are other people), you will feel much better!
2: Join a group. One of the reasons that the breakfast networking events are so popular is that people are part of a group and they don't feel so alone. Could you join a group too? There are plenty to choose from - type BNI, BRX, 4Networking, NRG into Google to find a group that might suit you. You can also type in "local networking events" and see what comes back. Joining a group will help you see that everyone feels lonely at some point, but there is a way of getting over that feeling.
3: Get a business mentor or coach. A business mentor or coach is someone who can help you with your business. You should be able to bounce ideas off them and they should help you to reach a solution, although they shouldn't run your business for you. And of course, they're someone to rely on if you're feeling lonely or struggling in your business. Business Link usually run low-cost mentoring schemes. Check them out to see if there is one in your area.
4: Find something that inspires you. When I find something that inspires me in my business, it's a great feeling - I find that I'm buzzing with idea and can't wait to get on and do something about them, which leaves no time for feeling lonely. Why not read an inspirational book, go and watch a professional speaker, download a podcast or watch a motivational video? Finding something that is motivational and inspirational can make you feel a whole lot better.
5: And finally, if all else fails...why not team up with other small business owners that you know and try to help each other? All of us feel lonely from time to time and I will guarantee that they'll be others feeling the same way. Speak to small business owners at networking events etc and see if you can meet for coffee. Better still, get a small group together and see if you can meet to help each other out. A word of warning on this one though - make sure it doesn't turn into a moaning match, which will make you feel worse. Make the focus on helping each other out.
To learn more about this author, visit Helen Dowling's Website.
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