Entrepreneurship is a fun adventure, but it can also be lonely at times. This is especially true if you’re a solopreneur. If you’re going to last long term in your business, it’s vital not to isolate yourself from others.
If you ever find yourself feeling lonely and isolated, consider the following 5 strategies:
1 – Invite a partner into your business
While this may not be the right decision for everyone, many entrepreneurs try to go it alone for far too long only to regret it later. You may not bring on a 50/50 profit-sharing partner, but hiring a virtual assistant can provide a dual benefit of lightening your load and providing human interaction as you work together. While the intent of the role isn’t friendship, a good VA often provides a great connection while strategically working together for the purpose of advancing your business.
2 – Join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs
Because there are so many people starting their own businesses these days online, there has also been an increase in online groups full of like-minded entrepreneurs who get you. The reality is that many family members and friends who have traditional jobs won’t understand what you do and go through in your business. That’s okay. Just make sure to connect with others who do understand the unique benefits and challenges of owning and running a business.
3 – Get out of the house!
While this may seem overly obvious, it’s very easy for entrepreneurs to seclude themselves in their homes pounding away at their keyboards. Sometimes this happens because we love what we do. Other times it’s because we lose track of time and never give ourselves a break. We need to rest and recover, not just work all the time. Even if you simply get up from your desk and take a walk outside occasionally, it can refresh your mind and give you a healthy separation from your work. Running errands can be a good break when your energy runs low and you feel lonely. Just being around other people in public can refuel our relational tanks.
4 – Schedule time to connect with others
While you may intentionally be a solopreneur, schedule time in your calendar to connect with others about life beyond business. While you are likely very passionate about what you do, there is a great big world full of other people and things to focus on. Beware isolating yourself and disconnecting from people who care about you. Whether it’s on the phone, Zoom, or grabbing coffee or lunch with a friend, schedule the time in your calendar. Without scheduling it, you’re less likely to make it happen.
Entrepreneurship can be extremely fun and it’s easy to throw ourselves into our businesses full force. We get it. We love what we do at DLG! However, we have to remember that we are human BEINGS, not human DOINGS.
Take care of yourself by developing and maintaining healthy relationships outside of your business. It would be a tragedy if you look up one day amidst a successful business with no one to share it with.
Would you like to be part of an enthusiastic group of motivated entrepreneurs? If so, we invite you to join the Design Launch Grow Business Building Community. This FREE private Facebook group provides training, support, and encouragement as you take your next steps toward starting or growing your business.