Working Alone Doesn’t Mean You Have to Be Alone

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Many business owners work alone because their staff consists of just them. They make their products or services, do their marketing and when stuck, look to themselves for help. Usually working from home, their daily contact with people may occur during school pick up or when their partner comes home from work. All up, it can be a darn isolating experience being a one-person band.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way. No one is an island all to themselves and nor should we try to be. You’ll have your strengths and weaknesses, just like me. It’s whether you’re willing to reach out and seek support when you need it which is the key.

Today I’m going to talk about when you do work alone, what you can do to feel like you’re not alone. Because I know you’re not and it’s time you did too!

Why Working Alone is a Great Thing and Why It’s Not

Working by yourself on and in your business can be wonderful. You are the decision maker, and you call the shots. There’s no need to seek approval from anyone; you’re not told what to do, and you get to keep all your profits!

However, there are also downfalls. There’s no one to bounce ideas off, and you are responsible for everything. If you don’t do it, it doesn’t get done. You also have to keep all the profits – oh wait, that’s a good thing!

Anyway, the point I’m making is that there’s nothing wrong with working alone. It becomes a problem though, when you need support but don’t have it. That’s when you actively need to choose to reach out and ask for some.

How to Stop Working Alone; Well, Some of the Time

While I’m a fan of outsourcing, if you don’t have the funds, you can’t do it. So until you do (and even once you have), here are some steps you can take to reduce your isolation, grow your knowledge base and feel supported:

  • Join social media groups, such as my Facebook group. Being in touch with likeminded others helps to reduce isolation and lets you share and receive some great information.
  • Use hot desks – if your work is computer-based, why not spend one day a week at a shared workspace?
  • Join local business support groups – even meeting once a month for a cuppa helps!

Remember, it’s important to look after yourself, and when you work alone, it’s even more important! Take a read of my article Taking Care of You Equals Taking Care of Your Business to find out how to do this! Don’t forget to join my support group The Business Owners Hub too!