Dealing With Entrepreneurial Isolation
on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Solo entrepreneurs and people who work from home can sometimes suffer from a feeling of isolation. Our clients often tell us that they feel like they are on their own and feel remote or lonely when they do not have regular, face-to-face contact with others over the course of their business day. One of the best ways to reduce these feelings is to regularly participate in networking groups where you can grow as a professional, build strong relationships and fight the sense of loneliness and isolation that come with the territory.
In our Networking Accelerator for Busy People we teach 5 reasons to join a networking group or attend a networking event. Here they are:
1. Professional development. Many professions suggest and/or require some sort of license or certification to conduct business as a professional in that field. As part of the ongoing professional development process classes, seminars and workshops are offered to keep you up on the latest trends, help hone your skills in a specific area, and provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for re-certification. If you are not part of an association in your particular profession, you should be!
2. Pass leads and develop networking power partners. This is one of the most often thought of reasons for belonging to a networking group. Networking (or “leads”) groups offer the ability to build strong relationships with power partners so you can pass qualified leads to each other. Many groups (LeTip, BNI, I Take The Lead, etc.) provide a structured weekly meeting for building your network and passing along leads. However, even in groups like these it is important to have a clear strategy for developing your power partnerships. They don’t just happen automatically! What is your favorite place to show up in order to build relationships and pass leads?
3. Have fun. Yep! The desire to enjoy yourself with friends and peers is a perfectly legitimate reason to go to a networking event. Who says business can’t be fun? In fact, some of the most fun businesses are also the most profitable! Are YOU having fun yet?
4. Give back. Sometimes it’s important to offer your services to youth or people who cannot afford to pay for your specialty. If you want to have a thriving business, you can’t afford to give away everything you do. And yet, you may feel drawn to help out when and where you can. Networking opportunities provide you an opportunity to maximize your ability to serve in the most effective way.What kinds of opportunities are available in your area that will allow you to give back to your community? Are you actively involved in any of these activities?
5. Mastermind. Specialized mastermind groups are like regular networking and leads groups on steroids. These groups are usually by invitation only and require a higher level of commitment to helping each participant grow their business or organization. A mastermind group can act like your own internal advisory board, but caution is warranted as brutal honesty may require to you make changes or even sacrifice some “sacred cows.” Is it time for you to participate in a mastermind group?
You can belong to many networking groups for many different reasons. All of them will help you fight the sense of isolation that comes with being an entrepreneur and working from home. I recommend you find a networking strategy that works for you and get out there to make it happen. You will be happier, feel more connected, and be more productive in a very short time!
------------------Sean Harry
http://www.DrSeanHarry.com