Yesterday I heard about a Christmas celebration for sole traders – Jolly Solo in NSW. What a brilliant idea! It actually got me thinking and, sobering as it might be, reminded me that for some, running a business can be lonely.
In the past we’ve asked business owners about this through the MYOB Business Monitor and at the time 48% agreed with the statement ‘I often feel isolated or on my own as a small business owner’.
It’s unfortunate that this is the case for some business owners. But on a brighter note, in some cases, it doesn’t have to be as lonely as you feel it is.
No doubt you’re run off your feet just running your business, however I encourage you to spend some time connecting with other business folk and work to ease the feeling of isolation. Consider…
- Networking groups, industry groups or peer support or mentoring programs (both on and off line)
- Online forums for business
- Social media, such as Twitter, blogs, etc (for example, you could join the conversation with the friendly business owners that contribute comments on the Small Business Owner blog)
You could even join forces with others! If you’re a sole trader, consider joining with other sole traders for your own workshops, peer support sessions or even celebrations. You could use the Jolly Solo idea as inspiration!
Maybe you’re isolated, literally, by your location. Consider the opportunities you can find online.
Online you can make connections with other likeminded business owners. Get advice, give tips based on your own experiences, share ideas, best practice and key learning’s, or just share business war stories and chitchat. You might find others who feel just as isolated and alone as you do, who are eager to converse.
If it’s more serious than feeling disconnected from other business owners and you need help, Business.gov.au has a support line to assist with a number of areas, including personal stress counselling.
So I encourage you to be proactive and find likeminded people who are just as fabulous as you! Or perhaps you’ve already done so and are happy to share with us your “getting connected” story!
