Charlene, It's ok to have these feelings. It's natural to want to talk to someone about Your business. But, what You must understand is most people don't have a clue of how to start, operate and maintain an online business. You may want to try a different approach. It's all about the Presentation.

Once when I was in Sales, I got the dreaded Sales Burnout. I tried everything I could, to get thru it, but nothing worked. Finally, I picked up a book named "How I raised Myself from Failure to Success". I was desperate for answers. I finished the book and began to implement some of the strategies. The one that worked for Me, was become an actor. So, I decided to star in the role of a Sales Consultant.

Every appointment I ran, I played the part with My whole heart. I became the Greatest Sales Consultant on Earth. And that's what I told myself everyday. Finally the burnout lifted and I went on with my career. Sometimes We have to "Fake it until We make it" Whatever it takes, to get You thru it. The thing about feelings are, They will eventually change. But Sometimes, they need a little Help. Remember This: "GREATNESS"is In You. Speed bumps will come, but Your "GREATNESS" Will always carry You Thru. All The Best To You! ~PowerQ

I have no siblings, so being by myself was always a way of life for me. Maybe that's why my inlaws are my family, not just "like family". As for the online business, I share that with a few very close friends and family. I will share more once I am wildly successful, lol
At least, as you pointed out, this is one place where online business is a common interest we all share.

I understand. Most people don't understand. I moved a lot with the government so I'm used to not being near family. So, I join groups like hiking clubs or book clubs or whatever my outside interests are to make myself get out and meet people. They may not understand what I'm doing but at least it's an outlet for being around others. You can get ideas from them as well. Just a thought. Another thought. Blog when you feel like venting. Someone is always awake here and will respond. Keep your eyes on the prize.

I can certainly relate to some extent what you're feeling. I've been a stay at home mom for two years without any local family or friends, so loneliness was always sort of an issue for me. Since finding WA I've felt that I gained an outlet to connect with other people who are sharing a similar journey. But this isn't really something I "share" with my husband or family, at least not in a big way. They nicely try and listen if I bring it up but I don't think anyone really "gets it". So I look at it now as my own personal journey and hopefully when I become successful everyone will want to know more about it :) Lets follow each and stay motivated!

Hi Stephen, It was meant with nothing but love. I'm considered too out their for my Bibe Study group too, but I'm still within the range of 'conservative by secular standards'. Blessings Bethamy.

Hi Starlett, A couple of weeks ago, I suggested somewhere guest posting each other, (interested parties opting in). My thinking is it would help build repoir between WA'ers, as well as assisting with the cross-promotion of each others sites, and possibly friendships. It's not about stealing each others thunder as I guess most if us are struggling with a hundred or so followers a week if that. Stephen classily refers to as 'silent readers', I call them 'living corpses', those readers never comment, or give feedback good or bad.
Blessings Bethamy.

Lonely but not alone, Charlene! Many people are having a similar experience. Who else can understand the dynamics of what we are doing if not like-minded people. I think that is why discussion forums like this and other hang-outs are relevant.

I stay connected for the same reason. You may be on a lonely "track" right now, but a crowd is waiting for you at the "finish-line".

Hi Starrlet,
I feel sad when I read your blog.
Like me, I am a solitary person and I am in the same situation as you. No one is interested in what I am doing. I have put up a website to talk about the things that I like to discuss. I have people who read my article but they don't give comments. I called them the "Silent Readers"

I would suggest you to join a club which you are interested in. Interact with other people and you will not be lonely.
Do not expect people to understand or care about what you are doing. For most people, all they are interested are themselves and no others. It is a fact and I am not making this up.

You can create circles around yourself. For example, friends who would go shopping with you, friends who like movies and friends who like gossips, etc. Keeping yourself busy is a good way to forget this loneliness.

You can write a blog here once a while to discuss with us, or you choose to PM me or other members of WA, feel free to do so. You are always welcome.

Cheers,
MisterWailor , by the way my name is Stephen if you want to know.

Hi Charlene - I would guess that most of us are in the same place as you.

(It could be Purgatory) :)

I've been on the internet for years - was lucky with a program I wrote a while back, but until the last few months, knew NOTHING about marketing - and how to rinse/repeat it etc.

All that time (14/15 years) and until now, I don't think anyone else understands what I'm doing, or why.

My better half is coming around - and has recently started her own home lifestyle business (craft related), but until that happened a couple of months ago, all she thought I did was computer nerdy stuff.

All of my friends are the same - they have no concept of what IM is, so I've had zero interest from them on my FB and twitter notifications about joining WA, even for a free trial.

What "we" are unique in, is realising that we are in charge of our own futures. We don't HAVE to conform to the "work for the man" thinking anymore - these days, what will that get you? A less than inflation payrise, if any?

I am taking control of my own future now - people around me may not realise it just yet, but I'm in this for the long haul - I'm willing to spend the spare hours here and there, when others (even my age) are playing minecraft or halo or candycrush or whatever, to invest in ME - to learn the skills needed so that I can build a future for my family.

They may not appreciate it just yet - but when we can say "lets go away for the weekend" without even having to think about how we pay for it, or when I can give to charity anonymously (because I've always wanted to do something - as I know even now I'm very lucky) without having to wonder what I'll have to give up to do so... that's when people that I am close to will realise what I've been doing.

Yes, blogging or creating niche websites can be a lonely business - but as long as you are thinking longer term, and are focussed on what you want to achieve as a result of it - you WILL find a way of getting through the lonely side of this business.

My only suggestion, and I have *thought* about this, although not followed through yet, would be to partner with someone, or a few people, and meet regularly (even if through skype/hangouts etc), just to ensure you are all motivating each other to stay on track with what your goals are.

So yes, I'm lonely sitting here on my own typing this - but I do believe in doing so, I will open up many opportunities for myself and my family and friends in the future.

You may be on your own, but you're not at all if you think about how many people are on the same path as you right this second.

I don't know if this will give you any comfort at all, but I hope it makes you feel less lonely either way.

All the best, Mark

Hi there Starrlett, I understand about really no one to talk to outside WA; my dh is not interested and anything I'm doing online he complains about being a scam and that I'm going to get "taken." by doing it. None of my art friends care about the internet and my family all have their own lives and issues to discuss. So I guess talking about it here is going to have to be enough for me. Guess if this becomes successful for me, some of them might start paying attention. I'm usually on WA until around 3am every night, so if you need to talk, pm me.