Top tips to avoid feeling isolated

byYvetteG

298 followers

Updated 9 years ago

Isolation is one of the greatest enemies for the self-employed entrepreneur - How to BEAT it fast!

Many of us over the years have held down secular roles which required us to turn up at 'x' time, and depart at 'y' time. In the middle we spent 8+ hours 'sold' into a money for effort trade-off.

For so many here at WA, the high level of dissatisfaction you felt with this trade and the terms of it, are the very reason you began searching for a different way of life.

Some of us have had the benefit of negotiating roles that included some portion of our work-week situated from a home-based office, giving us some relative freedom, at least psychologically.

However there can be a 'trade' to be negotiated for the freedom that comes from dictating ones own work contract. We may have mentally devoted 'x' time per day or week to our business on our terms. But there is also other considerations to be made aside from just our work hours, and these are things we should consider negotiating in our private contract with ourselves, to not only produce a successful business financially, but encourage a situation that gives us superior benefits mentally and emotionally.

When you work secularly you will often times have included in your work situation;

• Work funded training
• Social clubs
• Comraderie and encouragement from work mates
• Structured meetings and directives
• Mentoring

For many, our work situation is also where we meet and make strong friendships and connections that can span decades.
Some of these benefits can be life-altering.

So whilst we know for a fact, the majority of us would still choose the freedom of self-employment with benefits that can substantially enrich our lives on many levels and outweigh all of the above.. we do also need to be aware of these possible deficits socially and consider how we can work benefits of the same merit into our own contract. Ensuring we are well-rounded and balanced in all respects.

How to combat Isolation

1. Start the day with some conversation, allocate some time first up for phone calls. This will get your mind into gear and get you socialising with the outside world. Even better, organise coffee with a friend or business contact.
   
   
2. Get out the house. Ensure you don't spend the whole day at home, even if it's just a run to the supermarket. It will get you out of your head and get your body moving. It's ideal to do some exercise outdoors early in the morning, it'll invigorate you all day.
   
   
3. Join some networking groups. Almost every city will have them, professional meet-up groups where you can network with other entrepreneurs, professionals, learn about new business strategies, social media and more.
   
   
4. Change your work location. The absolute best part of what we do is that we have FREEDOM! To move, to travel, to set our creativity loose. Do you have to work from your home office every day? Why not spend a few hours down your local coffee shop for a change of scenery and new perspective.
   
   
5. Get active on social media. This is good for your business and keeps you in touch with the world. Be careful to allocate your time, so you don't get caught spending the whole day on it. But getting your business involved in social media and seeing others begin to follow you, gives you a sense of accomplishment and success, which is particularly good in the early stages of your start-up.
   
   
6. Reach out to others. Whether it's becoming more helpful here on WA, or forming greater connections with your friends or family. Being in front of any shape screen all day, can put you in zombie land. Be mindful that it's never healthy to spend too much time alone. Become proactive about nurturing relationships, you are guaranteed to benefit and will be pleased you did.

Get started now by reaching out!
Share your top tips on how to avoid isolation and stay connected!