9 Simple Ways A Lonely Entrepreneur Escapes Loneliness

If you’re an entrepreneur and solo business owner, it can be really lonely! Your friends may not relate well to your daily world. This is especially true in the early days of your business. Many entrepreneurs spend too much time in their business. As a result, they disconnect from their social groups and become lonely entrepreneurs. Until you live that life, you never realize what it’s like to be a lonely entrepreneur.

You know those signs of loneliness…. feeling blue, motivation wanes, you feel uninspired, annoyed and you start to feel disconnected. How can you handle loneliness?

Loneliness is a very real issue that MANY mompreneurs struggle with. So many of us NEED the energy of other people, and when we launch our business, the tendency is to wall ourselves away from others – and focus on all the endless tasks and to-dos… Social Media, blogging, website development, etc. It all can be very lonely. (Especially for us extroverts!) I have several suggestions that are important ingredients for success.

1. Create or join a Mastermind Group

   If you’re a lonely entrepreneur, you may consider joining a mastermind group. Mastermind groups create a small forum to help you focus on particular business problems. A mastermind group can help the lonely entrepreneur move your business forward through the brain-power of others. Surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs is a great way to escape loneliness. It always feels good to have people with different expertise as well.

2. Find Networking Opportunities

   It’s important to surround yourself with like-minded people when you work alone. There are many towns that have local women in business groups, chamber events, mixers, luncheons and nights out.

3. Be Consistent and Show Up

   Networking is not just meeting people. Networking groups help others get to know, like and trust you. The big mistake many lonely entrepreneurs make is they join yet do not attend regularly. When you do not show up, you do not build a relationship with others. Create ways to manage your schedule and consistently show up as often as you can.

4. 

   Volunteers Are Never Lonely

   Volunteering is an excellent way to expand your network and meet other business owners.  I have met wonderful people who’ve not only referred business to me but have become clients and friends. It’s a great idea to volunteer in an organization that is meaningful to you. When people come together and give their time to a cause or group, it creates trust and a special bond that expands your network. Additionally, volunteering shows others what you can do. In this way, it extends friendly, authentic referrals to your business.

5. To Escape Loneliness Join a Business Group

   Business groups are another great way to find support. Look for opportunities to join people who have businesses or clients in common. Networking associations, Chambers of Commerce, and even Alumni Associations provide portals to expanded networking. Groups like BIG, eWomen Network, Ladies Who Launch and Savor The Success are all examples of women business owners coming together to share talent and resources. Even if you’re in a location that is remote or not-business oriented, there are MANY online groups and chat boards designed for just this purpose.

6. Attend a Live Event To Escape Loneliness

   A lonely entrepreneur can easily meet other people by attending a live event. There are countless networking conferences for entrepreneurs. Some conferences focus on a particular discipline or vocation, while others have products, services or specific industries in common.

   Another way a lonely entrepreneur can explore live events is to connect with your local community, college or business network. If you’re a lonely entrepreneur, keep an eye out for business networking announcements. Additionally, networking groups often advertise events using targeted ads on social media platforms. So, when an ad pops up on your side panel, you’re likely someone’s target. The chances are high that your demographics and interests were pre-selected by an event host. You likely represent their target market. So, pay attention to the ads in the side banner of your social profiles. You’ll see that they may be just the thing you’re looking for. Also you may have an easy way to get out there, escape loneliness, and meet like-minded professionals like yourself.

7. A Lonely Entrepreneur Can Get Involved In Something You Love

   Joining a gym, a crafting group or a local club can help you find others who can serve as support for you. Whether you like to create things, exercise or have an interest in reading, participating or creating a club of like-minded people will open up doors for you that you never knew existed.  I often say, don’t underestimate the power of 1! One person who absolutely loves and believes in you (no matter how they’ve connected with you) can lead to a lifetime of referrals!

   

8. If You’re Lonely, Hire a Coach Dedicated To Your Success!

   When you’re a lonely entrepreneur, working with a coach can make a huge difference. A coach can help you understand how you feel about business decisions. A coach provides an external perspective and is dedicated to your success. Some coaches offer focused and targeted group programs and packages. A group can be a great place to find like-minded people who will provide the support you need.

   For instance, the past two group programs I ran – Planapaloozah and AWAKE, Manage Your Time To Love Your Life allowed attendees and members to share ideas before, during and after the program. Additionally, group coaching helps entrepreneurs overcome loneliness because you can access others in a similar stage of business! 
   

9. A Lonely Entrepreneur Can Get Help from a Virtual Team

   I couldn’t run my business effectively without the help of a great team of people behind the scenes. My virtual assistant team helps me manage my website, manages my shopping cart, helps me with marketing, stages my blog posts and helps me to follow up on the many administrative duties necessary to manage my business. I truly could not function without them.

   If you’re in the growth stage of business and would like to know more about how to leverage these ideas, contact me and let’s see if I can help!