Being a business owner can be extremely exciting and satisfying but also, at times, very isolating. In fact, isolation and loneliness are two of the biggest issues reported by Kiwi small business owners.
I remember owning my first business and feeling very lonely. After spending most of my career in Corporate America, the realization that there had to be a different level of communication with your staff than I had experienced before, was eye opening. In my previous environment, I could bounce ideas of people, vent, and just know in general I was surrounded by a group of people moving in the same direction. Being the owner of the business does not afford this same relationship.
Although loneliness in entrepreneurship is an avoided topic, entrepreneurship can be lonely regardless of whether you are successful or not. You won’t always have someone in your corner to celebrate every win or coach you through every loss. (1)
“Very few people are ever successful or a failure by themselves, and probably, one of the most powerful elements in creating success – is a powerful team.” Laurie Benson, CEO of Inacom Information Systems and 2009 “SBA National Women in Business” Champion.
What can you do, as an owner, to help combat feeling lonely?
- Appreciate what you have – you’ve started something – be proud!
- Occasionally take a break. Find time to relax, it will help reduce stress and curb burnout.
- Surround yourselves with other business owners – identify and connect with a group with the same passion and interests.
- Find mentors/business advisors to provide honest feedback and input. It is crucial to associate with people who will help you assess your situation and offer appropriate solutions to help you.
- Learn from others who have been there before you.
- Make networking part of your business day – it is essential to ensure you do not become isolated.
- Create a team – start to build an empowered and motivated team that can help you achieve the success needed to reach your goals.
- If you work from home, create a routine like “going to the office” and don’t live there 24 hours a day.
Remember, you are not alone in your loneliness! There are plenty of other business owners feeling the same, so share, join and engage.
As Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND, said on Masters of Scale, “you need grit and wit so that you’re not just pounding your head against a wall, thinking that if you try hard enough, you’re bound to succeed. Life is a team sport, not an individual sport. If you can get the right team on board, you don’t have to do it alone.”
