Today, I want to delve into a topic that often goes undiscussed—the profound loneliness that can come with being an entrepreneur.

As a solopreneur working from home, I understand the feeling of spending long hours on your own, yearning for someone who truly comprehends the challenges and intricacies of running a business. It's crucial to address this issue because the impact of loneliness can significantly affect our well-being and hinder our success.

In this blog post, I'll share my own experiences and offer three strategies to combat loneliness and cultivate a supportive work environment.

The Isolation Trap:

I vividly recall the early days of my entrepreneurial journey, working from home after leaving my job in television production. Gone were the days of constant social interaction and camaraderie. Suddenly, with a baby in tow, I found myself feeling incredibly alone. Conversations with my husband at the end of the day weren’t enough, and he was often distracted from the stresses of his workday. Friends who weren't business owners struggled to relate to my experiences, leaving me feeling isolated and misunderstood.

Creating Community:

Realising the significance of building a network of like-minded individuals, I took proactive steps to surround myself with supportive individuals. Meeting my previous business partner, Shelley, another mother starting her own business, was a turning point. Together, we established Ealing Mums in Business, a community that provided support and opportunities for women like us. This newfound sense of camaraderie propelled me forward, leading to the launch of subsequent businesses. However, when my husband’s career took us to Abu Dhabi, the isolation returned, leaving me desperate for a supportive community.

The Birth of The Cocoon:

My personal experience in Abu Dhabi ignited the inspiration to create the Cocoon Business Membership—an online safe space for women in business worldwide. The Cocoon became a hub where women could learn new skills, gain confidence, and benefit from a sisterhood of like-minded individuals. The adage, "People come for the training, and they stay for the community," holds true in this space. The support and camaraderie experienced within The Cocoon proved invaluable, filling the void of loneliness that many of us experience.

Here are 3 Strategies to Overcome Loneliness

Mix it up: Break the monotony of working alone by exploring different work environments. Consider working from local cafes or co-working spaces. Even taking CEO time to plan and strategize in a different setting can provide a much-needed change of scenery and human connection.

Find your tribe: Networking events may not always yield immediate sales, but can lead to discovering a tribe of supportive business owners. Surrounding yourself with uplifting individuals who understand your journey is invaluable (check out this podcast episode about Visibility Through Networking) If traditional networking isn't your forte, explore online communities or consider joining groups like masterminds to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Get support: Remember that being a solopreneur doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Seek support in the form of a business mentor, a membership, or becoming part of a mastermind. Having someone to bounce ideas off, gain insights, and share successes and challenges with can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance your business's success.

If you're currently experiencing loneliness in your business, it's crucial to acknowledge its impact and take action to alleviate it. Incorporating these strategies—mixing up your work environment, finding your tribe, and seeking support—can be transformative in combating isolation.

Remember, happiness and human connection are catalysts for creativity, resilience, and overall success in your entrepreneurial journey. Don't let loneliness hold you back—cultivate a supportive work environment for yourself and thrive.

Find out how I can help you at www.lifefriendlybusiness.com