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| Business |
 Dealing
With Isolation -
The Home Office EnemyBy Anne Stone of Women In a Home Office As all know, isolation is both a joy and curse of the home-based business. Isn’t it great to be away from all of that wasted talk about “who did what” and “who got let go”? Aren’t you glad Bob doesn’t interrupt you anymore…rambling on about his latest golf game? But…don’t you wish some days that Bob (or Jill) would just show up on the doorstep, ready to go for a coffee? Have you ever found yourself wanting to invite the courier in for tea? Isolation: It has been described as “public enemy #1” or as I like to call it “the Silent Killer”. Much of what I will reference in this article is based on personal experience, the experience of fellow home-based business owners and research I have done. One thing that I’ve found is that there is no “magic answer”; the answer is different for everyone...talking about it helps. So what I am going to tell you in this article might be news for some, old news to others. My hope is that through what I have learned and what you learn from others, you might just come up with the answer right for you. So here we go…here is my analogy on isolation...it is like the red light on the gas tank of your car. Everything is going along nicely and then the “red light” comes on…you start to loose energy, focus, negative thoughts set in, motivation goes out the window and you start to get more and more distracted. It’s time to pull up to the pumps and get a fill up! What is isolation? Webster’s Dictionary defines isolation as the act of being set apart or cut off from others. Who has heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? Abraham Maslow was a psychologist born in Brooklyn, New York in 1908. He is best remembered for developing a theory of human motivation now known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. He divided those needs into five general categories: 1) physiological; 2) safety; 3) belonging/love/social; 4) self-esteem; and 5) self-actualization. His theory was that as one of these five categories was satisfied, the next need would emerge. So once the physiological and safety issues were satisfied (you have a home and food), belonging/love/social would take over as the next need to be satisfied. So belonging/love/social is the third level. Humans have a desire to belong...to belong to groups such as clubs, work groups, religious groups, friendship groups and family, even gangs. We need to feel loved by others, to be accepted by others. So, this may be one reason why we suffer from isolation in a home-office. As much as one might say “I love to work alone”, there are times when you need to get out and see others…to be accepted, validated, supported for what we do. Here are some ideas on how to beat isolation: 1) Don’t isolate yourself too much even in your own home. If your office is in the basement, consider moving it upstairs where there are windows you can see out of or where you can see people periodically. Seeing sunlight helps, too. 2) Add music to your office environment. One great thing about your home office is that you can play the music you want to hear and you can sing along, too. You can also play talk radio so you get a sense that there are people around you. 3) Use a laptop computer so that you can move around and be around people…at the coffee shop or at the cottage. I am in the family room right now! 4) Keep a time management system and treat “getting out” as a part of your business. You should schedule at least a couple of meetings a week, maybe even one whole day if need be! Have you ever left the house for a meeting and felt, “why am I doing this” and then come home after the meeting totally inspired and energized? Keep a journal and note how you are feeling, like when you are feeling unmotivated, isolated. You might find out that there are certain days, times of the week, year when you feel more isolated. Once you recognize when it is happening, you can do something about it. 5) Join some community networks or on-line networks…try a bunch and find the one that suits you. These are great social events and a great way to grow your business. 6) Schedule meetings with clients and/or friends at local coffee shops, not at your home. You don’t have to do the dishes or worry about cleaning up the house before they come over. Bonus, you are supporting the local economy. 7) Volunteer in your local community. Get involved in groups that help young people, clean up the community, help the retailers. You will feel good and meet lots of contacts. 8) Walk your dog or a neighbours dog and make sure you go where there are people. You just never know where you will meet your next client. Yes, even at the dog park! And always have your business cards with you. If you don’t have access to a dog to walk, join a fitness club or start a Friday morning walking club in your neighbourhood. 9) Buddy up with another home-based businessperson and help them deal with their isolation. Have a once a week/once a day call to each other to help each other keep motivated. 10) Start a networking group of people in similar professions. On-line networking is also a great way to connect. After all is said and done…why not treat yourself to the benefits of isolation: - Take charge of your day…make your own schedule. - Water the garden in the middle of the day! - Take a nap when you are just beat…or watch Oprah ! - Take a walk in the park to strategize or just clear your head! - Schedule time to run your errands during the day. Remember, in life we have choices. Choose your own life and how you wish it to run. Anne Stone is founder of Women in a Home Office, a national networking organization designed specifically for women with home-based businesses. For more information, visit www.womeninahomeoffice.com |