When you decide that the time is right to go into business for yourself, you may worry about a few different things. The first is always going to be money. Because there’s always a worry that you’re not going to make any, let alone enough to keep you going and get those all important bills paid. Secondly, you’re probably always going to worry about getting enough clients, and then keeping them. And finally, your third worry will always be about feeling alone. Because when you first start out and start working from home, you might be alone to start off with. But, that doesn’t automatically mean that you should always face everything alone.
Form A Networking Group
First of all, you should definitely think about forming a networking group. When you work for yourself, the truth is, it can get lonely. But, you don’t want to let this put you off, or bring you down. Instead, you just have to work that little bit harder to not feel as lonely. Choosing to form a networking group with other like-minded businesses people can be a really great way to do this. Not only are you creating some interactions in your life, but you could also be making some invaluable contacts.
Work With Freelancers
You could also think about working with some freelance professionals. Whether you’re a contractor yourself or you’ve launched a business venture, working with freelancers can be great. Not only will you find that you may need to hire them, to take on pieces of work like design or accounting, but you can also see them as your colleagues. And when you have people to talk with and discuss work with, you’ll never feel alone.
Get Expert Advice
Next up, you’re going to want to think about getting yourself some expert advice. Although you’re working for yourself now, you’re not a professional in all areas; you will find you have to hire one or two to help you along. Whether it’s a media law firm to protect your interests or a business consultant to help you grow. You will find that working with industry experts will help your business interests and stop you from facing things alone.
Meet With Your Clients
Working from home can make you feel as if you have to stay that way forever, but you don’t. Right now, it’s your base, but it doesn’t have to be forever. And it doesn’t have to be 24/7. In fact, when you want to meet with your clients, get out of there. Go to a coffee shop, rent a meeting space, or buy them lunch. Because meeting your clients, especially out of the office, is not only professional but makes for great social interaction too.
Pad Out Your Social Life
Finally, the life of a business owner or freelancer is very different to the life of an employee. When you work on your own for a large portion of your time, you are likely to get lonely from time to time. So, to balance things out, be sure to plan out lots of social events so that you have something to look forwards to after being at home all day.
