Dr Jeff Cornwall

An article at NFIB offers some good advice for solo entrepreneurs on how to connect with other people to improve their businesses. Isolation can lead to decreased creativity, obsessing over little problems, and ignoring big issues through simple denial. One approach to overcoming isolation is to connect to others in your industry.
“(O)ne of the best ways to develop a network of colleagues who understand your business is to join a professional association. Look for organizations that hold regular meetings in locations that are easy for you to get to. You can forge deeper contacts if you go beyond attending meetings by volunteering to serve on one of the association’s committees.”
I found that a group of entrepreneurs from other industries proved to be a valuable source of ideas and support when I was in business. We met through the Chamber of Commerce, but set up our own monthly advisory group. We dealt with issues ranging from finding time for our families to the right way, implementing layoffs, firing a customer, and even the right time to sell a business.
“Don’t forget professionals outside of your field. They can be good brainstorming partners for universal business problems, such as dealing with late-paying customers or deciding whether to switch from cable modem to DSL. People in other industries can also be good sources of new-business referrals.”
The article correctly points out that the benefits of building support systems go beyond improving the performance of your business.
“Hashing out business problems with others can improve your family life, too. You will be less likely to bring your work frustrations to the dinner table.”
It is not just the solo entrepreneur who should worry about the effects of isolation. We had hundreds of employees and I had two partners, yet there were times I felt completely alone. Build a network of people who provide support and advice no matter how big or small your business.