You’ve probably heard that the people closest to you affect your mood and attitude, so it’s important to surround yourself with a positive circle of influence. But working at home can sometimes make you feel isolated. Some days, your only circle of influence at the “office” may be your kids and pets. And while kids and pets are blessings, we all know that as business owners, we need to connect with other adults who share our entrepreneurial spirit.
There are a variety of ways to combat isolation in a home office and build a positive circle of influence – here are a few tips:
1. Your family – you really can’t get away from them when you work at home, so get them on board with your business. Share your goals, work schedule and accomplishments. Celebrate success together. For more tips, see my post: Family Support for Home Business Goals.
2. Local groups – join local groups, associations and clubs that include like-minded business owners. Whether these local groups help the community, educate business owners or provide networking opportunities, choose groups that add positive relationships to your business.
Also take note of the time you have available and choose only 1 or 2 groups to start with – spreading yourself too thin by becoming a part of many groups will not produce the best results for the group or you.
3. Online “virtual” groups – social media sites offer many options for building your positive circle of influence. From Facebook Groups, LinkedIn Groups, Google+ Communities or Twitter Chats…you can do a search on each site for a group that shares your interests and goals.
Paid programs, mastermind groups or associations usually host some type of private group on social media sites. The new connections you make there can be some of the most positive, since other members have paid for access and are obviously serious about the topic.
Build your positive circle of influence by putting effort into each of these areas and you’ll soon find the right people to give you feedback, support or a reminder of why you chose to work at home in the first place.
image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I liked all of your tips. I am going to join our local Chamber of Commerce this month. Hoping that will introduce me to more people in the area and also get my name out there.
shawn recently posted..2013 The Year of Marketing
Hi Shawn – thanks for stopping by! Yes, the local Chamber is a good one. Good luck with it!
Great ideas. I have really enjoyed the influence from the social media groups that I have joined. It’s so important that we all have a positive influence!
Denys Kelley recently posted..A New Year and a new Challenge- a BLOG Challenge
Thanks Denys! Yes, for me too, the online groups I’ve been a part of have all been a terrific influence and help to my business. Appreciate your comment 🙂
Great ideas Terry! Some of my best friends and colleagues are people I have never met. They really understand the challenges of running a business from home and are a great source of inspiration and ideas.
warm wishes,
Cindy
Cindy Schulson recently posted..How to Choose the Right Mentor for You
Thanks Cindy 🙂 I agree! Social media has introduced me to so many great people!
Terry, while our pets and kids are awesome, it’s important to get out there and connect with folks face-to-face. However, there are also many folks online (and in the UBC community) that create a beautiful supportive community – a positive circle as you call it. Here’s to your sweet success. Happy new year.
Thanks. ~Debra
Debra Jason recently posted..24 Things You Don’t Know About Me After 24 Years in Business
Thanks for your input Debra! The UBC community is such a great one! One of the reasons I enjoy the blog challenges. Happy New Year to you too 🙂
All great suggestions, Terry. In addition to the ones you mentioned I’d like to add one more that has helped me keep my sanity.
I make frequent breakfast, lunch, or coffee dates with my friends. There’s nothing like chilling with a friend just talking about anything and everything under the sun. It’s nice to get away from the “office” – and NOT talking business.
Eydie 🙂
Eydie Stumpf recently posted..Reflection: Just Do It
Great addition to the list Eydie! Thanks! It’s something I need to do more of myself – most of my “dates” away from my desk during the week are all business…sounds like a good new year’s resolution 🙂