Being your own boss and running an entrepreneurial venture on your own can be one of the most empowering feelings a person can experience.

Most of the time, you’ll feel like a superhero with sub-human strength, ready to take on the world and everything it has to throw your way.

Other times though, you’re going to feel the effects of long-term independence and what can sometimes be a pretty isolating situation to be in.

Whether you’re a sole trader, self-employed, or a freelancer with a nomadic lifestyle, the absence of a consistent team of colleagues surrounding you can have its setbacks.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a few top tips on how to avoid feelings of loneliness when you work for yourself or spend a great deal of time working alone.

Take advantage of co-working spaces

According to international property company Cushman & Wakefield, there was a 190% increase in square footage leased out to co-working spaces between 2016 and 2017 in London alone.

Co-workspaces enable everyone from sole-traders and freelancers to small businesses to come together under one roof in a collaborative and affordable environment.

Working in these surroundings a few times a week will help boost motivation, inspiration, and increase your chances of expanding your little black book of contacts.

Make networking a regular fixture in your diary

While co-working does allow you to mingle with likeminded professionals, it’s important to make a conscious effort to proactively network too.

Sign yourself up for networking events, attend seminars, go along to social events – do whatever it takes to expand your circle of connections.

Don’t shy away from collaborative projects

As a sole trader, it can be easy to put your blinkers on and go into superman/woman mode and think independence is a sign off success.

Sure, it can be at times but there is also a whole plethora of benefits which come of partnering with likeminded entrepreneurs when the time is right.

As the saying goes, all of the best ideas are stolen so collaboration will give you chance to pick someone else’s brains and explore unchartered creative avenues once in a while.

Don’t forget to leave time for a social life

One of the best pieces of advice we can give is to make striking a balance between work and play a top priority.

Of course, you always want to go that extra mile for your customers and spend the remaining time chasing new business, but don’t let that be at the expense of your wellbeing.

Nurturing personal relationships is just as important as schmoozing clients so ensure you find a healthy work-life balance.

Get social in the digital world too

No matter how demanding your to-do list is, there’s always time to squeeze in five or ten minutes to scroll through social media.

So, if getting out and about is just too much of a commitment, stay connected via the digital realm.

Speaking of social media, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter so come and join the conversation over on Twitter and Facebook.

Alternatively, leave any tips or advice you might have in the comments below to help independent entrepreneurs improve their social network and wellbeing.

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About The Author

Elizabeth Hughes

A content writer specialising in business, finance, software, and beyond. I'm a wordsmith with a penchant for puns and making complex subjects accessible. Learn more about Elizabeth.

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