It’s
ironic that a role that seems busy with constant communication can feel so
lonely. Similar to the perceived freedom associated with running your own
business to only feel like a slave to admin: GST returns and photocopier
repairs.
People
often set up their own business thinking that working with their clients will
give them plenty of human contact, but fail to recognise the importance of
collegiality. A professional interaction with a customer doesn’t give quite the
same satisfaction as banter between colleagues. So with the rise of
professionals working remotely or for themselves, how can they beat loneliness?
Working with a Team
In
any job there are good days and there are days that are less so. Sometimes it
feels good to vent about what was or what could have been. Your customer or
supplier doesn’t want to hear that. Maybe your colleagues don’t either, but
there is mutual benefit in getting something off your chest and moving on,
rather than dwelling in isolation. Sometimes too much thinking time is
counterproductive if it’s not focused in the right direction.
Something
candidates constantly tell us is the importance of working in a team. Even
people who prefer autonomy appreciate the opportunity to bounce ideas and spark
off others. This theme is as consistent as the requirement to not work for a
micro manager, usually based on previous experience of being managed
microscopically and a compelling reason to become your own boss in the first
place.
Making Connections
One
solution to the isolation of working remotely or autonomously is networking. Honing
your networking skills will increase opportunities for you to discuss industry
issues with like-minded people. Although, not everybody’s cup of tea – often
people who think they’re really good at networking can be quite annoying in
that situation, talking confidently about themselves and how they have a deal
for me. Others find it somewhat nerve-wracking, approaching strangers, asking
‘mind if I join you?’
I
recall a training video on networking, back when videos were on tape – possibly
not the most up-to-date thinking on the topic to share now. I remember being
instructed to announce your departure when you finish a conversation and want
to talk to another person in the room. A suggested line was, "Well, there must
be more interesting people you want to talk to, I’ll leave you to it.” The very
next networking event I attended someone said to me, "Well, there must be more
interesting people you want to talk to.”
I
couldn’t. I was speechless.
Contracting
Another
alternative to the isolation of working for yourself, whilst retaining the
flexibility and control, is contracting. Our upcoming whitepaper, ‘Rise of the
Contingent Workforce’ has revealed a significant growth in the uptake of this
option, which gives employers and employees greater flexibility without the
loneliness self-employment often entails. It also allows you to focus on your
core capability rather than being stretched across the breadth of challenges
facing a small business, drawn into admin and other duties outside of your
speciality. When running your own business, some things you can’t avoid – either
way, you’ll still need to complete your GST return.
Summary
Despite conversing with clients and customers all day-every day, being self-employed can still be quite lonely when you lack someone you can relate too and bounce ideas off. That doesn’t have to be the case though, if you’re considering contracting or improving your networking skills, get the ball rolling with a meaningful conversation either with me, or one of my colleagues, today.