The Home Office and Isolation

by Anne Stone

As we all know, isolation is both a joy and curse of the home-based business. Isn't it great to be away from all of that wasted talk about "who did what" and "who got let go"? Aren't you glad Bob doesn't interrupt you anymore, rambling on about his latest golf game? BUT don't you wish some days that Bob (or Jill) would just show up on the doorstep, ready to go for a coffee? Have you ever found yourself wanting to invite the courier in for tea?

Isolation: It has been described as "public enemy #1" or as I like to call it "the Silent Killer". Much of what I will reference in this article is based on personal experience, the experience of fellow home-based business owners and research I have done. One thing that I have found is that there is no "magic answer"; the answer can be different for everyone. And, that just talking about it can help, too.

So what I am going to tell you in this article might be news for some, old news to others. My hope is through what I have learned and what you learn from others, you might just come up with the answer right for you.

Here is my analogy on isolation: it is like the red light on the gas tank of your car. Everything is going along nicely and then the red light comes on. You start to lose energy and focus, negative thoughts set in, motivation goes out the window and you start to get more and more distracted. It's time to pull up to the pumps and get a fill up!

What is isolation?

Webster's Dictionary defines isolation as the act of being set apart or cut off from others. Who has heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? Abraham Maslow was a psychologist born in Brooklyn New York in 1908. He is best remembered for developing a theory of human motivation now known as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. He divided those needs into five general categories beginning with: physiological, safety, belonging/love/social, self-esteem, and self-actualization. His theory was that as one of these 5 categories was satisfied (from the bottom), the next need would emerge. Once the physiological and safety issues were satisfied (you have a home and food), belonging/love/social would take over as the next need to be satisfied. This makes sense, doesn't it?

So, belonging/love/social is the third level. Humans have a desire to belong; to belong to groups such as clubs, work groups, religious groups, friendship groups, family, and even gangs. We need to feel loved by others, to be accepted by others. So, this may be one reason why we suffer from isolation in a home-office. As much as one might say, "I love to work alone, but there are times when you need to get out and see others; to be accepted, validated, praised, supported for what we do."

Here are some ideas on how to beat isolation:

• Don't isolate yourself too much even in your own home. If your office is in the basement, consider moving it upstairs where there are windows you can see out of or where you can see people periodically. Seeing sunlight will help as well.
• Add music to your office environment. One great thing about your home office is that you can play the Music YOU want to hear and you can sing along, too. You never heard Guns and Roses at the office did you? It has also been suggested that you play talk radio in your office so you get a sense that there are people around you. Two different stations are good too, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
• Use a laptop computer so that you can move around and be around people; at the coffee shop or at the cottage. I am in the family room right now!
• Keep a time management system and treat "getting out" as a part of your business. You should schedule at least a couple of meetings a week, maybe even one a day if need be! Have you ever left the house for a meeting and felt, "why am I doing this" and then come home after the meeting totally inspired and energized? Keep a journal or diary and note how you are feeling...when you are feeling unmotivated, isolated. You might find out that there are certain days, times of the week, year when you feel more isolated. Once you recognize when it is happening, you can do something about it.
• Join some community networks or on-line networks. Try a bunch (within your budget) and find the one that suits you. These are great social events and a great way to grow your business.
• If you schedule meetings during the week with clients, friends, people you have met. I suggest having those meetings at local coffee shops and cafes. There you don't have to do the dishes or worry about cleaning up the house before they come over. Added bonus, you are supporting the local economy.
• Volunteer in your local community. Get involved in groups that help young people, clean up the community, help the retailers. You will feel good and meet lots of people and lots of contacts.
• Walk the dog (if you have one) or a neighbor's dog and make sure you go where there are people. You just never know where you will meet your next client - yes, even at the dog park! And always have business cards with you.
• If you don't have access to a dog to walk, join a fitness club or start a Friday morning walking club in your neighborhood.
• Buddy up with another home-based businessperson and help THEM deal with their isolation. Have a once a week/once a day call to each other to help each other keep motivated.
• Start a group in your neighborhood of people in similar professions. (Simply place an ad in your local community paper to solicit this type of group. That is how Women in a Home Office got started!). On-line networking groups are also a great way to connect.

After all is said and done, why not treat yourself to the benefits of isolation:

• Take charge of your own day…make your own schedule.
• Put on your favorite music and sing at the top of your lungs!
• Water the garden in the middle of the day!
• Hang out in your shorts and T-Shirt.
• Take a nap when you are just beat or watch Oprah at 4!
• Take a walk in the park on a sunny day to strategize or just clear your head!
• Schedule time to run your errands during the day when stores are less busy.

Remember, in life we have choices. We can choose to be isolated or not. It just takes some commitment and one step forward.

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