As a small business owner, I really value staying connected with small business peers, especially when working remotely. This morning, for example, I caught up with two fantastic women I have worked with previously—one was when we were both full-time employees at a national TV network, and the other was a fellow supplier with whom I had once shared a mutual client.
At the end of one of the calls, we resolved to make it a monthly catch-up. The next meeting is already locked and loaded in the diary. I can't tell you how enjoyable it made the rest of the day after some laughs with these two awesome small business owners. Office-based workers often catch up over lunch or in the tea room to discuss personal and professional issues, fostering a sense of camaraderie, friendship and support. It's one thing I miss about running my own show. An online meeting with other remote-working business owners is a virtual version of these in-person interactions, providing a space for meaningful discussions, shared experiences, and mutual support. We should all be reaching out to our remote network. It got me thinking about why we should all aim to network regularly with other small business owners. Here are some key reasons why regular online catch-ups should be scheduled in our diaries for our businesses' health and mental well-being. Supporting Business Growth and Professional Development Online catch-ups with industry peers provide an invaluable opportunity to share insights, experiences, and key learnings. These interactions can foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and offer solutions to common challenges faced by small businesses. The greater your network of contacts within your local area or industry, the more likely you are to hear about new opportunities and projects. Virtual networking is no exception. Through these virtual meetings, we can also gain fresh perspectives and stay updated on industry trends, which can ultimately contribute to the growth of our business. Bear in mind that many small businesses rarely splash out on professional development and training, so catching up is a fantastic way to identify new trends and determine whether there's something you should be getting up to speed on. Even if you don't have a training budget, #LinkedInLearning, #Coursera, and #Ed-X Online Learning have some great bite-sized learning modules—but without that networking chat, you might not even know about any skills gaps you might have. Combatting Isolation Working from home or remotely can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and stress. Regular online catch-ups create a sense of community and support, helping to combat the loneliness that small business owners may experience. It allows us to connect with like-minded individuals, providing a vital support network for each other's mental well-being. Engaging in online catch-ups with fellow small business owners can positively impact our mental health. It offers a platform for open discussions, peer support, and encouragement, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness or stress from remote work. By prioritising these connections, we can collectively work towards maintaining a healthy work-life balance and a positive mindset, contributing to our overall well-being. The Black Dog Institute also has an excellent checklist for combatting isolation - initially written for pandemic isolation, but very useful for all remote workers today as well. (The link won't embed so here's a shortened link - https://shorturl.at/YvH7S) Let's continue to support and learn from each other, ultimately striving for success in our professional endeavours and personal well-being. #SmallBusiness #RemoteWork #Entrepreneurship I would love to hear how you manage professional development, networking and connection remotely. Image Credit: Photo by Anna Shvets: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-on-a-video-call-4226263/
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