All by myself

All by myself . . . Don't wanna be, all by myself anymore . . .
All by myself . . . Don't wanna live, all by myself anymore . . .

Jamie O’Neal’s lyrics sound like a description of self-employment. What start up entrepreneur hasn’t spent days in his boxers and fuzzy slippers? Are you a little too chatty with the barista at Starbucks? Honestly, starting a business can be a lonely place. We are innately social creatures. So, get out of the house!

Here are some relatively inexpensive means of growing your business and saving what’s left of your sanity:

• Network with your local Chamber of Commerce . . .
• Brush up your speaking skills with Toastmasters . . .
• Maintain business relationships at an industry conference
• Take a business class at the SBA . . .
• Find inner strength, take a yoga class . . .
• Check out the Small Business Development Center at your local community college . . .

Volunteering is an excellent way to alert people to your business while offering your help to others. When you volunteer your company to help local charities, for example, it helps get you recognized in the community as well as find potential customers.

It is very important that we recognize our own needs. There are a lot of reasons for going into business for yourself. Be alone isn’t usually one of them. Get out there!