As a new entrepreneur, long hours and persistence are keys to success, but you will experience loneliness and require support, be it family, network, or virtual.
You will be alone most of the time. You will feel like no one understands what you’re going through. You’ll feel isolated. So it’s important to know that this is normal.
As a solo entrepreneur, I’ve learned that when I’m feeling lonely or like I’m doing something wrong, it helps to talk to someone who understands what I’m going through — someone who has been there before me (or is going through it now). A mentor can really help in these situations.
If you don’t have anyone at hand who fits this description and you’re not ready for an official mentor yet, there’s another way: join a group of like-minded individuals who are also starting their own businesses. This can be done through an online forum such as Facebook or LinkedIn groups or local meetups where people gather to discuss business issues over coffee or wine.
In addition to providing support and guidance from fellow entrepreneurs who understand what you’re going through, these groups often provide opportunities for networking with potential clients or partners.