Self-Employment: Finding Support

By Michele Blandino

Being self-employed can be a lonely endeavor – particularly if you are the enterprise’s only employee. While those who work in an office environment with other people often find support and camaraderie in their co-workers, those who are going it alone often find themselves with no where to turn for help in sorting through problems, evaluating new ideas, or even having an occasional friendly lunch.

And, while many people choose self-employment largely so that they don’t have to deal with the headaches that often come from having to interact with others on a daily basis, there are times when having another person to talk to is desired, and even necessary.

Go Local

Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to self-employed people build a sense of community. One commonly used resource is your local chamber of commerce. These not-for-profit entities are made up of business owners from the surrounding local area (depending on where you live, the chamber of commerce may include only businesses located within the city limits, or, if you are from a more rural area, it may include the entire county) who work together to achieve economic, educational and quality of life goals.

In return for an annual fee (the fee you will pay will vary depending on where you live and the size of your organization), you will have access to numerous networking opportunities, educational seminars and a forum within which you can voice concerns regarding the community within which you live and work. Some organizations also provide free consulting services to help small business owners navigate through rough times.

Get Online

Another resource utilized by many self-employed business owners is on-line support groups. There are hundreds to choose from, ranging from industry specific to those that cater to people whose service fills the tiniest of niches. The key to effectively using this type of resource is finding a group where you feel comfortable. While many on-line communities are fairly informal and flexible, some have fairly stringent participation requirements. Before signing up for an online, group, try to assess your reasons for wanting to join and what you expect to derive from your membership. If possible, spend some time “lurking” or observing the conversations before joining to see if the subject matter will be of interest to you. In some cases, particularly in the more informal groups, the conversation often does not stay on topic, which can be frustrating to those looking for help with a specific problem.

Don't Burn Bridges

When striking out on your own, it’s important to not forget about the people you worked with in the past. While they may not be of any help to you in attracting new clients, former colleagues can be a tremendous asset in helping sort through complex problems, pointing you toward new clients or just in providing reassurance in your ability to be your own boss.