One of the biggest benefits affiliate and internet marketers have is that they are largely in control of their own destiny. There is no need to worry about whether your boss will be in a bad mood that day, because you’re your own boss! You can set your own hours, work from home, even work naked at your computer, if you want to (unless you’re on Skype! Then please cover up!). While the benefits of working for yourself are great, there is also a big problem. You have to work for yourself.
When you are self-employed, especially if you don’t have any employees or partners, you have to motivate yourself. You have to keep yourself moving and focused. Everything rests on your shoulders. In addition, what many individuals find is that while it is nice to leave the distractions of a busy office behind, it can often be much more distracting to be in a room all by yourself. The following tips and ideas will help you overcome the difficulties that come with working alone.
Recognize the Problem
As with almost all problems in life, the first step is to recognize the problem. Many people who work on their own keep telling themselves that they love the solitude. While there is likely a few people who actually do, the vast majority of people will need some sort of interaction with others to work their best. If you’re feeling lonely after hours alone at the computer, acknowledge that this is a problem. Only then can you take some steps to find the solution.
Some indications that you may need some help can include:
- Finding yourself checking a personal Facebook constantly, to the point that it is keeping you from getting your work done.
- Working long hours, but not accomplishing as much as you should.
- A longing to go back to an office or a traditional ‘9-5’ type job.
- Constantly getting up to check on a wife, kids, roommate or even a neighbor. While you may tell yourself that this is because you are worried about them, it is almost always actually you sub-conscious trying to get some human interaction.
There are many other indicators that you may be having trouble working on your own. Take a minute to really look at yourself and the way you’re working. If you feel like you might be struggling with this, read on to the suggestions.
Seek Out Fellow Entrepreneurs
Find other people who work on their own. Whether it is other affiliate marketers, or local small business owners, or writers, or anyone else that may be struggling with the same issues. Form a local group that you can meet up with from time to time to get the social interaction you all need. Even if it is only a couple times per month, these types of events can really help anyone who works on their own.
Informal meetings with other people can be fun, and educational. You can all learn from each other in many ways. Learn about other businesses, what types of opportunities are out there, and most importantly, how everyone is able to work on their own without going insane!
Attend Seminars, Conferences & Training Events
If there is an affiliate marketing conference in your area, make it a point to go. Getting to know other people in this industry can be a huge benefit. Even if you have to drive a few hours to get there, this is time well spent. Of course, you’ll also likely learn a lot at these types of events. If you can’t find an affiliate marketing conference, see if there is one in a related industry. Bloggers expo? Any ‘Make Money Online’ seminar? SEO training Events? These can all be great places to get some social interaction, and also learn a lot.
In addition to meeting new people and learning new things, you’ll be getting out of your office, and into the ‘real world.’ This is important for maintaining your sanity. Go out, enjoy yourself, and when you return to your desk, you’ll be more energized and ready to get your work done.
Get an Accountability Partner
If necessary, you can try to find a good accountability partner who can help you out. In many cases, two people who are struggling through similar problems can work together to help each other improve. Finding a partner like this is easy by visiting affiliate marketing forums or other websites. Find someone who is looking for the same things as you, and take a little time to get to know them. If it seems like it is a good fit, try sharing goals with each other and then trying to motivate and push each other to be more successful.
Whether you give one, or all of these things a try, you will undoubtedly see some improvements in your business, and the way you feel about it. There is nothing wrong with wanting or needing help and interaction with other people. Humans are meant to be social creatures, and if we try to suppress that need, we will never live up to our potential.
