thegarrityfile.com

Since hanging up my shingle, so to speak, so many people have asked me how I handle working alone at home. The reactions range from “I couldn’t do what you do” to “I would watch TV all day” to “I would miss the social contact too much.”

The truth is - I have never felt so connected to so many people. The reason for this is that once you step out and get into the zone that is right for you, you begin to naturally attract and connect with others who are just as passionate about their businesses as you are. This doesn’t mean abandoning all previous friends and networks, it means opening yourself up to the ones that you need, to learn, to do business, to grow.

Emphasis on the stepping out - you have to get out there:

• virtually - use social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Join groups, look up people you admire and see what they belong to and who their friends are, and start building your own network. Join a membership site related to your business that offers training and a member forum - there are tonnes of them out there - many free, or low cost.
• physically - you don’t need to your plan to a “t” to start - just be clear on your service and start talking about it, attend conferences, local networking meetings, and don’t overlook your friends and family and other personal contacts - when they ask “how’s work” or what you do, tell them!
• mentally and emotionally - it has been said that starting a business in the ultimate personal growth tool, and that is the absolute truth! Any insecurities, limiting beliefs about yourself, your value, etc. work against what you say and do, sending conflicting vibes to others. To grow your business, you have to be willing to grow yourself.

p.s. another plus of branding yourself - you get to work in your interests … can you tell I was a 1990s X-Files fan?