Working from home questions, Please help!

[ginger91]

Hi all

I am thinking of setting up a holistic therapies business from my home. I am concerned about the loneliness aspect of doing it, those of you who work from home, how do you cope with the isolation?, or do you find it not isolating at all?. Any comments would be much appreciated.

 

[Y U NO GUY]

There are two ways to this.
I work from home and I love it, but I do not have any clients for two periods in the day. One I go out to the post or out somewhere to shop, meet a friend or something so that I interact with people, and another time when I have ME time. Now this is on top of if I have a busy day or not, I also have a dog to walk sometimes for a friend. The other way is I hate it, people in my house, leaving their problems, vibes, aroma's! To get round this I make them leave their shoes on my doorstep, and wear slippers (paper ones) and as they leave they put them in a bin which I then compost.
I have a panic alarm under my couch - just in case!
Hope it helps!

 

[klyrclft]

Hello, it can be lonely but for me its the best option. I can take my time and allow time in between treatments. There's less pressure to cover the rent etc. There's perhaps more marketing to be done as you have to find the clients and they have to find you. You could always link up with other therapists in your area to exchange ideas, perhaps there's a support group local to you?
What I like best about it is that I am in my own environment and can control it better, with some clients I need peace and quiet, I feel that I work much better there. Some people find it invasive having clients at home but it doesn't bother me generally.
Bob

 

[adatly]

I work from home and love it. Previously I'd have said I'd have hated the isolation and not being in the workplace but it's the opposite. I love the freedom it gives me. I have though just made the decison to buy a log cabin for the garden and move out of the house so I don't have my things spread over three rooms or have to keep tidying up.

 

[oqpaobmp]

I work from home and at a clinic. I much prefer working from home. . I feel more in control at home I can do the treatments as I please and don't have the additional pressure of having to pay room rental.

In general working for yourself can be lonely, this is somehting that I hadn't anticipated. I used to work in a spa with about 30 or more other therapists and it was the social interaction with my colleagues that I missed when I left.

I do try to keep in touch with friends - even if it just ringing them for a natter. I've also joined some some business support groups and I keep in touch with a few therapists.

Does the professional body that you are with have regualar meetings for their members? I'm with Embody but there are no groups local to me.

 

[willow song on wind]

Hi!
Working from home is a wonderful choice to have. I have done it for years and wouldn't change it.
But you don't have to be isolated. Part of your business marketing should be networking - getting out there and meeting people who might become clients or might be able to recommend you or put you in touch with opportunities. Networking puts you in touch with other business people who can give you new ideas and the benefit of shared experiences.
The possibilities start with network breakfasts, to lunches, to coffee breaks, to evening events. You can choose as many or as few as you like and the costs don't have to be astronomical if you do your research. There are lots of networking groups that will welcome you as a guest to try them out, or you can be invited by an existing member.
When I started up my business I became a "networking tart" - going to every one I could find. In the end I actually joined just two, but continued to go to other networking events where I didn't have to be a member.
Networking is essential - both for business, for mental stimulation and to meet some inspiring people.
Give it a go! You're not alone with a network!

 

[Heaven Cant Wait]

Hi all

Thankyou for all your helpful advice .

 

[Philippine Carabao]

It can be isolating but obviously keeps costs down as you are not paying rental. I actually went to a networking event for the first time this evening and really enjoyed it!

Things like that can make a big difference not just for promoting business but also meeted people running other businesses.

 

[xeso G]

Off to my first networking meeting early Sept.

 

[MHMcHH <F2>]

I am freelance and I love both working from home and going out to clients, it gives a good balance. I'm thinking about a log cabin - so clients are not traipsing through my house, but I did wonder about the consequences of this. My partner sits downstairs if I have male clients in the house for security reasons, but obviously I can't expect him to sit in the garden if I have a log cabin. The panic alarm sounds a good idea though, would you mind sending me details - who is it linked to??

Thanks

Lucy

 

[tkencucfiveiafedf]

Hehehe, my boyfriend wants us to install CCTV if I ever get round to treating clients at home, so he can watch and intervene if any funny business occurs... not sure how I feel about that one! He is so overprotective.

 

[linkexchangepaczka2]

Have a log cabin on order. can't wait to get it up and running and get the house back. Maybe it's just where I live but I never worry about personal safety and in three years have never had cause to.

 

[AWettyMekOffeX]

I put a log cabin in the garden a while back, some people prefer being outside. I insulated it and lined it internally so it gets a bit hot in the summer, luckily enough we didn't have one this year so it worked well. Got an air con unit just in case. Its nice having a chioce of treatment areas especially if the house is full with friends, children etc.
Bob