Good morning! Today, I want to address a topic that many might find familiar but few discuss openly: the loneliness that business owners often face. My recent three-year online survey, with responses from 1,780 business owners, revealed that 70% had experienced loneliness in the past month. This loneliness can manifest in numerous ways, impacting both personal well-being and business performance:
The driving force behind my life and work has been combating loneliness. Since the internet began transforming our lives, I’ve focused on how vital it is to feel valued within a group. Scientifically, reduced social connections impact the brain chemical oxytocin, crucial for fostering confidence and resilience through bonding and love.
The 27 years I have dedicated myself to this subject in business, by providing community, I have seen both sides, those people I meet that are not deeply connected, and those that are.
These are the symptoms described to me by ‘emotionally disconnected’ business people:
Reduced confidence and self-worth
Lack of innovative ideas
Fear of adopting new technologies
Lowered pricing due to a lack of competitive context
Uncertainty about effective business models
Feelings of isolation and insignificance
Challenges with energy and close to burn out
Lack of laughter and fun in their business life.
These challenges are significant because they not only affect the individual but also the health of their business. Many business owners hesitate to reach out for support due to various reasons:
Uncertainty about who to trust
Lack of confidence to ask for help
Fear of appearing vulnerable due to societal expectations or personal ego
This is why building a supportive community and participating in in-person events are more crucial than ever. Engaging with a community can:
Provide a sounding board for new ideas
Increase confidence through peer feedback
Offer a network of trusted advisors who can relate to your experiences
Help you stay abreast of industry trends and technology
Ensure that your business life is enjoyable
I strongly believe and have evidenced that loneliness in business isn’t just a personal issue. While we feel it personally, its impact on our business is profound.
I always ask new members of our BIP100 Community when they join us, “what ROI are you chasing here?”, without an exception, they all state emotional reasons above business ones. It is not a surprise, we are starved of the very thing we need to survive, ‘deep connection’, we all know what happens as a result of community, our business grows. Through the shared learning, the friendships, the increased motivation and the ideas shared. Not forgetting the trust built that enables referrals and direct business deals.
Make 2025 a year that you deeply connect, build trusted business friendships with a peer group that you respect, admire and aspire to.
As always, I am eager to hear your thoughts and experiences. How do you combat loneliness in your business life? Let’s discuss and support each other in fostering an engaged and vibrant business community.
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Let’s make 2025 a year where our digital advancements celebrate and amplify our human essence. Thank you for being part of this journey, and for allowing me the privilege to share in your lives.
