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If you have ever run your own business, you probably know the kind of loneliness that can sneak in between client calls, after late-night invoicing, or while staring at a decision you wish you could talk through with someone.
You are far from the only one who feels this way. A Canadian survey found that 26.9% of small business owners say loneliness is their biggest challenge. That means more than one in four entrepreneurs are navigating not just the demands of running a business, but also the weight of doing it largely on their own.
Think back to the start of the COVID19 Pandemic, isolation does more than dampen your mood. It can cloud decision-making, drain your motivation, and wear down your resilience. The good news is that loneliness does not have to be a permanent part of the journey. With the right kind of peer support, isolation can actually become a source of strength.
Why small business owners feel isolated
Running a business is rewarding, but it can also be uniquely challenging. You often have to take on the roles of salesperson, marketer, bookkeeper, and HR manager, and each of those responsibilities comes with its own pressure.
Friends and family may want to help, but often do not fully understand the realities you face. If you work remotely or on your own, you may miss out on the quick chats and spontaneous ideas that come from being around others.
Economic uncertainty can add another layer of stress, making the isolation feel even heavier. The combination of these factors can leave even the most driven entrepreneur feeling like they are navigating uncharted waters without a crew.
The power of peer support
Peer support is more than trading business cards or having an occasional coffee. It is about connecting with people who truly understand what you are going through. These are individuals who have faced similar challenges and can offer not just advice, but also empathy.
The benefits are both emotional and practical:
- Validation and empathy: Knowing someone else has been through the same challenge and found a way forward.
- Shared resources: Access to tools, templates, referrals, or recommendations that can save you time and money.
- Problem-solving power: Fresh perspectives that open up solutions you may not have considered.
Unlike casual networking, peer support is intentional, consistent, and built on trust.
How to build peer support into your week
You do not have to overhaul your routine to start seeing the benefits of stronger connections. A few intentional habits, both online and in person, can make a real difference.
1. Engage in an online community
Join a space where other small business owners gather, share advice, and exchange ideas. The Huumans.com community is built for exactly this. You can ask questions, share updates, and connect with peers who understand your challenges. Even 10 minutes a week replying to posts or starting a new discussion can help you build a trusted network over time.
2. Ask better questions
When you do reach out for advice, be specific. Instead of asking, "Any tips for marketing?", try "What is one low-cost marketing tactic that brought you results in the past six months?" Clear, targeted questions lead to better, more actionable answers.
3. Schedule coffee chats or in-person meetups
Make time for one-on-one conversations with other business owners. Keep them short and focused — 15 to 30 minutes is enough to exchange insights without feeling like a big commitment. You can also look for local meetups, industry associations, or co-working spaces that host networking events.
4. Step away from work entirely
Not all support has to come from business conversations. Having a hobby or activity outside of work helps you recharge and maintain balance. It could be a running club, a book club, a recreational sports team, or any activity that gets you connecting with people in a completely different context.
The ripple effect
When you have people to lean on, everything changes. You make decisions with more confidence, recover from setbacks more quickly, and feel ready to try new ideas. That resilience benefits not only you but also your customers, your team, and your business growth.
For small business owners, community is not just a nice to have. It is a real advantage that can help you thrive.
Your next step
If you have been feeling the strain of going it alone, take one small step today. Join a peer group, start a conversation, or set up a coffee chat with another business owner.
If you are already part of the Huumans community, post an update and see where it leads. You never know which question, idea, or connection will turn into your next breakthrough.
Because in business, and in life, you do not have to do it alone.
