The number of women starting their own businesses continues to grow. In my book that is great news!

But one of the most negative things I hear when speaking with female friends, clients and colleagues who work for themselves is “I don’t know if I am cut out to work by myself. I feel so isolated.”

Research by Dr. Rachel Morrison from Auckland University of Technology has found women may be influenced to leave their jobs based on a lack of friendships and that women place more value on work friendships than men do.

“Friendships have different functions for men and women at work. Women perhaps expect to form close bonds in the workplace and view this as a necessary aspect of work, whereas for men it’s just a bonus.”

This is significant insights for corporate worplace managers, but what about for the solo woman business owner?

I would suggest that this research points to some even greater impacts in the workplace where the solopreneur has little or no workplace friendships or contact. When women step out on their own they consider many factors that contribute to the success of their business. Unfortunately for many it is only after months of working “head down, bum up” to achieve their goals that they stop to take a breathe a realise that work has become very lonely.

Is it time to stop working the same way as the guys and find a way of solo working that provides both independence and connection?

As an aside - I would be curious if men feel the isolation as well and whether you need the worplace friendships as well.

I know that I can’t change things for everyone but I am willing to take one small step for me and my local clients and colleagues.

So - on the first Monday of each month my home office will be an open house for other solo business women to come and work, connect, share and communicate. I will provide broadband access to for your laptop (if required), a fully stocked kitchen and a great environment in which to spend one day during the month getting some connection with others in the same space.

I am located not far from the international airport in the St George area of Sydney. The space is a good size but I would image that at best it will handle 5 women.

I don’t yet know what to call this little gathering but that will uncover itself.

If you are interested in being here on Monday 6th 5th March then just drop me an email to leah.maclean@gmail.com and I will give you more details.

Dr. Morrison’s research was presented at last year’s Australian Psychological Society and ew Zealand Psychological Society joint conference, ‘Psychology Bridging the Tasman: Science, culture and practice’ held in Auckland, New Zealand.