Working alone sounds efficient, but without support from others who share your goals or challenges, it’s hard to stay inspired. Collaboration brings fresh ideas, shared experiences and the motivation to keep going. Isolation might get the job done—but connection gets it done better.
I still remember the energy of being in the office, surrounded by colleagues and leaders. Ideas bounced around freely—we fed off each other’s creativity, sparked new thoughts and solved problems together. Meeting with business partners added another layer of insight, giving us the background and direction we needed to communicate effectively.
Then came COVID. Suddenly, we were working in silos, adapting to a new kind of isolation. Video conferencing helped bridge the gap, but something was missing. The natural flow of conversation became stilted—talking over each other, awkward silences and the dreaded “You’re on mute!” moments. Without face-to-face interaction, it became harder to read the room, and the spark of group dynamics started to fizzle.
These days, I work from home—just me, my office, and the occasional squirrel outside the window. While the quiet has its perks, staying motivated isn’t always easy, especially without the buzz of team energy.
That’s why staying connected is key. Here are three ways I keep the spark alive:
Coffee chats – virtual or in-person
Take 30 minutes to an hour a week to connect casually with a colleague or fellow entrepreneur. No agenda—just conversation. It’s a great way to swap ideas and fight isolation.
Online communities
Tap into groups like Startup Canada or local Facebook forums. Being part of an active online space helps you stay engaged and inspired.
Networking meetings
Learning something new in real time, surrounded by other professionals, brings a sense of momentum—and can lead to meaningful conversations and connections.
Working solo doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Staying connected fuels creativity and drive. After a recent local business dinner, I came home full of fresh ideas and couldn’t wait to put them into action.
What’s your trick to staying connected when you’re working alone?
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