How to avoid isolation and loneliness as a business owner or entrepreneur
Glenys Reid and Kerryn Powell at the 2024 YTM WHY Awards Dinner
Tackling Isolation and Loneliness: How Chatty Café Australia and Your Time Matters Build Stronger Communities
Isolation and loneliness are pervasive issues that can affect anyone, regardless of age or profession. From the elderly who have lost their social connections to business owners struggling with the pressures of entrepreneurship, the impact of isolation is profound and far-reaching. Fortunately, initiatives like Chatty Café Australia and our Your Time Matters Business Networking community (YTM) are addressing these challenges head-on by fostering connections and building supportive communities.
The Challenge of Isolation and Loneliness
Loneliness is more than just a feeling; it can lead to serious mental and physical health issues. Research has shown that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even premature death. For many, finding ways to connect with others and form meaningful relationships can be a lifeline.
Business owners experience isolation and loneliness
James (name changed for privacy reasons) , is an example of a small business owner, who often found himself struggling with loneliness and isolation. He had been an employee, but decided to start his own consultancy. No longer did he have a team around him. He found the weight of making decisions, managing operations, and ensuring the success of his venture rested squarely on his shoulders. This immense responsibility created a sense of isolation, as he felt that others might not fully understand the challenges he faced. The pressure to always be strong and successful left him feeling alone, even when surrounded by people.
Workdays were long and demanding, leaving little time for social interactions outside of his business. The relentless hours took a toll on his personal relationships, making it difficult to maintain friendships and connections. There were few opportunities to engage with others who shared his experiences in the time he had available. He often felt that there was no one to turn to for advice or support, which deepened his sense of isolation. The competitive nature of his industry also played a role. When James did meet his past work colleagues he was reluctant to share his vulnerabilities, fearing that others might see it as a sign of weakness or failure.
Financial stress was another constant companion for him. The unpredictable income and the pressure to keep his business afloat added to his sense of isolation. He found it hard to connect with others who might not understand the financial insecurities that came with entrepreneurships, creating a cycle that was difficult to break.
Once he became involved with the Your Time Matters business networking community, James found the support he needed. He was able to connect, and share experiences, reducing his feelings of isolation and recognising that he was not alone, in the feelings he was experiencing.
Your Time Matters and Chatty Café Australia: Building Connections One Chat at a Time
When Kerryn Powell , founder of YTM, read an article in the local paper she knew a conversation with Glenys Reid, Managing Director of Chatty Café Australia, would be valuable. She later recorded a podcast conversation where Glenys explained more about the work they were doing. LISTEN HERE
Glenys introduced the UK-based Chatty Café Scheme to Australia in 2019. The initiative encourages people to come together and chat at designated "Chatty Tables" in various venues such as community centres, libraries, cafes, and restaurants and a variety of places to combat loneliness.
Key Impacts of Chatty Café Australia:
Combating Social Isolation: By providing safe and welcoming spaces for conversations, Chatty Café Australia helps individuals who feel lonely or disconnected find companionship and support.
Building Community: The initiative fosters a sense of community by bringing together people from different backgrounds to engage in meaningful conversations, form friendships, and build social bonds.
Improving Mental Health: Regular social interactions at Chatty Tables have a positive impact on participants' mental health, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing overall well-being.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Chatty Café Australia ensures that its Chatty Tables are accessible to all, promoting inclusivity regardless of age, background, or circumstances.
Your Time Matters: Supporting Isolated Business Owners
Running a business can be a lonely endeavor, with many owners feeling overwhelmed by the challenges they face. Kerryn Powell, established the community in 2013 to provides networking events in Brighton, Melbourne and encourage business owners to connect with like-minded individuals, to share experiences, find the support they need and attend inspirational events. Over the past decade, many have benefited from their involvement.
Key Impacts of Your Time Matters:
Reducing Business Isolation: YTM creates a supportive business community where members can network, collaborate, and support each other, helping to reduce the isolation that many business owners experience.
Fostering Community and Support Networks: By encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration, YTM helps business owners build strong support networks that are essential for personal and professional growth.
Improving Mental Health and Well-being: The camaraderie and support found within the YTM community contribute to better mental health and overall well-being for its members.
Inclusivity and Professional Growth: YTM welcomes business owners from diverse industries and backgrounds, providing networking opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions that promote continuous learning and development.
The Power of Community
Both Chatty Café Australia and Your Time Matters exemplify the power of community in combating isolation and loneliness. By creating environments that encourage connection, support, and growth, these initiatives address the specific needs of their respective audiences and make a positive impact on mental health and community well-being.
Your Time Matters was delighted to offer Gleny Reid a complimentary membership to the business community to help raise their profile. The relationship has been beneficial for those involved and together we strive to make a difference and influence change through awareness. Chatty Café aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10): BoChatty Café work towards reducing inequalities by empowering marginalized groups and fostering inclusive communities.
Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3): Chatty Café’s initiative to combat loneliness directly contributes to the mental and emotional well-being of individuals.
The YTM Ripple Fund has been instrumental in providing funds to a variety of organisation to support them where possible. Funds are allocated to the Ripple fund from ticket sales and membership to the business community.
Donate directly to Chatty Cafe Australia here to support them in continuing their mission .
Hello , I am Kerryn Poell, founder of Your Time Matters and also known as The Network Catalyst
At YTM, we believe that networking is a powerful way to positively impact the lives of others, personally and professionally.
When business owners and professionals have support, confidence, skills, knowledge, and economic security, the flow-on effect is transformational, both for the individual, their families, and society as a whole.
We make it part of our YTM business to create awareness of organisations who share a similar vision to support to those who think and work to influence change beyond themselves.
Through our community, you will meet, hear and be introduced to people who strive to contribute to others. Would you like to become a member? Read more here
