This is the fourth tip in my series of Top 5 Alternative Workstyle Tips.  It is the follow-on to Alternative Workstyle Tip 3 – Just Say “No”.

Find a business support network

English: San Francisco Bay Area (from UC Berkley) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you’re anything like me, for all the times you can be completely exhilarated by being your own boss…it can be just as overwhelming.  Being around peers helps you through and there are many, many, professional organizations that can jump start your support network.

Finding ways to regularly connect with your peers is critical.  Whether it is in person, on the telephone, or (warning shameless plug) through Flipside Workspace, having that connection beyond networking events and emails is essential in developing a trusted network.  Some on-line and in-person business support networks I’ve found to be great gateways to meeting awesome professionals who also work in an alternative workstyle are:

• Women-In-Consulting – great Silicon Valley fee-based networking group.  Lots of learning and in-person networking opportunities, as well as on-line connections.  Members tend to be consultants and executives.
• Works For Me (Yahoo Group) – a San Francisco Bay Area online support, resource, and idea exchange group for woman…grew out of a very active on-line mother’s group.
• A Band of Wives – Very diverse and active newer networking group in the San Francisco Bay area, lots of writers, media-type, and creative professionals.
• Association of Women Entrepreneurs – Facebook-focused networking group, largely Southern California based.
• National Association of Women-Owned Businesses – national organization with regional chapters.  Lots of learning opportunities.

These groups are largely made up of women in the SF Bay Area, but there are so many more regional and national ones, which ones do you recommend?  Feel free to add your comments below, I would love to compile a more comprehensive list!

Come back tomorrow for Tip – 5, Get the Tools and Resources you Need or click the “Follow” button on the right to get these tips delivered to your email!

Related articles

• How I use Flipside Workspace to Manage My Alternative Workstyle (alternativeworkstyle.com)
• 5 Biggest Challenges Working in an Alternative Workstyle (alternativeworkstyle.com)
• Working in an Alternative Workstyle (alternativeworkstyle.com)