Cabin fever is common with the home businessperson. It’s really easy to become isolated when your office is in your home. Many home businesses don’t require a lot of personal contact and with faxes and emails you could go for weeks without seeing another human being outside your immediate family.

Isolation means no one to bounce ideas off. It means no interaction and most of all a real difficulty in maintaining an objective view regarding your business.

There are some ways to combat cabin fever in the home business. The obvious would be to get out of the house occasionally. Join business groups like the Chamber of Commerce (they have monthly “mixers” which are a great opportunity to meet people).

In many areas there are home business clubs specifically designed to support the home businessperson. Talk to your Chamber office for more information.

Another way to help against isolation and a very useful tool for developing a successful business is to get a mentor. Mentoring has become a buzzword in recent times and there are programs, courses and even businesses offering mentoring products.

What is a Mentor? A mentor is someone who will provide you with inspiration, guidance and take time to talk through business issues with you. The ideal mentor is someone who has achieved personal and financial success. They will have a willingness to help, to take you under their wing.

To choose a mentor, think of some of the most success people you know and make a list. Next make contact. They don’t even have to be in the same city, although it is probably a little easier if they are. Just by asking many will be willing to help. You may be amazed at the response. Remember this is an ongoing relationship that may last for years. You have to make the first move. You have to ask.

Now that you have a mentor to talk things over with and discuss new ideas, you need to make the most of your time with them. Don’t waste your time or theirs. Go to your meetings prepared. Make a list of topics or questions as the week progresses. Arrange regular times to meet with your mentor. This will also create some dynamics. It will force you to take action and to have answers, solutions and to ask questions.

Your mentor is not there to tell you what to do, but rather to ask you what you are doing and why. By responding to their questions the answers will appear.