Working at home doesn't mean you're cut off form the world. Use these tips to stay linked.

Home-based business owners have got it made, right? There's no clock to punch, no boss keeping an eye on you and no early Monday morning meetings to be present at. But with these perks comes a pitfall--solitude.

It's not unusual for many home-based business owners to feel isolated. In many cases, there is only you and your computer. But working from residence does not mean you have to be home alone. There are many ways you can stay attached to the outside world. Here are five ways you can utilize to break the silence.

* Arrange meetings outside your home office. While the telephone is an essential tool for the home-based entrepreneur, it does not have to become your one and only mean of communication. Instead of making conference calls, talk about business over a meal.

* Attend trade shows, seminars and business conferences. Social conventions provide networking opportunities, raise your visibility in the business community, create consciousness of your products/services and keep you informed about current events in your industry. Visit your local chamber of commerce for index of upcoming events.

* Take a course, registering for a business class or seminar at your local university can help increase your skills and provide the interaction you need to stay dynamic. You can take a class that comprehends to your work or one that simply breaks the monotony of your daily grind.

* Associate yourself with community service. Getting occupied in neighborhood activities is good publicity for your business. In fact, it can act as a great low-cost marketing tool and assist you foster ties with others interested in your field.

* Associate yourself with a home-based business organization. You can grow relationships with other home-based entrepreneurs, share thoughts and concerns and partner on projects, and get access to discounts on products such as office supplies and equipment.

And the most important of all, DO NOT FORGET TO GO ON A VACATION because you are counted in the working population of our nation and it is a right of every working man and woman to have their Time-Out.