My very premature thoughts on starting your own business...my experience so far.
So to begin with, it's just six weeks in and I still pinch myself that I’m doing this! Since 22, I’ve always had a steady job, and the people around me have largely been the same. I’m therefore actually pretty proud I took the step. It was the right time and I absolutely knew it. Thank goodness I did. But, there have been some things I have learned along the way, even in such a short time.
1. Plan – potential clients, income, who you would work with, what you will specialise in, and how you’ll get yourself out there. Though you can't plan it all, there are some things you can be in control of. I’ve learned some relatively quick wins so far that are really helpful; sharing experiences on LinkedIn…but authentically. Blogs – content is king. Sharing your information amongst personal networks. If people know, like and trust you, they might want to work with you.
2. Get your head around the financial side in terms of tax returns, VAT, pensions, purchase processes, and your rights. I put this off for so long and then when I did it one day, I actually enjoyed it. Sitting down, then achieving clarity and simplicity, if you’re organised, was a huge relief. It’s nice to see how you can be in control. Obviously, it also must be feasible financially to start out, with a plan B in place.
3. Really do work on relationships you already have. Not just for the custom and money, but because it’s really lovely to collaborate with people who you have mutual respect for, who want to help, and you want to assist them, too. I’ve found this so much. It’s been a whole new world of support, and I like it! Someone I recently worked with, who is not only successful, but so kind and approachable, said: ‘what you put in, you get out’. I couldn’t agree more.
4. Understand your own pattern. Yeah… I’m not there yet! Especially at the moment. What is my time, what is family time, when it’s time to put your phone down and switch off at the end of the day. This is both the beauty and the curse of freelance, and I suppose it ebbs and flows depending on how busy you are, and what is happening in life. It’s also what everyone is going through too, whatever their role, in these times of blurred boundaries.
I feel extremely lucky though. I just need to be strict with myself to get everything done at the right time (ironing isn’t faring so well…).
5. Take advice – but follow your heart. As mentioned, I have talked to loads of people and have always tried to take into account the wise words of those I respect. Hopefully I have. But, there was a point where I knew I was right, had to rebel a bit (sorry, dad) and despite some doubts I took that leap. Trust yourself. If you know what you can do, and have worked it all out, you can do it.
6. Most basic advice ever!!! Take loads of notes in your freelance meetings! Write it all down. Circle your actions and check you've done them all. This seems like the most random of advice for someone who's not just starting out in their career, but after working somewhere I know inside-out for 11 years, and being part of a team where we all chipped in... suddenly I found myself needing to be sure I have covered every element needed from a particular part of a project, and I had no one to turn to if I missed something. So, even though it's obvious and simple, write it all down and you'll never regret having the information to look back at.
Reach out if you want a chat about any of this!
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