Q: I have now gone fully self-employed. What do I need to do differently?
Expert answer: You’ve taken the first step to being your own boss. Going self-employed must come with a shift in mindset, no longer are you working nine to five. This is going to be a real test of your self belief and how much you want it. There have been many times while building my own business that the temptation to go back to work has been huge, however self belief, knowing my values and my purpose helped with that. Build your business around your values and the times of challenge are easier to deal with.
This is the time to get resourceful. Go back to past clients, go back to people that told you to get in touch with them when you went self-employed. What are the companies that are doing what you are doing? Make contact and ask how you can work together.
The power of the questions you ask will determine the power of your actions. One of the most powerful questions you can ask a company you want to work with is: What will it take for us to work together? That question works every time. When the person answers they end up listing the conditions of working together.
Design a pipeline, plan your next three, six and 12 months, do a business plan slowly and at your pace and stay true to your values.
Further advice on Going Self-employed
- Everything you need to know about going self-employed – In this piece, we discuss the process of going self-employed and speak to business owners about the lifestyle changes they experienced.
- Should I go sole trader, partnership or limited company? – We explore different types of company formation – sole trader, partnership, limited liability partnership and limited company.
- A guide to DBS checks for the self-employed – DBS checks (previously known as CRB checks) are essential to working in specific roles, so here is a guide to the Standard and Enhanced Checks usually asked for.
- Pension saving options for the self-employed and sole traders – Rules on the level of contributions are complex but this article will help you make the most of your allowances.
