Working in a large business tends to stifle the entrepreneurial spirit and tends to have a corporate culture and behaviour that creates the basis for the operation of the business but does require a degree of “conformity” from the employee. Now being able to think how I need to think and act, as I need to act and change as I need to change has been one of the most liberating aspects of working for myself.
The one thing that struck me room at an early stage is the help and support you get from other small business owners, even those in a similar business area and as you move on your own journey it is very rewarding to mentor others in your experience and short cuts and support them as their business develops. Networking has been a great source of this support, you meet other small business owners and you soon realise in your early stages that the most important aspect of networking is gaining experience from others, before you even think of selling your product or service to the gathered ensemble. I have made some great connections, great supporters and even some great new friendships, engaging folk with a great diversity of skill sets far in excess of what you would find in any large business. The benefit is based on the personal “connection” you make with others and not the immediate business need.
There is a whole heap of practical stuff to get to grips with but after the basics of setting up (Bank account, accountant to VAT or not to VAT) the rest tends to fall into place on an as needs basis. You might wish to get some help on key support areas such as IT as this can be a great time saver in the long run.
The one thing that has surprised me is the disproportionate high cost of marketing a new business but in the final analysis it is vital and necessary part of “getting started”. It is however critical not to pontificate, but rather get going and start on the process of finding new customers and new business. You will have no end of businesses selling services to you, it is important to try some different approaches but remember to test and measure every spend so you start to recognize what works for you.
My top tips for those moving from employment to self-employment!
✰ Enjoy being able to think, change and act in your own way, be prepared top experiment
✰ Take the business one step at a time but make time in your diary to work on “Your Business”
✰ Test & measure everything you do when it comes to marketing your business and have a clear view of the “risk capital” or amount your are prepared to spend on any one experiment for your new business.
✰ Meet as many other small business owners as you can, listen and learn and in time be prepared to offer your own experience back, its helps build rapport and build the deeper connections that will be really important to you business in the long-term
✰ Have a plan and stick to it, don’t be afraid to change it or review it but stick to the course and objectives you set.
✰ Look at the plan by asking yourself, where am I going to be next month, next quarter and by the end of the year?
✰ Get out networking and in front of customers both will bear fruit in the medium term but there is a time investment for you to put in first.
✰ Most of all have fun and enjoy your new lifestyle!
That’s it for now, next week we look at how to define your product offering, customer base and niches. To your success! Have a good week.
✰ Meet as many other small business owners as you can, listen and learn and in time be prepared to offer your own experience back, its helps build rapport and build the deeper connections that will be really important to you business in the long-term
✰ Have a plan and stick to it, don’t be afraid to change it or review it but stick to the course and objectives you set.
✰ Look at the plan by asking yourself, where am I going to be next month, next quarter and by the end of the year?
✰ Get out networking and in front of customers both will bear fruit in the medium term but there is a time investment for you to put in first.
✰ Most of all have fun and enjoy your new lifestyle!
That’s it for now, next week we look at how to define your product offering, customer base and niches. To your success! Have a good week.
Simply Consulting provides business growth expertise to privately owned businesses, see our website at www.simply-consultancy.co.uk for details of our services and to arrange a free no obligation business development assessment.
Follow us on twitter http://twitter.com/SimplyConsultin
LinkedIn Profile http://uk.linkedin.com/in/clivemulligan
Posts
