just wondering if any1 here has taken a big gulp and dived straight into self employment, as they cannot find a job??? if so, what was ur plan, and how well are you doing now? if u re - did it again, what approach would u again?
nah i didnt, I left employment to go into self employment and fortunately retained my then employer as a client so had a little bit of a head start so to speak.
Even so it was still daunting.
One thing I found useful was good financial planning. Its difficult to get off the ground without some money behind you, so you have to find the cheapest alternative to getting your business out there. I ended up spending a grand to get all my stationery, branding, databases, office equip etc. at the start. I did my current website myself and now I have made a bit of money i'm getting a professional to revamp it. These guys know what there on about and are very affordable for that. http://www.wsitopinternetmarketing.co.uk/
I suppose good realistic planning is always the way forward in my opinion. Plan how you want your business to growth, appear to the public, what image to project, social media outlets such as facebook, twitter, business directories, what networking groups are available, Website content and look. Look at different income streams, get plenty of exposure and get your business noticed. Simple advertising, post office, local papers, perhaps the village magazine.
I suppose if I was to do things again, I would probably do more research and tailor my business better from the start and target the business I feel I would be most beneficial too and not do it a year down the line.
Yes I just 'went for it' about 14 years ago. Because I wanted to offer a tax service too I studied ATT. It took me a few years to be able to make a decent living so it wasn't easy. I have wasted so much money over the years on advertising that it doesn't bear thinking about. I am however a believer of getting out and networking. It is possible and with a lbit of luck you will be able to build up a good sized business over a few years.
@RobH , thats good news, there is still hope then, could u tell me abit of information of your backround as in did u have much financial / accounting experience, or was it just the course u were on that gave u the knowledge to go forward? did u have any computerised accounting experience?
I jumped (or rather was given a push) into self employment. I got made redundant 3 weeks before my wedding and hubby knew I had considered becoming self employed a few years before but did not have the guts to take that big jump so he gave me the push I needed. He did me a website, used some of his contacts to find me some clients and it was successful from August 2006 until March 2009 when it went downhill fast because of the recession and lost quite a few clients. Have had a few clients since March 2009 but closing it at the end of this month because so few clients and because having a baby in November.
I would say if you have someone else who will support you financially whilst you become self employed worth taking the jump, if not and you in a secure job maybe start up self employed on evenings and weekends and leave your job when you have gained enough clients.
but has anybody ever thought "stuff it", job market is rubbish, i have no experience, i'm gonna get a mentor to guide me along the way...and then just started...?
I did, didn't bother with the mentor bit just left job as Financial Controller, sold house, from proceeds went to Majorca to open ice cream parlour which I ran for two years, built up business and sold it for nice profit. Okay I know that is not the same as setting up an accountancy/bookkeeping business but it can be done.
