- Celebrate your passions and ambition. Fair play to you and high fives for you! It takes bold and brave courage to stand up and go for it. Give yourself credit, you’re about to go on an exciting journey to learn something new and live out your vision – enjoy it!
- Your time is your own. Yes, there are 24 hours in a day but how do you plan to use them? You’ll be juggling a day job, day to day life and your side hustle venture… while trying to find time to eat and sleep. Use tools and apps to help you be organised such as setting reminders and using the calendar on your phone.
- Meet your new audience and customers. You will meet, get to know and nurture a new audience who will turn in to customers. What do you want to know? How can they support you to grow your business? What can you learn about the interests, background and demographics of your new customer? Their feedback and insight are valuable to help you develop your services and products so pay attention and make notes. Here’s a toolkit all about finding and building your community.
- Be bold and own it. How often do you sell and promote your skills, expertise and talents? Talk about it to friends and family, Share it on social media. Update your LinkedIn profile. Cultivate and nurture a network of honest people who will champion you and nudge you forward. This crew will also hold you accountable (in a nice way) to ensure you stay on track and sustain your vision
- You are in control. You’re now in the driving seat and will be making all of the decisions. This can be empowering and exciting for some whereas others find it daunting. What kind of leader do you want to be? What personal brand do you want to share publicly that is authentic and honest for you. Don’t forget to get out there and network to meet new people too. It will help you build credibility and also you can connect with new colleagues.
- Get cash savvy and manage your money. Find out your tax status and get organised to ensure you’re keeping up to date and relevant records. If you start working for yourself, you’re classed as a sole trader. This means you’re self-employed and will need to notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) via https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself . Also keep an eye on incoming and outcoming cash flow to help guide your decisions for where to invest your money into your business.
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Louise is a media, marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years experience working in TV, Radio, print and online media for BBC and Commercial brands, businesses, and services.
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