I’ve always wanted to try something on my own and it ended up happening quite by accident in the end! I was helping someone to get a new start company off the ground and took essentially 2 other part-time/freelance roles to ensure I had some money coming in. The new business never took off – various reasons – and I was really enjoying the freelance bits so decided to bite the bullet whilst I had that work and grow it from there.
I have a few small business owner friends that needed extra hands but couldn’t justify a full time salary, so I offered to work part time within their business and they snapped my hand off!
Chasing invoices is REAL! 😂 Pay on time people.
Surround yourself with good people. There is no need to work or worry alone. I’m really lucky to have a great support network at home, having one during the day with people working in similar professions / circumstances really helps keep me on track.
Having spent a lot of time in hospitality, one of the main reasons Time exists is to allow me to work – mostly – within the Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 zone, which works for me and my clients, but also allows flexibility when I need it. I think it’s really important to set expectations early with clients in terms of working times and deadlines. Being clear from day 1 and only working with like-minded people and taking work that is manageable is key.
Nothing out of the ordinary I don’t think, this is an area I’d really like to explore more, although my own requirements are fairly simple.
Radio X mostly with a bit of Foo’s whenever I need a pick me up.
I like a good mix, depends on the task but with coffee at all times.
We’re usually good healthy batch cookers, failing that a Sainsbury’s meal deal – Chicken & Bacon Caesar Ciabatta, Cool Original Doritos and a water – creature of habit.
I’m currently trialling some email marketing along with various social posts etc, but all existing clients are people that I’ve known for some time or referrals from them. I do enjoy networking and need to get myself back out there!
I’ve only been going a year but do have 2 clients that have been with me since day 1 and I generally see them or at least talk to them once per week, even if it’s just a quick update. But feel it’s important to stay visible whilst not wasting their time.
I’m a year in! A massive milestone for me and I’ve not missed a mortgage payment yet, although there has been close calls 😂 I guess keeping clients from day 1, referrals from them to their clients – shows I’m providing value to their businesses, which was exactly what I set out to do.
People projects, whilst nearly all projects come down to people in a way, those projects focused on improving teams, culture, people processes, don’t just have a direct impact on the business but on the teams and individuals too.
I guess this next 12 months (year 2 for me) is make or break, I’m looking forward to growing the business, meeting and helping other businesses along the way.
Guinness.
My website and socials, whilst very much always a work in progress will give a good idea but I always find the best way is to grab a coffee and have a chat.
dan@thetimeisnowgroup.co.uk – Time for coffee?
