Help needed setting up a new business! Post Reply

[Happymummy2014]

I’m going to be setting up a business in the next couple of months (mediation and family succession planning). I’ve got lots of experience in the areas I will work in, but no experience at all of setting up or running a small business!
I would really love to find some local independent advisers to help me (a) with the mechanics (how do you do accounting, invoicing, VAT, tax and all the fun stuff), and (b) with a website and basic IT system.
As I’m a working mum myself, in an ideal world I would love to work with other self employed mums/parents who work in these fields. Or people who’ve helped other parents in a similar position.
All suggestions gratefully received!
Thank you

[jtreliving]

Hi Happymummy,

I know lots of businesses who could help you out with this. I will PM you with my contact number, why don’t you give me a ring tomorrow and I can talk you through who to speak to?

Best,

J

[ingrowzelqui]

I had this experience. I mean, the experience of starting my own business. It can be really hard, OP. Make a good plan before you do that. One of my friends did it without a plan and it costed his business. Start from buying all the stuff you need for workspace. Then you can make a schedule for your employees. You can use this https://tracktime24.com/Free-Employee-Schedule-Template template for it. Also, try to make a good income and outcome plan. And remember - everything is in your own hands.

[sarah.tee]

Hi,

I'm a local marketing consultant and business growth mentor.
I'd be happy to advise you on setting things up so that your marketing is the most effective it can be. After all, making sure you are targeting and attracting your ideal clients is fundamental to your business success.

Here is one of my professional profiles: https://www.bidvine.com/pro/sarah-threapleton

Feel free to give me a call for an informal chat - my number is 07799 713196.

Best regards,
Sarah Threapleton

[FandF]

Hi there,
I set up my own consultancy a couple of years ago. I thought once I had a laptop and insurance I’d be well on my way! But there are so many things to do!
A friend lent me ‘The 4 hour work week’ which totally changed my perspective on running a business. I’m not aiming to work only 4 hours per week, however it did make me think about delegating all the tasks that are a distraction from the core work (ie being productive rather than simply ‘busy’).
I also worked with a coach for the first 6 months (I won’t recommend him though as he was in a very specific niche) which helped hugely with streamlining what I was doing, getting clear on my offering, creating a website, and using LinkedIn etc. I’d recommend looking at Catherine Watkins’s ‘Business from the Heart’ membership programme. It’s not 1-2-1 (although I think you can pay extra for sessions) but gives you fresh resources and support all the way. Also check out Hetty Verney for all the business accounting, self-assessment, tax advice and setting up financial systems - I’m just about to start using her. PM me if you want to chat and pick my brain for any more contacts or learn more from my experience!

[Asaded]

Hello, Happymummy2014! I sincerely support your idea to develop and open your own business. I have two children. I love them very much, but after several years of sitting at home, you gradually start to go crazy from inaction.  I advise you to think carefully about what area you would like to open your business in and whether you are ready for this step. Analyze what you are good at, what interests you, what strong qualities you possess.  It is also necessary to build a business plan and find a suitable lender for the first time until the business begins to pay for itself https://www.yhdistalaina.com/pikavippien-yhdistaminen/.  I am sure that you will succeed. Good luck!

[Alex Miller]

Hi,

I am a professional business coach and mentor specialising in helping start-ups and small businesses. I also have a structured framework called Kinectic, that takes my clients on the journey from Business Vision to Launch. I also have the necessary financial planning templates that you will require to incorporate into your business plan. Please take a look at my website, where you can find more information and my fees, email me or give me a call on 07768 127685. I live in Wandsworth Common. Good luck Alex

[gomummygo]

Hi there,

I highly recommend finding a consultant to help you in the sector you will be operating in and joining an entrepreneur club of some kind. I have found this to be the most helpful with my business.

Also don’t despair, it takes a couple of years to get things off the ground.

Here are a few takeaways for you:

- drill down on your target market and find your niche. You can’t serve everyone.

- sort out your branding to distinguish yourself - hire a graphic designer.

- sort out your website - you don’t need to build one, a simple ready made site with templates will be great to start with. There are loads.

- Fiverr is a great place to find developers and designers, etc.

- sort out your marketing - how will you reach your target audience? Where do they hang out? Social media, LinkedIn, etc. Also, get your promotional material ready. You are now a saleswoman for your business.

- Network, get out and meet people face to face.

- Finally, take a day at a time and try not burden down your family.