As the year comes to and end, and time for reflection begins, thought I would finally write a piece in 2014.. with some reflections on 6 years' self employment...
Having taken the plunge in annus horribilus 2008, when things seemed to go through thin and thinner, I thought it was worth sharing that the pendulum can swing if you hang in there.
I'm no example of how best to do it, but here's what I've discovered in that time:
- That it's not for you if you want the same £££ dropping into your account every month
- That hard work doesn't always directly equate with revenue - but persistence and being nice to people really does.
- That the answer is usually yes, and the how fills in behind.
- That noodling over your website isn't nearly as much use as picking up the phone
- That serendipity is a key word - and a very long one for a scouser
- That a Costa Coffee reward card is well worth having
- That most people in business are actually pleasant despite what the Apprentice would have you believe
- That you never get bored hearing new people's stories
- That there really is very little margin between play and work on a good day
- That you write many fewer blog posts when you are full on busy
- That you ultimately don't have to work with people you don't want to
- That holidays are for employed people... as is leaving the house at 7am every day...
- That it probably won't last - but you will eventually hit the top of a wave and believe you have cracked it...
- That the bigger the corporate client - the longer it seems to take to get paid.
This year has been the best one yet for me - and the hardest work. I've done some new things - like delivering ILM management training for a local authority - and gained some great new clients - helping my new friends direct source and hire talent for their fast growing food services venture. I've lectured across the HR topics for my lovely Masters students at Leeds Beckett University - and tried to enthuse the less willing at undergrad' level too. The career coaching with Penna remains a privilege to do (helping some one find their next job produces a genuinely fuzzy feeling) - and I'm really enjoying performance coaching for a couple of new BigCo's.
What else? Well I've /paid my VAT on time , bought a 'new'car BEFORE the old one claps out - and have managed to cook a meal most nights.
So as Xmas approaches, here's the same letter I always send in December:
Dear Santa, please can you help make sure I still don't have to take a proper job next year.. ooh and if you could do all my admin that would be great.
From Hinterland Consulting - which is basically me - a very Merry Xmas and all good things in 2015.
And if you happen to be a satisfied client, thank you. The lights remain on another year.
