you struggling being self-employed or getting your new business off the ground?

Being self-employed isn’t easy, so don’t give up too soon. I’ve owned many businesses, starting out with a franchise, then my own start-ups, growing them into SME’s. There have been good and bad years, great mindset times around business growth and other times when I have wondered what on earth am I doing which led me to wear two hats sometimes….

Yes, I’ve been back into employment multiple times to boost my income for short periods (why not!). I was lucky sometimes I could do the two jobs side by side and other times I actually had staff to run the business for me. But being an employee again always ended up with me realising that running a business is actually great, early on, it can be hard financially with little time off, but it’s worth it, so stick at it if you have the passion.

However, if you’re feeling low, isolated in your business or thinking “have I made the right decision” here are some top tips:

• Get a mentor/coach or do a businessrelated course that will help solve some of your struggles.

• Go networking and meet others, join support groups, you’ll soon find out you’re not alone and help is out there.

• Read motivational books or industry specific books to give you ideas of how to progress.

• Don’t beat yourself up, if you’re struggling with isolation think about coworking spaces or just going to the café for a few hours.

• Don’t be afraid to consider getting a job if you’re having financial difficulties; look at contracts, part time or fixed term roles that might fit around your business.

• Get professional help if you’re struggling to pay bills.

• If what you have been doing for the last 6 months isn’t working, change it. It could be the marketing is wrong or there isn’t a market for what you’re selling, do some research, re-evaluate and test the market again.

• Take some time away from the business. Think of your short-term goals, put a strategy in place and come back fighting. If

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