Today I went to one of those Business Link training days where you get free government funded support and advice on setting up a business. It was the second one I'd attended - the first one was a gentle, general introduction to working for yourself, whilst this one was more meaty and focused. It was all about writing a business plan.I confess I wasn't expecting much, but it was a surprisingly good session. I really learnt a lot, and stayed awake the whole time despite getting lost and being late and missing the coffee part. I came away feeling quite motivated, armed with a long list of of topics that I need to give thought to before taking the leap into self-employment again.
One of my main goals is to not make the same mistakes as I did the first time around! Although I consider my first entrepreneurial venture - a magazine that I started, grew and ran for 6 years - a success, I definitely made some duff decisions along the way. I knew nothing about publishing and made the whole thing up as I went along; I messed up loads of times and in loads of ways. But my readers loved it, I loved it, I eventually sold it for a fair price and I'm very proud of what I achieved. There is little as gratifying as building something noble out of nothing.
I launched my magazine when I was heavily pregnant with my second baby, and got away with only minimal childcare until they started school. I used to wake up at 4am, feed whichever baby/toddler was bleeting for milk, then stay awake as he/she dozed back off so that I could get 2 or 3 hours work done in a quiet house.
You've nicked my business plan i.e. win lottery. Will be reading with interest x
ReplyDeleteI wonder where this venture will get you? Hope it takes you far.
ReplyDeleteNuts in May
Fair play! What can of mag was it?
ReplyDeleteoops...it's clearly too early...I meant what KIND of mag!!!
ReplyDeleteListen, if you can launch a magazine in those circumstances, you can do practically anything!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing better than seemingly boring training days that end up being fab :0)
ReplyDeleteThank you for visting my blog.
ReplyDeleteAfter moving north we have decided that we will have to stay here. We can't afford to move back south and buy the sort of house that we would want. Good luck with you new venture. I think that you are very brave.