Hi, Sioned here founder of Mwydro and IPSE’s 2023 Young Freelancer of the Year. To mark my IPSE Instagram Takeover on the 7th of February I thought I’d share are my 5 Top Tips for Young Freelancers.
Trust me I’m not claiming to be any kind of expert, but from starting my business five years ago aged 23 I’ve picked up some valuable lessons along the way. Plus, the great thing about running your own business is knowing there are so many valuable lessons to come too. It’s all part of the experience!
1. Make the most of the help available to you
There are loads of funding and business support opportunities available, especially for young entrepreneurs (Big Ideas Wales and Llwyddo’n Lleol are two great schemes for Welsh Entrepreneurs). So keep an eye out on local careers and business support channels for the latest news.
Support I’ve received in the past has included grants of over £10,000, money to buy equipment like an iPad and even support to employ my first member of staff. It’s not good luck that got me those things, but instead being on the ball, keeping my eye out for opportunities and not being afraid of asking as the worst you’ll get is a no! If you’re still in University or College or recently graduated, keep an eye out for any opportunities that may be available through their Employability or Enterprise teams.
2. Build a network
Networking can feel daunting at first, but finding other likeminded entrepreneurs on the same journey as you can be so comforting and worthwhile. If attending a big networking event is too daunting, how about asking out a local Insta business pal out for a coffee date?
As the first person in my family and friendship circle to become self-employed I’ve found it so valuable to link up with likeminded individuals going through the same things as you.
3. Showing up pays off!
Where it may be totally terrifying and unnatural at first, showing the person behind the business can have such a positive impact on your business’ growth.
I don’t mean showing every personal detail of your life, but if your audience knows the face behind the business they’re far more likely to trust and support you. How about starting today with a post on your social media platform of choice introducing you and a few facts about yourself?
4. A business bank account is a blessing!
This is a simple one but something that had such a positive impact on my business when I made the change about two years in and opened a separate bank account for all my business transactions.
Personally I love Starling as I can add photographs of my receipts, categorise my spending, and even set aside pockets of money for my Self Assessment. Plus a cool bonus, use this affiliate link to create your account and we’ll both enjoy a free National Trust pass as a thank you!
5. You do your business your own way!
When I set off on my self-employed journey aged 23 I had loads of people in my ear with ‘rules’ about being freelance such as the ideal that in order to make my business a success I had to quit my day-job and give a 100% of my time to the business.
Five years on and my business remains a part-time venture and I love that. It works for me, gives me balance and my award from last year shows that clearly hasn’t stopped my business from being a success. The joy of being freelance is that there are no rules (well apart from paying your taxes of course!) so I always use that as motivation to do my business my own way.
So, I hope these five top tips have given you some food for thought! Let me know in the comments below or by popping me a message on Instagram…