In my long list of things to learn, finance has got to be up there. I haven’t (yet) been caught out by anything in particular, it’s been hard to shake a worry that I might be, because I’ve accidentally overlooked something. The longer I do this, the easier this gets but I think…
Tag: Freelance
First 90 days (foundation)
This week marked my first 90 days as a consultant. I’m counting it as foundation setting, however, rather than actual because 90% of it was while working my notice in employment and running some freelance work alongside. As the first 90 days are generally considered a key transition period into any new role,…
Lessons in Evaluation
This week I concluded a two-month long two-report impact evaluation project for an amazing charity. They provide independent advice services on areas such as benefits, immigration, debt and housing for their local community. Their community-led approach and ability to build trust with a community experiencing significant deprivation is hugely impactful (sorry, should have…
The Freelancer Club
A curiosity I’ve had since I first thought about becoming a freelancer was how many others were doing it and just how big the freelance community is. Before making the leap myself I was aware of some friends with their own businesses, either with actual companies or as sole-traders, but I wasn’t sure…
What’s In A Name?
Every business needs an identity, and it doesn’t get more fundamental than a name. A name could tell you everything, or nothing – it can be descriptive, cryptic, creative or fun, but every business needs a name. So when you start out creating your very own business – what on earth do you…
Committee of One
Freelancer, consultant, founder, director, sole trader, entrepreneur, self-employed, business owner – apparently, I’ve gained a whole load of new titles recently. But all of it boils down to the fact that I’m creating a business out of myself. So, what’s the verdict so far on being a team of one? Cooking on gas…
Someone Call IT
Having worked in the charity sector for over 12 years, I’ve got experience in a fair few areas now. From training and advocacy to projects and volunteer management, there’s some good strings on my metaphorical bow already I reckon. But it turns out I’m now adding IT-helpdesk and engineer into the mix, and…
Lessons in Facilitation
With my first freelance-d facilitation work under my belt, it’s worth celebrating the successes and being honest about the improvements needed. So, in no particular order, here’s what I learnt from that first event: 1. There’s never a final version See my earlier blog “navigating event design” for some more of the background…
Which Way to Go
One of the main reasons starting out as a freelancer is so terrifying is because of the huge (occasionally for me all-consuming) fear of whether you’ll have enough, or even any, work to keep the money coming in. You’ve purposefully waved goodbye to a regular, known, paycheck (maybe this definitely is early-onset midlife…
Deciding Day Rates
So, early doors is one of the hardest questions – exactly how much is the right amount to charge as a day rate?! Like many people, I’ve worked with a few consultants over the years and always had a fascination with the resulting invoices and what a) people charge and b) what organisations…