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Starting Out

BBC’s Dr Aleks Krotoski on Working For Yourself & Working From Home

Michael Rose | Starting Out

Yesterday Brighton’s Media Jobs and Skills fair was a huge success we talked to hundreds of potential freelancers from the recently redundant and looking to start a new career to students wanting to go straight into freelance — avoiding the traditional desk job altogether. It was really inspiring to see so many people interested in freelancing and we had over 100 new freelancers sign up for our ‘Go Freelance’ guide during the event.

The day was rounded off perfectly by academic, BBC filmmaker and Guardian journalist Dr Alek’s Krotoski talking to an audience of students and staff at the Sussex University Enterprise Thursday’s event — and the good Doctor was very happy to extol the virtues of Working for Yourself and Working from Home.

Read on for a video clip of Dr Krotoski and the perils of pyjamas.

Create a publishing empire from your home

Emma Jones | Managing business

Do you have content you would like to share with an interested audience of existing and potential customers? It’s never been so easy to package your content in a stylish way, and distribute it in a cost-effective way.

Enter the age of home publishing with Emma Jones.

Freelance Guide: How to produce a partnership agreement

Emma Jones | Managing business, Starting Out

Home based businesses are increasingly outsourcing and partnering, as opposed to taking on staff. As a freelancer and small business owner you may want to collaborate with others to get larger projects complete and, as more people start collaborating, it’s becoming important to have agreements in place with new partners that allows for a smooth running and profitable partnership. Emma Jones explains how to go about it.

The 10 golden rules of home business

Emma Jones | Working from home

If you’re new to home business in 2010, or considering starting out in freelancing, working for yourself or working from home, these 10 golden rules from Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones are are great place to start.

Freelance Podcast 19: Making a living without a job

Andy White | Podcast

Joyfully Jobless! Part 1 of an interview with Barbara Winter, author of Making a Living Without a Job.

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Making a living without a job - Freelance Advisor Podcast #19 [23:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Money matters: How do I negotiate a great rate?

Michael Rose | Accountancy & Tax, Starting Out

Negotiating yourself the best rate possible is crucial to your financial success as a freelancer or contractor. However, it is also one of the most daunting prospects if you have never done it before.

This guide outlines a few things to think about when trying to secure yourself the best deal.

Money matters: How much should freelancers charge?

Darren Fell | Starting Out

One the most frequently asked questions when people start contracting or freelancing is ‘how much should I charge?’

As well as knowing what other contractors in your field charge you can also apply following factors to work out a rate of pay.

Freelance Questions: “How do I set up a Limited Company?”

Michael Rose | Accountancy & Tax, Starting Out

Setting up a Limited Company is one of the smartest way to get paid for your work. With a Ltd you get to define your brand, own everything you do, run your business in the most tax-efficient way and pitch for work you wouldn’t be able to get as a sole-trader.

Some people, usually the folks at Umbrella companies, will tell you that setting up a company is costly and complicated but with low-cost solutions out there it’s a no-brainer.

Freelance Filmmakers: How to be an Appealing Media Freelancer

Tom Hickmore | Starting Out

How to get ahead in film-making. Brighton-based film-maker Tom Hickmore from Nice Media gives his top tips for getting noticed and getting a job in the film and media industries.

Find out what you need to do to impress, from CVs and portfolios to selling yourself and outright flattery!

How to start a health and beauty business

Emma Jones | Starting Out

According to retail experts, the health & beauty sector is in rude health; thriving, they say. So if you’re wondering which sectors present good options for a new business start-up, this could be the sector for you. Emma Jones offers facts & figures and some business ideas you might like to try.

You’re Not Unemployed: You’re Freelance!

Leif Kendall | Starting Out

Emergency Survival Guide for the Accidental Freelancer: Survive, thrive and eventually become Awesomitised. Freelance copywriter Leif Kendall outlines first steps for the newly freelance.

Have you been freelanced? Were you the victim of a surprise sacking? If you are new to freelancing, unprepared for this new way of life, don’t panic. Here is an emergency survival guide, packed with quick-fixes to get you started quickly.

Freelance Coach: Still a sole trader? When is a good time to switch to Limited Company?

Daryl Close | Accountancy & Tax, Legal advice

Freelancing and contracting is becoming a normal work practice within our society but many people continue to work as a sole trader rather than through a limited company. Freelance Coach Daryl Close takes a look at how a limited company setup can help you

Freelance Coach: Is now the right time to become a freelancer?

Daryl Close | Starting Out

There is no right or wrong time to go freelance if you truly want to be a freelancer. The market is always presenting opportunities; it is just a matter of not being blind to those you are not familiar with and ensuring you understand your target market.

Daryl Close, our small business and entrepreneurial performance coach, discusses whether the economic downturn is a good time to go freelance.

Freelance Life: How to start a business in your spare time

Emma Jones | Starting Out

More than five million people are working from home after finishing their day job, according to new research published this week.

The survey, commissioned by the world’s biggest office products company Staples, and carried out by Enterprise Nation, the UK’s largest website for home based business, confirms that the ‘5 to 9’ trend is spreading across the country.

Freelance Technology: Computer security

Jim Hatley | Technology

If Hollywood sensationalism is to be believed, then every man and his dog are advanced cyber-terrorists who want nothing more than to drain your bank account, max your credit card, and maybe initiate nuclear war with an unspecified superpower. The truth is that the world of computers isn’t actually as dangerous as many people think, as long as you take a few simple precautions against potential threats.

TGIF: Thank God I’m Freelance!

Leif Kendall | Lifestyle & Time out

Have you ever sat in a meeting about meetings, or a meeting to discuss an agenda, or a meeting to discuss the formation of a committee, or a meeting to discuss how the sales department should complete the new business acquisition form before giving it to the marketing department, and asked your aching brain: is [...]

Freelance Advice: Commercial coach, professional nagger, mentor

Emma Jones | Resources

Whatever you decide to call them, having someone to act as a commercial reality check in your business is invaluable. Finding someone with business experience who is prepared to meet and make you accountable could make the difference between meeting or missing your targets.

Benefits So how can a commercial coach/Non-Exec type person help your business? Here [...]

Starting out in freelancing: Legal considerations for online businesses

Michael Rose | Legal advice

Regulations and legislation are part and parcel of any business and trading online is no exception. Healys solicitors have extensive experience in IT, e-commerce law and software development agreement. Here they sketch out some of the key factors you need to consider when trading online. Legal considerations when setting up an online business The remote nature of [...]

Marketing yourself: 7 steps to creating the right impression

Emma Jones | Managing business

Whether it is networking, meetings, clients or conferences, marketing yourself is an essential skill for any freelancer or contractor. Freelance Advisor and author Emma Jones offers seven quick tips to help you shine Starting on the right foot: 7 steps to creating the right impression You only get one chance to create a first impression. To make [...]

Starting out: 10 things no one told me about freelancing

Michael Rose | Starting Out

Martyn Reding, Creative Director at Preview, examines the realities of working as a professional designer. Working as a freelance designer: the things I never knew I didn’t know If you’ve been through the rigours of your design course and your now out in the world learning your craft then the last thing you need is another jaded [...]

Legal Checklist – six things you must consider when going freelance

David Gordon | Legal advice

Freelancers need all the advice they can get and when it comes down to leglistlation not knowing your liabilities can be a painful and costly lesson. Our new legal blogger David Gordon is an expert in giving legal support and advice for freelance, contracting and small-businesses. Six things you need to know (but might be afraid [...]

Going freelance: Four ways to get your family to support your freelancing career

Dianne Bown-Wilson | Starting Out

Choosing to switch from full-time to freelancing can be a tough decision and the change will go a lot smoother if you have the help and support of those closest to you. Freelance Advisor, Coach and Consultant Dianne Bown-Wilson continues her series of articles on freelance career development issues for freelancers and contractors. Nearest and Dearest [...]

Working from home: top five freelance home-business opportunities in 2009

Emma Jones | Starting Out

The top 5 home-business occupations in 2009 Whether it is a second income to make ends meet, a result of reduncancy or a decision to make a fresh start as a freelancer, the home business and startup sector looks like it will continue to grow in 2009. Freelance Advisor and home business startup supremo Emma Jones [...]

Go Freelance guide - New & Updated for 2010

Leif Kendall | Guides, Starting Out

Updated for 2010 our free ebook guide to getting started in freelance is essential reading for newbies and experts alike.

‘Go Freelance’ is a complete 32 page guide, covering everything from starting out to running your business and staying motivated.

Download your copy today.

Tis the week before Christmas…

Emma Jones | Managing business

Freelance Advisor and author of ‘Spare Room Start Up’ Emma Jones give us a timely reminder of the things we could be doing in the run up to Christmas. What can freelancers do when things get quiet over the holiday season and what plans can we make for 2009. When the phones hush and emails subside One [...]

Freelance Advice: Marketing yourself for free

Darren Fell | Managing business

Freelance Advisor founder Darren Fell is a successful entrepreneur and all over the first page of results when you Google his name. We asked him to share the secrets of his success and he responded with this guide to marketing yourself. Marketing yourself for free, a guide. The big question running through everybody’s mind when they jump [...]

Freelance Designer’s Guide: Choosing the right printing method for your clients

Andrew Walker | Managing business

Whether it is business cards, promotional posters or flyers for a club night there are many printing options and quality and colours will vary greatly. Print adviser and consultant Andrew Walker guides can help you decide where to get your printing done. Choosing the right printing method for your client Digital vs Litho Printing The two main printing [...]

Freelance Advice: Portfolio Working and how to go about it

Dianne Bown-Wilson | Lifestyle & Time out

In part one of this series consultant, coach and trainer Dianne Bown-Wilson explored the advantages of portfolio working. Today she helps us identify the tools we’ll need to put it into practice. Portfolio career: How to Designing a Portfolio Career comes down to achieving an appropriate and desirable balance in your life between need and want. Ultimately [...]

Freelance Advice: is Portfolio Working the right choice for you?

Dianne Bown-Wilson | Managing business

If you’ve recently retired or are thinking ahead to your remaining working years now could be a good time to consider developing a portfolio career. In this two part series consultant, coach, trainer and writer Dianne Bown-Wilson tells us why it is a good idea and how to go about it… Portfolio careers: the perfect pick [...]

Create a professional welcome while working from home

Emma Jones | Working from home

Freelance Advisor and author of ‘Spare Room Start Up’ Emma Jones offers us the first in a new series of pieces for our Working from Home section. Here she takes a looks at what freelancers with a home office can do to create a professional image for clients and a great first impression for customers

A [...]

Working from home: 17 secrets for success

Leif Kendall | Lifestyle & Time out

Ah… the life of a freelancer… feet up, TV on, sitting around in your dressing gown and your clients are none the wiser. But is this really the best way to approach your freelance and contracting work? Freelance Advisor and Web Marketing Consultant Leif Kendall asked the freelancers on the Brighton New Media list what [...]

Freelancing FUBARs: 8 common mistakes

Laura Spencer | Starting Out

Freelance writer, editor and blogger, Laura Spencer shares her experience of going into freelancing and some of the mistakes and failures she’s seen along the way.

Freelance FAIL: 8 common mistakes

As someone who has worked as a freelance writer for nearly six years now, I’ve observed (and sadly made) many freelance failures. Mistakes can cost you [...]

Marketing yourself as a freelance designer: Six simple tips for your CV and portfolio

Michael Rose | Managing business

The death of the CV? Are curriculum vitae a thing of the past? Guest blogger Greg Coley, Creative Director of the integrated agency VGroup, gives an insider’s view on what freelance designers can do to get noticed. Marketing yourself as a freelance designer So you’re a budding young designer straight out of university, a middleweight, an established creative [...]

Freelancing the easy way… and the successful way

Leif Kendall | Starting Out

Freelancing: The Choice of Champions If you’re thinking of starting contracting or going freelance then you need to take a serious look at the opportunites and options available to you. Freelance Advisor and Web Marketing Consultant Leif Kendall tells us that freelancing is not the easy option… but it is the most rewarding option. Want to become [...]

Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions

Lesley Furber | Employment Advice

For up to date details of Income Tax and NIC rates for Employees, Workers and Freelancers read this article.

Freelancing USA

Darren Fell | Managing business

Are the streets of San Francisco paved with exciting projects, paying excellent rates? Is it full of perfect customers with realistic expectations? Freelance Advisor founder and serial entrepreneur Darren Fell took a trip to the epicentre of Internet start-ups in the hope of finding out what we can learn from our colleagues on [...]

Casual Networking for freelancers and contractors

Paul Silver | Managing business

Freelance Adviser, Paul Silver, on casual networking events for freelancers and contractors. Making contacts, finding work, pitching, passing business cards, sharing skills and advice… and having a drink, or four.

The ADVANTAGES of being a self-employed contractor or freelancer

Michael Rose | Starting Out

In the last post we looked at the disadvantages of going solo. Now we turns to the ADVANTAGES of being freelance or self-employed… which is MUCH more fun!

You are the boss

You say what goes. If you want a lie-in or a day off, it’s up to you (but make sure you make the hours up [...]

The disadvantages of being a self-employed contractor or freelancer

Michael Rose | Starting Out

In the spirit of getting stuck into the difficult jobs that you hate, but which still need doing, Ground Zero’s Jack Forester talks about some of the disadvantages of being self employed.

First, it can be very lonely starting out in business, especially if you are doing it alone. You tend to spend the majority of [...]

Find an accountant for your freelance or contracting business

Michael Riazi | Accountancy & Tax

In today’s current climate it is essential to choose every aspect of your freelance business dealings carefully. This applies not just to your clients and suppliers but also to your professional advisors – especially a good accountant.

The right accountant will meet all your business accountancy needs, from the preparation of accounts and dealing with tax [...]

Podcast #7: How to take on a Project

Andy White | Podcast, Starting Out

Andy talks to Dave Mellors & Malcolm Cook of First Light Associates about the things that need to be done when taking on a new project.

Topics Covered:

Getting and capturing the scope How to charge for projects Handling scope changes and change control [...]

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#7: How to take on a Project: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Where’s your creative space?

Rosie Sherry | Lifestyle & Time out, Starting Out

Think freelance. Think freedom. Think about the 1 minute commute from your bed. Think working in your pyjamas.

Think it’s perfect?

Freelancing is often related to an improved lifestyle and work-life balance. Though the opposite often occurs. In today’s 24/7, always-connected world it’s all too easy to lock yourself away and lose track of what [...]

Personal Branding for freelancers

Andy White | Managing business

What’s personal branding all about? Is it important? What does it mean? Where do I start? Do I really need a strong identity or even a logo for my freelancing business? Is it really necessary to make ME stand out from the competition?

Expert, Al Welsh, has had years of experience within some of London’s top [...]

Podcast #6: Five Things you always wanted to ask your accountant – part 2

Andy White | Podcast

Part 2 of an interview with Steve Crouch of SRC Chartered Accountants. Here Steve tells us about the types of expenses freelancers can claim such as those associated with working from home and some more general things to look out for.

Topics Covered:

The expenses a freelancer can claim; Expenses [...]

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#6: Five Things you always wanted to ask your accountant - part 2 [17:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

How to build a credible website

Kath Burke | Starting Out

You can think of your website as the modern-day equivalent of the Victorian calling card. Before your prospective client decides whether you’re worth talking to, they’ll have a good nose around your site.

And they might be asking themselves:

How professional is this organisation?

Do they have the products [...]

Podcast #4: Marketing Secrets part 2: Here are 5 things you must do

Andy White | Podcast

Andy talks to Paul Silver of The Farm who talks about 5 areas to concentrate on. Get these right, and your freelancing business will get off to a flying start.

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#4: Marketing Secrets part 2: Here are 5 things you must do [26:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Get yourself useful business cards

Paul Silver | Managing business

If you’re going to be networking to drum up business, or just meet people who might want to use your services (that is, potentially everyone you meet) you should get some business cards so they have an easy reminder of who you are and what you do.

On your card you should have:

[...]

Freelance Tips: Start out streamlined

Carey McIlvenny | Starting Out

As a freelancer, you often have a lot of business admin to manage. It’s easy to get in a muddle. It may sound obvious and tedious, but getting organised from the outset can save you time and money.

It’ll help your finances Think about the 10 minutes a day you spend hunting for your keys [...]

Podcast #3: Marketing Secrets part 1: Tips from the coalface

Andy White | Podcast

RA: , an experienced IT support contractor speaks to Andy about some of his self-promotion techniques as a contractor. This is part 1 of a 2 part special series on marketing yourself.

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#3: Marketing Secrets part 1: Tips from the coalface [14:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Podcast #2: Things you must do to prepare for freelancing

Andy White | Podcast, Starting Out

Andy talks to Raju Ajiz, an IT support contractor, about some of the first things you should consider before embarking on freelancing or contracting.

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#2: Things you must do to prepare for freelancing [12:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Podcast #1: What you’re going to get in this series

Andy White | Podcast

Andy White and Darren Fell set out the aims and upcoming topics in Freelance Advisor podcast series.

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#1: What you're going to get in this series [8:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Ltd Company: Detailed information on the expenses you can claim 7 comment(s)
Freelance News: Tax relief for home workers 6 comment(s)
Freelancing on the move: 3 essential briefcase fillers you can't afford to be without 3 comment(s)
Starting out: 10 things no one told me about freelancing 3 comment(s)
Freelance Resources: Tax... the basics 3 comment(s)
How to remember everything you need to do with Remember The Milk 2 comment(s)
Freelance Productivity: 'Making It All Work' - Book Review 2 comment(s)
Am I an Employee, Self-Employed (Freelance) or a Worker? 1 comment(s)
The Minimum Wage, TV/Film Industry Rates, Agency Workers and Unpaid Work Experience 1 comment(s)
BBC's Dr Aleks Krotoski on Working For Yourself & Working From Home 0 comment(s)

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