Gyan 79

Just for today, I will not mind who gets credit for my good deeds.
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Gyan 78

Just for today, forgive your enemies and feel a great burden lifted up from your heart.

Gyan 77

Don't look back and wonder why things went wrong. Don't regret not doing more. It happened for a reason. Your better days are ahead of you.

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How to go freelance, your step-by-step guide

Becoming a freelancer is one of the most rewarding yet challenging things you could do and there are many reasons why you might want to start your own business.
It might be that you're sick of working for someone else and you'd love to be your own boss. You might be dreaming about working from home after years of commuting. Or you could be a graduate, struggling to find a full-time job. Whatever your reason, we've put together this 'step-by-step' guide to help you take the leap.
This article is more about how to actually get started rather than finding those all-important first customers. It's an area we feel isn't covered as much.

Ask yourself why

Before you go freelance, ask yourself why you want to start your own business. Because going solo isn't easy. It's challenging but can bring a wealth of benefits. You can be your own boss, work from home and eventually decide who you want to work with. Sit down and write the pros and cons of going freelance. Really think long and hard before you make your final decision because freelancing isn't for everyone.

Consider your business structure

When setting up a new business, you have to decide if you're going to be a sole trader, limited company or partnership. You need to choose the business structure you'll trade under and of course, understand the obligations and responsibilities you will have as the business owner.

Choose a business name

When choosing a name for your business, whether it's a trading name as a sole trader/partnership or a limited company name, there are various things you should take into account before making your decision.
First and foremost, make sure it's professional and inoffensive. Legally, your business name mustn't contain any sensitive words, and if you're a sole trader or partnership, you mustn't include limited company-related words such as 'Ltd'.
If you're a limited company, you must check that your proposed name is unique and available via Companies House by using their free WebCheck service. Here, you'll be able to see if anyone else has your company name.
If you're a sole trader, then you must do some research online and via phone directories to make sure your trading name is as unique as possible.
One final tip – if you're going to have a website for your business, check available domain names via any of the domain name registration sites, like 123-reg.co.uk. For SEO purposes, consider adding in your key service to the domain name.

Sort your branding

When starting out, it's important to have a visual identity for your business. Something that will differentiate your company from the competition. Get a logo and some basic stationery sorted, including letterheads, business cards and compliment slips.
You'll definitely need a logo before you approach a bank and set up your own business account, something I'd strongly advise organising as soon as possible... More on this to follow.

Get a business bank account

To keep invoices and payments in order, I'd recommend setting up a separate business account as a priority. The bank you choose is likely to book you an appointment with one of their business managers and they'll simply require a few things to get you set up, including: a letterhead with your logo (see above), business name and address; photo ID such as a driver's licence or passport and proof of address. And that should pretty much get you started. If you're a limited company they may need to see additional documents.

Accounts & bookkeeping

One of the most important aspects of running any business is the accounts, so set up a financial bookkeeping system immediately. Keep records of all of your invoices and payments at the end of every month. Make sure you file these properly to save yourself any hassle further down the line.
To make life as easy as possible, use accounting software such as FreeAgent, where you can easily generate invoices, estimates and track time plus hook your business bank account up to the platform and keep on top of all your incomings and outgoings. I use it for both my businesses and it has made accounting a breeze.
Next, find a decent accountant. They'll cost you money at the end of each financial year but they'll be a lifesaver when it comes to organising your accounts. When it's time to sort your tax, simply print out all of your invoices from that financial year and put together all of your bank statements. Don't forget to include receipts, payments and any other business costs or overheads, including travel. And it's important you place your logo/business name on all official documents and stationery. And hey, if you've got FreeAgent – you could simply give your accountants a login, so they're able to go directly through that as well.

Taxes, NI and VAT

In terms of making things official, you'll have to register as self-employed with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you're a sole trader and you'll be expected to pay income tax and National Insurance contributions. If you're a limited company, you must tell HMRC if it's liable for Corporation Tax, pay any Corporation Tax due and file a Company Tax Return on time. If in doubt, check out the HMRC website. Or just get your accountant to sort all of this for you.
Next, you'll need to contact HMRC to register for VAT if you expect to have more than £83,000 turnover a year – as of 1st April 2016. Not sure about VAT? Read this Introduction to VAT to understand how it works.

Working from home?

If you're going to be a homeworker, it's important you contact your local authority to find out whether you need to pay any business rates. You should also take into account that working from home could have implications on your mortgage, home insurance and even your tax situation. It's not necessarily as straightforward as you might think, so check things out before you proceed.

And those are our tips on how to go freelance. Finally, read this helpful Government online guide on setting up a business. It'll ensure you're properly set up and covers just about everything you need to know before you start your own business.

10 things you should know before going freelance

Want to ditch the nine to five, become your own boss and start your own business but worried about doing so? Becoming a freelancer is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do, but it's also very challenging. To make sure you're fully prepared, here are the top 10 things you should know before taking the leap...

1. Starting is easier than you think

Starting a new business is pretty straight-forward, especially if you set up as a 'sole trader'. You basically inform the Inland Revenue for tax and National Insurance purposes and register as self-employed. It's as simple as that. In fact, here's an easy checklist to help you become a 'sole trader'. Have you?:

• Registered as self-employed with HM Revenue & Customs?
• Found out from your local authority if you need to pay business rates or obtain any permits/planning permission that you might need to work from home?
• Registered for VAT if you expect to have a turnover of more than £83,000 a year? (As of 1st April 2016)
• Set up record-keeping system for all your invoices, purchase orders, etc.
• Ensured that your own name is on all of your business stationery? That includes all letters, receipts, cheques and invoices?

And that's pretty much how you get started. It's really not that difficult. But you have to cover these bases, before you can call yourself a sole trader.

2. You don't need a business loan

Starting a business isn't expensive and you don't need to write to your local bank manager to request a loan. Simply set up your computer on a desk at home and get started. Figure out what your company is going to be called and design your own logo. Use Graphic River to purchase a readymade logo if you don't have design skills.
Then set up a website through an affordable platform like Squarespace. It's as simple as that.
When you can afford to, hire a proper graphic designer to improve your branding. But when you're just starting out, just keep costs to an absolute minimum and don't assume you need everything sorted right away, because you don't.
For example, when I first launched my business back in August 2007, I designed my own branding even though I'm not a designer. What I created was appalling, that's for sure – but it didn't put off any clients that I won at the time. I also created a simple website, using a free blogging platform and designed and printed my own range of stationery. I recommend you do the same. It makes no sense to fork out lots of money on things you can initially get by without.

3. You don't need expensive office space

Most clients don't care if you work from home as long as you provide a reliable and quality service. But business can be about image and some people might not take you seriously unless you have your own office. Therefore make best use of virtual office space providers or consider joining a co-working space.
Ok, so you're telling a bit of a white lie, but it does no harm. If a client directly asks where you work, just be honest! Hopefully, you'll have won them over by then, and where you work will no longer be an issue.
Just bear in mind, if you are working from home you may still need to pay business rates or even seek planning permission, depending on your business needs. Check with your local authority.

4. There will be droughts

Freelancing doesn't bring a regular salary like you're used to. There can be long periods when work dries up and you have nothing to do. To prepare for moments like these, always have a buffer zone in terms of savings. Try to have enough to cover three months' worth of outgoings.
And when you're suffering from a quiet period, use your time wisely. Work hard on your own marketing to attract new clients. Get out and network as much as possible and stay positive. The work is there – it's just a case of being pro-active.

5. Beware of the roller coaster cycle

When freelancing, there'll inevitably be very productive, high-earning periods. Those amazing times when you're making lots of money and enjoying a healthy bank balance. But before you go out and splash the cash, be aware that the good times won't last. Because every freelancer is constantly on a roller coaster cycle of ups and downs.
There will be quiet months and there will be months when you're working all hours of every day. Just remember that any money you earn one month, might not be the same the next. So get used to saving for a rainy day.

6. Clients won't pay on time

It's a sad part of freelancing but you have to expect that most clients won't pay on time. So make sure you have contingencies in place to be prepared.
On all invoices, add payment terms – the standard being 30 days. Remember, you're within your rights to start charging interest on any late payments. There are laws to protect you and you're entitled to enforce them. Read this article to help you calculate interest, when necessary.
On larger projects, I'd advise requesting deposits upfront and 'payment stages' or a payment schedule. This reduces the risk of not getting paid, and helps to fund the project as you go along.

7. You don't need a big portfolio to start out

If you don't think you're good enough to go freelance because you haven't got a decent portfolio or your CV isn't up to scratch, think again! Just spend time building up your portfolio or CV by getting as much experience as possible, whenever you can.
Most importantly, remember this – you have skills and people will always want to pay for them. Have confidence and use your first year to get to grips with running a business, building up contacts and experience.
If you don't believe in your own skills and abilities, no one else will. But if you still feel under-prepared, consider taking an evening course or train yourself up to learn new skills. Because the freelancer that's always striving to improve is more likely to succeed.

8. Some clients will try to take advantage

Some clients could prove difficult. If you're fully prepared for anything that might go wrong, you'll avoid the common client pitfalls. First and foremost, I'd advise getting everything in writing whenever you're quoting for projects because this is often the most likely problem you'll encounter – that is, clients trying to get more for their money without paying extra. So before any project, write down exactly what you'll be delivering and make it clear what the client will and won't be getting.
It's also a good idea to learn the warning signs of potential stressful clients. You can read this helpful article on how to spot them, before it's too late.

9. You'll miss the safety of being employed

It's no secret that freelancing is a challenge. And you will find yourself missing the safety and comfort of a full-time job. On those difficult days when you're dreaming about a regular salary, the company of co-workers and the reassurance that your job will still be there on Monday morning, think about this – no job is ever secure!
Freelancing is tough yes, but it brings a wealth of benefits. When everyone else is beginning the long commute to work on a freezing cold Monday morning, you could still be tucked up in bed or snuggled by your own radiator in your cosy home office. When you're starting a family, you can fit work more easily around family life.
Plus, when everyone else is getting a nice, regular salary – you're enjoying a much higher earning capacity. And when you work incredibly hard, you're not lining someone else's pockets, you're lining your own. And if you do go freelance, you'll do everything in your power to never go back to full-time employment, ever again. Trust me, freelancing is the best.

10. Freelancing is fun and hugely rewarding

Yes freelancing is hard work. And yes there are times when you're pulling your hair out. But overall, freelancing is lots of fun, hugely rewarding and different every day. It not only brings freedom, it boosts your earning potential.
You can also work your own hours and choose the way you want to operate. You can take week days off and work weekends instead, if that suits. Nothing beats freelancing and for many of you, you'll never go back once you've caught the freelancing bug. So what are you waiting for? There's really nothing stopping you except yourself, so go for it!

Top tips for a successful radio interview

As a former broadcast journalist, I know only too well how daunting radio interviews can be for most people. During my earlier career, I realised that even the most senior leaders have been reluctant to go on-air, worried that they’ll face a ‘Jeremy Paxman’ style of interview and be viewed in the wrong light.
Although radio interviews might seem like a scary experience, they really are straightforward – once you know how to tackle them effectively. And because radio publicity is worth its weight in gold, it's important you learn the basics of giving a successful on-air interview, that's whether it's live or pre-recorded. Here are 10 tips to ensure you succeed:

1. Find out the location

Firstly, find out where the interview is going to take place. Will it be in the studio, over the phone or will a journalist come to see you? If you have to go to the studio, make sure you allow plenty of time to get there. If a journalist is coming to see you or you’re giving a telephone interview, you’ll need a quiet room so there are no background noises or distractions.

2. Live or pre-recorded?

Next, ask the journalist if the interview is going to be pre-recorded or live. Both types of interview have their own set of challenges so it’s important to know the difference. Pre-recorded will give you some leeway to make mistakes as you’ll be able to repeat your answers, if necessary. Live is when you will literally have no second chances.

3. Do some research

Find out more about the interview and your audience. Is it purely for the news bulletins or will it be part of a topical show? How long will the interview take place? Who listens to the station? You’ll need to know the nature of the interview, your audience and how much time you have to ensure you’re fully prepared.

4. Be prepared for other interviewees

Consider whether anyone else will be participating in the interview. Will they have the same views as you or will they disagree? Think about the criticisms you might face and how you might respond positively to each one.

5. What questions?

You are within your rights to ask the journalist beforehand the type of questions he/she will be asking. That way, you can thoroughly prepare your answers and avoid being ‘put on the spot’. If you are caught out during the interview, simply say: “I’m sorry, I’m not in a position to answer that but what I can say is…” and then repeat one of your main key points.

6. Stick to your key messages

Next, write three key messages or points that you would like to make during your interview. Keep repeating these throughout to ensure your message gets heard.

7. Avoid nervous habits

Most journalists will require ‘sound bites’ – small clips of audio to play during their news bulletins – so make sure you start each sentence clearly, avoiding any nervous habits like ‘ums’, 'errs' and ‘ahs’.

8. Stay hydrated & comfortable

Keep a glass of water to hand and don’t shuffle any paperwork. Avoid tight-fitting clothing and sit comfortably and upright with your feet flat on the floor. This will help you to feel and sound relaxed.

9. Be yourself

Be friendly and open. Use informal, everyday language. Speak as though you were talking to just one person and don’t use any jargon. Keep to the point and avoid waffling.

10. Keep your cool

Don’t lose your temper or sound defensive. Simply stick to positive statements and never resort to negative attacks. Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself.

How to write a press release

A press release is a useful communication tool that is distributed to the media. Its purpose is to announce news items, events, product launches or business updates.
Journalists are more likely to cover your story if you have taken the time to draft your own press release. They often don't have time to hunt around for the information they need. By providing everything fuss-free, your story is more likely to be covered.
It's also helpful to provide an image, something other than your logo. Or you could always issue a 'photo call' – inviting the newspaper or magazine to attend your office or event on a specific date and time. They can then take an original photograph for their publication.
However, regional or small weekly newspapers are increasingly running out of resource to do this, so it might be worth calling up your local rag to find a freelance photographer they like to use. Then pay for some professional shots of yourself, working in your environment. You'll then have print-quality images ready to put in front of any journalist, making their job a lot easier and making them want to run your story.
These days, you've also got to consider online media. This is where your SEO strategy comes in to play. Don't just provide the journalist with a URL for your website. Make sure they use hyperlinks that include your business name and/or keywords.
With all of the above in mind, here are 10 tips on how to write a press release...

1. Heading

Give your press release an interesting title – don’t worry too much about it being snappy. You just need your release to stand out from the crowd. Make sure your title is in bold. Put a date on your news release, ideally on the same date it’s issued. This will add gravitas to your story.

2. Going online

If you're targeting online media, give your story a title with SEO in mind. This relates to meta titles because most posts on magazine sites, such as Creative Boom, should automatically take the title of your story and place into the meta title. Therefore, make sure you include your keywords, company name and business location.

3. Immediate or hang fire?

Decide whether your press release is for ‘Immediate release’ or ‘Embargoed until X date’. Embargoed releases are useful for when you want the journalist to keep the story on hold until the date stipulated. It’s handy for product launches or events, for example. 'Immediate' speaks for itself.

4. Getting the right angle

Before you draft your release, think of the who, what, when, where, why and how. This will help you to structure your copy and ensure it flows nicely. Think of the news angle. Journalists will only publish your story if they think it’s newsworthy.

5. Consider the publication

Every newspaper and magazine has a different writing style or audience – consider adapting your press release to suit each one. For example, create a more 'local' news angle if you're targeting a regional newspaper, compared to a national title.

6. Keep it simple

Try to avoid repetition at all costs and keep sentences clear and concise. Don’t waffle.

7. Comment

Include a quote from a company spokesperson (or if you're a freelancer – just yourself) and use this area to repeat your key messages. Remember, your quote is the only part of your press release that the journalist can not change or edit, so use it wisely.

8. Factual is best

Stick to the facts and only allow any views or opinions to be included in a quote from a company spokesperson, not within the main body of the release.

9. The End

Signify the end of your press release with ‘ENDS’ and don’t forget to add some company information. This is background information for the journalist to consider. Include your website address.

10. Don't forget

Add on contact details for the media… i.e. ‘For media enquiries please call John Smith at The Business on 01234 56789 or email john@thecompany.com'.