Setting up or running a small business?

Small businesses in Woking

Are you thinking of setting up a small business in the Woking area? Or perhaps you are already running a small business and have knowledge that you would like to share with others who are just starting out.

I know when I started out as a freelance that I needed all the help I could get - I still do!! Time constraints mean that to have people nearby who are happy for you to visit them and their business to see how it all works would be amazingly useful.

Even more so, to have a group set up on an online community such as this one where people can post questions and concerns, then recieve answers and advice from others I know would be an invaluable resource. 

Why don't we start by sharing our business/freelance experiences with each other and see where it takes us. It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you work for yourself or run a small business - the more the merrier.

My experiences of freelancing began when my temporary contract working for a museum ended in the first few months of the recession when businesses left right and centre were making cut backs on staff. I had the option to try and find full time work again - but there were no jobs around and after at least 30 applications and not hearing back from even one (due to sheer competition) I decided enough was enough.

I remember sitting down and thinking about what it was that I loved doing and what I was good at - image retouching and research. I put the word out on various sites that I was available for work. It wasn't instant but soon enough I had a call from a wealthy businessman in the city who was writing a family history and wanted me to be in charge of the imagery. And so my freelancing career began... I'm still learning and still finding it very much famine or feast - finding my feet and balancing enough work with too much work. I have been lucky, but what's really important is your faith in yourself, your passion and your determination. After 18 months of freelance things are reallly getting going and I feel very proud! I am rubbish at the admin side of being freelance though.... Keeping reciepts and paperwork.... Could do with some good advice on a simple but effective filing system! Anyone?  

Great story of how you got started. I agree with the admin side. I just use a cardboard A-Z filing box and keep small receipts in a box ready for collating in a simple spreadsheet.