A minimalist approach to business.
Last July, I had to set up a limited company as clients and agencies won’t do business with sole traders for various reasons. This came up after I’d been offered the contract, so it was a bit of a rush job. I registered with Companies House and sorted out business insurance (difficult when you have poor credit – finally got it sorted via a broker). I was apprehensive as I like to keep things simple. Was it worth the hassle and expense of going limited for a short contract?
I went for it anyway as it was an interesting project with a big brand, well paid and could lead on to other things. I worked on it full time for six months and kept my other clients on reduced hours – gruelling – a good practice run for the lockdown. I learnt how to handle an ever-shifting brief, multiple sign-offs and differing opinions on tone of voice. It felt good to be earning proper money. Going limited has made me think about my business as a separate entity. I’ve given my agency a name, and it means I can apply for a wider range of projects.
Now it’s listed on CH, I’m being approached by lots of people keen to sell me stuff. Sales letters in the post, random calls, InMail – do I need staff, office space or software solutions? (nope, it’s just me). All trying to persuade me to buy, upgrade, do more, get bigger.