The Next Move

You've made the decision to work for yourself, but remember – there are also many other things you will need to do in addition to your creative work.

I want to become self-employed…
You need to make sure that you are motivated, focused, organised and happy to manage the business side of things (or are willing to learn how!) This might include looking after your finances, marketing, planning and networking.

Here are some of the things you should think about before you get started:

Where do I start?
You need to make sure you are motivated, focused, organised, and happy to manage the business side of things (or are willing to learn how!). This might include looking after your finances, marketing, planning and networking. Here are some of the things you should think about before you get started:
  1. Your product or service
  2. The market
  3. Your customers
  4. Money
  5. Getting organised
  6. Risks
  7. And then

The six points to remember

1

Your product or service

The first place to start is with you and your creative idea. You need to be able to explain exactly what it is you offer and why someone should buy or use it.

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The Point
Why is your product or service unique or special?
2

The market

Look around you at what is going on in the sector. Look at similar types of products and services and how people are responding to them. Look at other companies doing similar things and what they are charging.

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The Point:
Why is your product or service needed, and why is it not just a passing fad or trend?
3

Your customers

Think about the people or companies who might buy your work and their characteristics. Find out as much about them as you can as this can help you attract their attention.

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The Point:
Get as close to your potential customers as you can – make sure you know what they want.
4

Money

It is very important that you make sure that your creative work will support you financially in the ways that you need it to. How much money you will need to get started – for example, do you need to buy any specialist equipment, materials or software? You might even need to get special premises, so don’t forget things like rent, electricity, lighting and your telephone bill. You need to decide how much you are going to charge for your work. Pricing your work depends on many factors, for example: - How much it costs you to make your work (remember to bear in mind overhead costs such as electricity) - A realistic price to charge (look around at similar products) - And then ensure you make some money on top of that so that you can live! Visit the ECCA website for a fact sheet on how to price work (also Artquest on artist’s rate, and A-N toolkits)

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The Point:
Do you already have money available, or will need to ask someone – a relative, a friend, a bank or a funding body?
5

Getting organised

Try to think of everything you need to do from start to finish to get your ideas off the ground. You might need to involve other people in this, or even do some additional training yourself to make sure you have all the right skills. Think about how you will organise yourself – for example, setting up systems for invoices and quotes. Remember you will also need to file all of your receipts so that it is easier to do your Self Assessment tax return.

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The Point
Put together a wishlist of your ideal plan together with how and what you need to make it happen.
6

Risks

Although it might sound pessimistic, it is a good idea to think about things that might go wrong. This way you can work out how you might deal with them if they do happen.

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The Point:
There is a possibility that things can go wrong...be prepared!
7

And then

You should develop an action plan of how you are going to take things forward, and certain things you want to achieve and by when. Visit the ECCA website for more information on business planning and more aspects of working for yourself.

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Did you know?
ECCA also offers 1-2-1 advice sessions on setting up your own business!
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