The current job market is encouraging many people to try self-employment

Starting out alone can be very scary so take these top tips from Endsleigh Insurance and ensure that you do it successfully:

Benefit from business accounts
It may not seem like a priority if you’re not expecting to make much money initially, but it’s important to separate your personal and business finances. All the main high street banks will be competing for your business and will offer all manner of perks and gifts to get you to bank with them.  When you are starting off on your own, every little helps.

Get a business mobile account
At the same time, get your mobile phone transferred to a business account. Welcome improved customer service and special deals that only apply to business users! Moving your mobile phone to a business account can be a great money saver.  You might be able to combine with a broadband package and often benefit from attractive phone upgrades as well as free calls between business users.

Put all “sundries” through the company account
“Working from home” can mean sitting at a computer, or driving around your local community, either way you are going to clock up a lot of payments for small items. This can mean paying for tea bags, buying a new computer keyboard, or simply stocking up on pens!  Make sure you get a VAT receipt for all payments as it all stacks up.

Use your social networks to market yourself as cheaply as possible
Advertising in the local paper, or online, might be necessary to get yourself started, but there’s nothing like using your network of friends, family and former business contacts to find work.  This isn’t the time to be bashful – make sure everyone knows about your new business by updating your LinkedIn profile and sending out messages through Facebook and Twitter.

Join relevant groups & organisations
Is there a union or organisation that covers your particular sector? Joining up can reap huge rewards, by offering you discounted training and advertising opportunities, as well as widening your network of contacts. As well as official bodies, look out for collectives that work with people like you.  There are lots of excellent organisations representing your focus or network, working mums, local business forums for example. Or if you are a blogger you will find a number of groups to join.

Protect yourself
Whatever service or product you are selling, you are liable for its safety, accuracy and general adherence to the law.  Whatever your line of business, whether a beautician, writer or plumber you will need cover for Business and Office Equipment, Stock, Business Travel, Revenue Protection, Tools and Goods in Transit