Self-employed people are often more fulfilled in their careers than those employed. If you’re here, you most likely agree that there is an element of satisfaction from working on your own terms. The participants from the latest Dreams and Wishes Business Survey agree. When 500 British people were asked their thoughts on self-employment, 59.3% stated that they believe people who run their own businesses are generally happier.
Despite this, many people who want to become self-employed cannot seem to break free from employment to pursue their dreams. What is holding people back from making the jump into entrepreneurship? The study found the main culprit to be money.: lack of financial means and fear of financial loss to be exact.
So, what support do the participants feel like they need to overcome these obstacles? They stated access to funding and external support in business planning and marketing.
The good news is that these things are easily accessible!
Blogs that offer free advice
Blogging has been a popular form of content marketing for years now. The beauty of this is that there are tonnes of free resources scattered across the internet. Whatever your business and niche, it’s likely somebody else is already blogging about it offering free tips and advice that will serve you well in your new business venture. (We’re one of them!)
Digitalisation made accessible
Having an online presence is a necessity in today’s digital world and the participants of the study clearly understood just how important this is. Many stated that they felt like they would need help in creating and maintaining a website. The good news is that there is lots of help out there for exactly this. Companies like IONOS provide hosting and domains all in one place with easy-to-use templates to DIY your website.
Online Communities
There is a Facebook group for everything. Many newcomers will find it useful to join a FB group in their business industry and niche. Being a part of an online community with others in similar positions goes a long way. Not only do people in these groups offer free advice and tips, but it is also a brilliant way of networking.
Information / organisations
We are very fortunate in the UK to have access to government business grants. The issue with newcomers is that these schemes may be difficult to find and hear about. Many of the participants of the survey had a fear of financial failure and felt that a lack of funding was holding them back from their business dreams. However, through organisations, non-profits, and the government, finding funding isn’t as daunting as it seems.
