Janet Barton
Janet M Barton & Associates |
Life before self employment Before self employment
I worked for Business Link managing grants for small businesses. Before that I had many years experience of finance, credit control, and also some in-house legal experience. I had always been in salaried jobs and for a few years had felt the need for something more rewarding and flexible.
I now work as a freelance cash flow improver and credit controller for small businesses. I realised that small businesses were experiencing cash flow difficulties, or had customers who never paid on time and that this was the one area in which there was no practical help available, and that I could offer that help. I also offer training and seminars for small businesses in how to train your customers to pay you on time, which is a development I didn't expect at the start.
How you got started/where did you to for advice?
Having worked previously in a business support organization I had a pretty good idea of how to get going. However, I also went to Blackburn Enterprise Trust for advice and support.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
My biggest challenge so far has been marketing. I wildly underestimated the amount of marketing I would have to do! I soon realised that the work won't come to me, I have to find potential clients and sell to them. Although I still don't find marketing the easiest part of self employment, after taking advice from a marketing consultant, I'm now able to undertake targeted marketing in a structured way with achievable goals and targets.
What are the rewards of being your own boss?
For me the rewards of being my own boss are: knowing that my future success is based only on my own capabilities and reputation - I'm no longer always wondering about global market trends affecting my employer, or changes in government policy leading to job cuts or relocations. Instead of always being restricted by other peoples' perception of my job role, I can adapt and grow depending on customer requirements. I feel really proud to say that I am self employed: and I am passionate about what I now do for a living!
What would be your one Top Tip for women thinking about starting a business?
My Top Tip for women thinking about starting a business - Don't skimp on the costs of a good website and good quality business cards and literature. Keep a stash in every bag and coat pockets - you never know when you might have an opportunity to give some out. Get your own domain name and have your email linked to it, not a Yahoo or Hotmail one with a different website address. These items are often your first contact with potential customers; if they look cheap and unprofessional then so will you.
Contact: 01254 777394
email:
or visit: www.janetbarton.co.uk | 
