Self Employed

[nailit]

Can anyone here give me a pointer to an 'idiots guide to been self employed)?
This is a sort of follow on thread from here
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1349971.html#answer-9065387
Where, to be frank, I posted after one too many beers and out of sheer frustration at been unable to find employment.
Ive had a few ideas for some time on how to make my own living and get of benefits but havnt a clue on 'how to'. Where to start? is there any funding? what to do?
Anyone here started a business? Any advice? Any links (for the lay person)?
Any experiences? All answers appreciated.
Thank you.

[kvalidir]

Are you under 30? If so the Princes Trust are very helpful. My father will be able to give you all sorts of advice as he's big on employing ex offenders and works with various groups, but he's in Ukraine at the moment so I'll have to catch him when can for you.

[pixie373]

I have done it, I'm happy to help as far as i can. When we started, the site Business Link was invaluable, but I've just looked it up and it seems to have finished and directs you to directgov.co.uk. Do you know what exactly you want to do yet?

[nailit]

kvalidir, Im 48 and thats where i seem to struggle a bit with any kind of funding. Im very interested in how your father helps ex offenders? Any links Kvaldir? Youve been very helpful on my other post.
pixie, have been on direct.gov but no joy there. please see my other post about what I might want to do. ;-)

[pixie373]

Will do :-)

[pixie373]

Ok. Well my neighbours work full-time, buying things from car boot sales and selling on ebay. I give them all the boxes i can find! Is that something you could start off with until you build up some cash?

[tamborine]

Not knowing where you live dont help. Around here outter M25 there are Pick your own farms & orchards that pay you. Easy money if you can busk ;) I watched a new build near me. All portugese brickie, carpenter, electrician, plumber & roofer. Each at £50pd. The roofer finished a 4b house in 4days; that £200 labour - robbery! I can do a head of hilites in 40mins @ £120.

Buy clippers at £15 & barber at home, on call. SE. Keep all receipts ready as no return are due till after your 1st years work. gluck

[The Builder]

Nails, you've got the best thing going for you ......... a good attitude. Most self-employment comes from humble beginnings. Something I hear all the time .......... "why can't I find someone to do a small job for me ...... all the "Pros" are so busy"

Tambo's post was very interesting (I pay occasional labourers more than that!)
That's site work. A different world. Even I couldn't make any money there.

"Networking"... putting your face about; talking to people; let them know you're sound. Hopefully get to know a few small builders who may need a helping hand for a few hours.

Only crumbs, I know, but that's how most things get started. Easy for me to say, but that's what I've always done. Definitely don't let the ex-con stigma rule you. Yes, there are some who wouldn't go near you right now... possibly never would. Don't let that stop you from putting yourself about though. We all know ex-cons. I have two friends who are both Publicans now.

Self-confidence is what impresses people. It can be learned. I wish I could help with some meaty practical advice. What comes first though, is getting you into the zone. A confident state of mind......... even if, right now, you may think you have little to be confident about.

Good luck to you :o)

[tamborine]

Offer your labour/services to builders/gardeners/tarmac/restaurants etc advertising in local shop windows. Or put up your own advert for work....you'd be surprised how many elders want computers/tv/mobiles etc explained to them.

[nailit]

//Self-confidence is what impresses people. It can be learned. I wish I could help with some meaty practical advice??
Self confidence is exactly what this is about... some meaty advice would be a good website....
Theres got to be something out there on the web guys...

[Buenchico]

A useful starting point:
https://www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business/start-with-an-idea

Keeping the tax man happy can seem a bit complicated at first but, once you've overcome the hurdles of getting a Government Gateway account, the online filing system is actually very easy to use:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets/se1.pdf

This is well worth a look:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/work_e/work_self-employed_or_looking_for_work_e/self-employment_checklist.htm

[inksplotter]

Try registering for Elance, ODesk, Freelancer, Guru, whatever you can find.

It is hard to get motivated, but you CAN find work. The Job Centre won't help you because they are just a quick fix-money this week solution. But there is work out there.

[tamborine]

Try these

http://www.gumtree.com/jobs

http://www.indeed.co.uk/m/

[nailit]

thank you for all links and advice guys.

[inksplotter]

Gumtree aren't that helpful and Jobseekers tend to look on Indeed anyway?