When we started Northern Flock a few months ago, nothing could have prepared us for how much we love what we do. Some would say we are living the dream, doing what we love, working from home, and mother and daughter working together, and we have to say they are right.
We spend our time researching and sourcing eco-friendly, sustainable, and organic ingredients and packaging (which takes more time than you realise,) developing new products, making the products, marketing, and sending the products to our lovely customers. And on top of that Annaliese works as a researcher so you could say that our living room is a little bit chaotic sometimes … in a good way because we wouldn’t change it for anything.
So we thought we would bring you this blog to give you inspiration and motivation to start your own home based business. The possibilities and opportunities are endless and you can do something you love. It does take hard work and determination but most of the time it won’t feel like that because you will be passionate about what you do.
We know that everything we do is helping you and helping the planet. Sometimes we feel like we are a rain drop in the ocean, but a ripple effect starts with a drop. We are a small eco-friendly business with a big mission, and we will continue to work and grow our business so more people hear about us. Because the more people who hear from us and buy from us, the less of an impact on the planet’s natural resources and that’s what matters.
Home based businesses are fabulous for the local economy, they don’t have heavy manufacturing processes, they generally employ local people if they have a team, and if you are a parent you get to spend more time with your children in their precious years.
So how do you go about starting your own business? Here are our top tips to help get you started.
Decide what you want to do
Have you ever had a hobby, enjoy making things, or have a skill or talent that you love using but is going to waste? Many home based businesses are run by people doing things that they love. It could be handcrafting, some form of catering or cookery, becoming a virtual assistant as an accountant or personal assistant, or credit control, or the more physical work like gardening and landscaping. Also, did you know more women are becoming skilled in decorating, plastering, electrical work, and plumbing? If you have the desire, then the list is endless of what you can do.
Set yourself a goal
The top 3% of the most successful entrepreneurs always have goals in mind. They know what they want and they do everything possible to achieve it. Your goal doesn’t have to be monetary but should involve some form of finances. You have to make sure you are making a profit because that will cover your business expenses and household too if needed.
Believe in yourself
There is a saying that goes ‘whether you believe you can or you can’t you’re probably right.’ Have you ever totally believed in something and because of that it comes true? When you are a business owner you have to have a good mindset and know and believe you can achieve anything you put your mind to. There are so many resources available to help you with this. There are podcasts, audible books, and YouTube videos. The more you listen to, the more you will find that you are capable of anything because you start to believe in yourself.
What is your mission?
This can be unrelated to your business. For example you may want to donate some of the profits from your business to the homeless, support the World Wildlife Fund, give to dog rescue shelters, help under-privileged families. Whatever is close to your heart, just know you are making a difference and your mission will help drive you forward. You could even put your mission up on the wall so you see it everyday and remind yourself why you started.
Ask for help
When you realise that there are a lot of support groups online and offline who have been where you are, people are always willing to help. Don’t be afraid to ask other home based business owners for support and someone to talk to. Whilst having your own business is fantastic, it can be hard work sometimes and you need to let off some steam. There are also plenty of networking groups around either physically or online. These networking groups are other business owners who want to build relationships and support others.
Be sensible
If you are transitioning from an employed job to your own business, be sensible about your finances. It’s tempting to go ‘all in’ and leave your employed job, particularly if you don’t like what you do. Your employed work though gives you some form of financial security. Whilst you don’t have a glass ceiling in terms of income in your business, it can take you a few months or even a couple of years to earn what you do in your ‘day job.’ So maybe consider transitioning from employed to self employed. Start with perhaps doing one hour a day setting up your home business, perhaps a couple more at the weekends. Then as momentum grows, pick the right time to hand your notice in to your employer.
Do your research
Research is key when you start your own business. It’s important to research competitors, pricing, any materials that you might need, the local market, and desire for the product or service that you are going to offer. Research what legal documents you might need, any terms and conditions that are necessary, and regulatory requirements such as GDPR, and the Information Commissioner’s Office. Remember to research insurance too and professional indemnity cover so you remain protected legally.
Just make a start
We have all seen over the last few months that life can be fragile and nothing is certain. You will never be able to turn back time, and if you don’t start now you may look back in a year’s time and wish you had started sooner. But if you keep putting it off, your procrastination will get worse and when you have your own business, how do you know it won’t work if you don’t take action? Make a start and do it sooner rather than later so you can live without regret.
Remember you are helping others
Whether it’s your customers, the planet, animals, the people in your mission, your friends, or your family, remember you are helping others. It really does help you feel good when you have helped someone with your products or service, because there are people that need you. There are plenty of people on this earth that are here to help others and the more you do that, the more of a ripple effect it creates because more people will want to do it too. Whenever you have a day where it feels hard and it’s tough to get going in your business, remember there is someone out there that is waiting to buy what you have to offer. It could save them time to spend with their family, improve their health, and save them money. You have a wonderful gift so go and share it.
And finally …
Starting your own business is wonderful, you will feel like you are on a rollercoaster, and it will make you a bigger and better person. It really is worth all of your effort, passion, and determination doing what you love.
If you have any questions let us know, and we would love to hear from you if this has helped and you have made the jump to start your own business, you can contact us here: info@northernflock.co.uk
Our ethos
Northern Flock cares for your world, promotes recycling, and helps save the planet by making eco-friendly products and gifts that are kind to you and mother nature.
Visit our shop to treat yourself and buy someone you love a beautiful eco-friendly gift:
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/NorthernFlock
Contact us with any questions you may have at info@northernflock.co.uk
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