Career/own business book recommendations please

[TheFurryMenace]

I am a healthcare professional and there is a reasonable market for my skills privately. I am interested in this now as my DC is more independent and I could work an extra 1-2 days per week.

I would like any book recommendations for setting up in business - what I need to know, do etc. I would also like any motivational books to help build my confidence and career aspirations as I've never done anything like this before. Have you read a book that gave you clarity on direction and confidence in your skills? If so, I'd appreciate recommendations.

TIA

Dh has read hundreds of these sort of books for his business. Will ask him and get back to you :)

Thanks Misty, I'd appreciate that.

Hello

I found this book very useful when I started up 5 years ago. It is probably more suited to 'desk' occupations, but some will apply. The most useful thing I read - plan to work for 1/3 of your avaiable time. As 1/3 will be admin and the other 1/3 will be business development. So plan your fees accordingly. So if you have 1 - 2 days spare you won't be earning for 14 hours every week...

I like Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway for general anti-fear stuff!

What I have learnt (am a marketing freelancer, but some things apply):

• Have a niche - if you have developed an expertise in helping a particular client group then it could be worth focusing on that. People like to know you understand/have been there before. I have tried to move away from my niche to try something else, but nothing sells like experience.

• Have a website - if you are a therapthist (guessing here) then a simple site means potential clients can check you out before they contact you. I always want to see an online presence personally of somebody I am going to use.

• Follow your competitors closely and price-check yourself against them if you can. I learnt from a client how much I was undercharging by (as they shared a document which included the costs of the those they went out to tender to) - I was £0000s cheaper!

• Recommendation is likely to be your main/one of your top sources of work. Encourage clients and thank then if they do recommend you. Make sure you let people who are warm to you (friends, DC parents, local suppliers etc) know what you are doing, you'd be surprised who is willing to recommend you.

• Local Facebook groups could be a good source of leads (again esp if you are a therapist) - around here 'Mummy' FB groups are all the rage and full of people asking for recommendations. Most have promotional 'rules', so abide by them, be present and helpful - outside your professional area ie don't just post about what your do - and you may well pick up people/build a profile.

• With social media think about where your clients are likely to be, if you are serving 80 yr olds then maybe social media isn't a priority. It is a good way to build a business but you need to keep it up. Always keep your audience in mind when making any marketing decisions.

• Save your tax as you go. I pay an account £300 a year to do my accounts and return and I think it is well worth it for the peace of mind.

Hope that helps & good luck!

Err, should have spellchecked - sorry!

Dh says:
The e-myth revisited - about how to complement your skills with sales and marketing know how.
Personal MBA - good overview of how business works, key terms etc
Winning without losing - all about work life balance
Book yourself solid - finding leads/work
The small business handbook, published by the Times he thinks.

As a health care professional myself, but not working privately yet, I would recommend Setting up in independent practice. It's aimed at therapists but probably lots in there relevant for most hcps. Have a Google too as there is definitely a website with lots of resources for this express purpose. I'll come back if I remember it :)

Good luck!

Wow, thanks MrsML, fantastic advice! I will look into and think about all the points you've raised, thank you so much. I am not in a mega rush, but I am planning ahead and want to do it right, so I have time to really hone my skills and specialise.

Thanks Misty for getting back to me with the book suggestions I will look into them and have a google as you suggest.