#1 Being the boss in business – Take charge and keep calm

"In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are."

-Max De Pree

Congratulations, you’re the boss of you! 

You set up your business and you became the driver of your dreams whether that is in your café, hairdressing salon, gym or whatever your business may be.

Firstly, pat yourself on the back, you’ve done it! You’ve put your money where your mouth is and embarked on an ambition. 

- Find The Balance 

Time is precious but working very long hours to get the business up and running can easily become the norm. Instead, take some space to evaluate how you work and your levels of productivity.

If you are getting what you need done in less time you allocate to your work day, then allow yourself to finish up a bit early on an odd day so you can strive for a better work/life balance.

Remember, a more relaxed you will make for a more sustainable business. 

- Always Be Thinking Ahead

The buck stops with you, so you are the master of what you create and how it works. This is a good thing and an opportunity to exercise assertiveness and embrace your creativity.

Take courage in your convictions, be decisive in your actions and stay true to the ethos of your business.

- What Makes You Different

The ‘USP’ – unique selling point is what differentiates you from your competitors, the constant reminder that your idea is good. That USP could be the quality/price of the product you sell, the talent you bring to what you do or the general sense of reward your business brings to the local community.

Write your USP on a sheet and keep it somewhere you will look at every day. It’s a key reminder of what your business is about, and it can motivate you on those ‘less-sure’ days.

- Things To Remember

If you’re self-employed for the first time, the comfort blanket of someone else handling your tax affairs, paid holidays, pension scheme membership and even sick day cover is no more.

But there is nothing to fear from going it alone. Revenue has a comprehensive overview of what you need to do as a small business owner on their website revenue.ie and can help you make sure you are meeting your duties in a timely fashion.

Make sure you are registered for VAT if you need to be, make regular payments and complete your tax returns before the deadline dates.

Finally, as your own boss the early months or years in business can go from periods of hectic productivity to exceptionally quiet weeks or months where doubts and worries concerning income and keeping afloat can creep in.

Don’t worry – this is completely normal for most early stage businesses, so keep faith in what you’re doing and learn to enjoy and savour the quieter moments!