Duck Soup London turns 3!

Duck Soup London is celebrating it’s 3rd birthday - hurrah!

3 years of being my own boss, managing my business around my family whilst at the same time as growing my skills and client base in a way that I love. 

I am a very different person to the business owner who stepped out of the employed world all those years ago but what’s changed and what have I learned along the way I hear you ponder?

I am often asked (by people who are thinking of starting up their own business) for advice on how best to kick off a business idea and how to manage the juggle, so here they it is. I’ve written a letter to my former employed self with tips on how best to kick starting your very own business, so here goes...

Dear Cristina, 

You’ve made the decision to go it alone and good for you. This is the beginning of something amazing, but it’s not going to happen without a few compromises along the way.  

Time management - the good news is you’re going to be able to mange your own time as you like, however splitting your time across a number of different people who will all want you at different times for different things, is going to be tricky. You will want to say yes to everyone but don’t. Work out how you’re going to do it - set specific times when you plan to work (and when you don’t), but recognise that flexibility is going to be key. Being flexible doesn’t mean you need to be available all of the time - be sure to set boundaries from the beginning and all will benefit - you’re the master, so start as you mean to go on by communicating clearly but giving yourself space and time from the very beginning. 

Planning - I know you will want to do everything straight away, but as a master of delegation, plan out what you want to achieve (even if it’s roughly) and bring in the skillsets that will help make these plans happen. You know a lot of people who come with a broad range of experience, so take your ideas to them and get a second opinion. If the plan involves skills that sit outside of your skillset, outsource it. Don’t waste time doing it yourself and if you can’t afford to do it straight away, wait until you can. 

Brand - create a brand you’re proud of that really represents you. Try to get that side of your personality that makes you so unique - it will help to set you aside from others. Once you have your brand, make a plan to get your brand out there. Use your network as best you can and use LinkedIn more.

Be a radiator, not a drainer - make sure you always turn up to work with a positive and can do attitude. Your clients are going to have a pile a mile high to get through, so having you on hand to give them advice and direction is a positive and certain way, will mean they are more likely to rely on you. People avoid individuals who drain them with negativity, so remain positive throughout. They are also more likely to recommend you to others as they will be happier to recommend someone who brings skills and sunshine. Your attitude is key to your success to remain positive - always. 

Fear not! - you will have moments when the dreaded imposter syndrome begins to creep into your mindset. You will think to yourself that you are not actually as good as you think you are, but let me remind you, you haven't got this far without being amazing at what you do. Moments of self doubt are totally normal, so be realistic with yourself. Before you pack up and give up on what you’ve achieved so far, ask yourself if the fear is rational or not? Remember, no one knows it all - we are ALL constantly learning new things, so breathe, seek advice or just take a break.You’ll get through it, like you always do. 

You’ve got this - everyone starts off not knowing it all, and that's totally normal. What you must be confident in is the fact that you have skills that others don’t. Stand proud of the fact you're a tenacious soul who loves to get things done properly so use this to your advantage and share your skills with the sorts of people you enjoy working with. You don’t need to work with anyone who feel the synergy is missing from, pick and choose who to work with and you will create a business you absolutely love. 

Here we go - hold onto your seat, it’s going to be a great ride! 

Love Me x