Comments on: Starting your own business during a downturn

By: Billy Allinson

Billy Allinson — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:33:47 +0000

Fantastic article Rachel, trull inspiring, motivating and comforting all at the same time.

I too am a creative, just made redundant and starting out on my own with about 2 months salary to last – it’s gonna be a challenge for sure – but a great journey and one i know will bring success and mre importantly – happiness.

Good luck and thank you.

P.S. – I can do you some excellent business cards.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:23:44 +0000

I would just like to add that I too started by business with hardly any funding…in fact I fund all of my business with my PAYE job and yes it is hard, but then nobody said things would be easy did they?
Nevertheless if I can offer any words of encouragement…you should never ever give up on your dreams! There is always someone, somewhere who is willing to help you and often without financial remuneration.
All you have to do is getthe word out, keep researching and associating with the RIGHT people,keep your head high and remember that you are doing what you are doing to make a real difference in the world!

I am “Pledging for Change”

By: Chris Cork

Chris Cork — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:11:16 +0000

Great advise, just stumbled upon your site whilst looking for freelance work.

By: Emma Jones

Emma Jones — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:47:29 +0000

Great piece. One way to save money when starting up is to start from home – no second office costs to pay.

Over at the home business website at http://www.enterprisenation.com we are also seeing a lot of people start a business in their spare time, whilst still holding down a job. It can be a good way to build cashflow in the business and wind down the day job.

I find this link from Moo.com and pleased I did!

By: Mike Atkinson

Mike Atkinson — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:36:44 +0000

Thanks Rachel, that has helped a lot

By: Ben Spencer

Ben Spencer — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:39:10 +0000

Inspirational stuff Rachel! Really appreciate you taking the time to share such detailed advice.

This is staying in my bookmarks until my 6 months worth of salary is saved up

By: Prisca

Prisca — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:14:19 +0000

Rachel,
Thanks for this great article and for sharing your experiences, much appreciated
Just starting up with my little team – so your advice comes just at the right time. Very reassuring that you yourself started edgeofmyseat in troubled times… does make me feel more positive now – thanks

By: Simon Mackie

Simon Mackie — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:46:06 +0000

Hey Rachel – this is very timely as I have just been made redundant and am thinking of going it alone. Thanks for the detailed advice! To everyone else thinking of doing it – good luck

By: Paula Jones

Paula Jones — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:44:12 +0000

I agree wholeheartedly with all your points. (retweeted by purplekitten)

I’m an IT Trainer, and I’ve changed my business model dramatically over the last few months. Opportunities have arisen that weren’t there before, and the recession is just making me cheekier in getting work.

Just take a look at what a business already is, and then turn it into additional or different applications. I now offer online training which I’d never have thought of 12 months ago. I’m happy to report that the recession, while not exactly helping me become richer, is not hurting me either.

http://www.6thlevel.co.k