25 Tips for Self-Employed Independent Contractors

Filed under: Small Business Owners - Running the Show 

I’ve been self-employed for more than 20 years. An independent contractor. A small business owner. A do-it-yourself kinda gal.

No matter what you call it, I’m my own boss. business hours posted

Sadly, in neither career – psychotherapist or real estate agent – did my training include skills for running a business.

Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a newly licensed real estate agent, dentist, therapist, coach, doctor, beauty stylist, whatever… you will find this list to be a timeless resource:

  1. Don’t work for less than you can afford to.
  2. Surround yourself with supportive people.
  3. Separate your work and personal life.
  4. Plan some ‘thinking time’ into every day.
  5. Write a business plan.
  6. Never lose sight of the big picture.
  7. Solicit advice from people who know what you don’t know.
  8. Avoid isolation.
  9. Use the Internet.
  10. Get trained!

Now it’s your turn. Add one or two tips.
Make the list 25 Tips for the Self-Employed by the Self-Employed.

What have I missed?
How do you practice these tips in your business?

Tell me about the lessons you’ve learned.
What would you have done differently?

Use the comment box to share your experiences.
I’m listening…

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons | Brian Bolter

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Did You Miss These?

Comments

  • Excellent post!!!

    I could not agree more...

    Key Yessaad – Real Estate Internet Strategist
  • Thanks to you all for sharing insights on running your own business.

    Rob, your suggestions on embracing technological tools warrants a post, or two. Many of my small business clients have little, if any, online presence. With such a low financial cost to entry posing no barrier, the only limitation is lack of knowledge.

    "Regret minimization" is a life philosophy I've always admired in you, Ira.

    What about those days, Kim H., when I stay in my jammies all day and "network" on Twitter instead of creating those classes I keep talking about? Guess I need to get motivated and create the mastermind group Rob suggests.

    "Education is a constant." Oh, so very true, Kim A. Some days it seems the more I learn, the more I don't know. Every facet of our business benefits from ongoing education.

    Sam, your points on delegating and productivity address needs related to growth. I especially appreciated your advice on looking beyond the norm for talent. My tendency is to hire clones of my personality style instead of complementing my personal style.

    And here's something @Urban_Lindsay learned: "I can never work for someone else again."
  • #1. Prioritize your highest and most productive tasks at all times.
    #2. Creative and innovative talent often is overlooked by the masses because of appearance. Don't be afraid to hire team members who don't fit the typical business mold.
    3. Subcontract and utilize virtual staff to leverage top talent before you can afford to hire a full time top team.
    4. Always remember the 3 D's. Do it, Delegate it or Delay it.
  • You're going to make mistakes, lots of them and that's ok. Learn from them and turn them into a positive.

    Education is a constant. From industry, skills, technology, marketing - it is an ongoing venture. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to absorb everything at once. Maintain a list of what you want to learn. Educate yourself on the topic that is your top priority. Then keep building on that base; directed to the area in your business you are focusing.

    <abbr>Kim Alvis’s last blog post..Happy New Year - To A Successful 2009!</abbr>
  • You need to be a self motivator. Start each day with a plan. Remembering that you are the boss - you need to make tomorrow better than today.

    Show your appreciation to those that take time to advise you (no charge), they believe in you and want you to succeed.

    Remember to believe in yourself. If you don't no one else will.

    Keep excellent records and hire a CPA to keep you on track with finances.
  • Work funds life.. not the other way around.

    3. Separate your work and personal life
    I'd change that to have a Life. Remember that there's no reason to separate your work and personal life just because someone thinks you should.

    Plan your life so when you look back on it you've minimized your regrets.

    Life is too short to work with bozos.

    Minimize or eliminate contact with negative people

    8: Avoid isolation = Join or Create a Mastermind Group

    Pay yourself first (advice I need to follow)

    Accept that "This too shall pass" When times are good, say it; when times are bad, say it.

    Give you and your significant others (as appropriate) gifts all the time, so when it comes to holidays and birthdays you can't think of what to get them because you already have gotten them that.

    Business is not brain surgery (unless you're a brain surgeon or related field). It's unlikely that someone will die as a result of something happening, or not happening.

    When things don't work out, schedule a pity party with an ending time.

    Work Out - nothing lifts the spirits faster, and generates creativity and serenity, than showering after being hot, tired and sweaty.
  • 1. Not just 'use internet' - use technology. There are so many time saving applications that make small business easier.

    2. Build your brand: blog, tweet, comment, etc.

    3. Have a standing call or mastermind group (expands on #2).
blog comments powered by Disqus