In this episode we hear from Zoe Evans and Nick Rusling who have both started and run their own separate and successful companies, while also enjoying a happy 17 years of marriage and two young children.  They share their perspectives on how they manage the stresses and strains of self-employment while supporting each other within the family too. 

Zoe runs Style PR focussing on brand amplification and storytelling.  Nick runs the Human Race, the UK’s principal mass participation sports event organiser across running, cycling and triathlons and is also the Chairman of the two point six challenge.

Zoe & Nick’s advice: 

• Empathetic communication will build the foundations of any successful relationship
• Take your time, don’t rush decisions
• Take care when recruiting 
• Always explain yourself to your client in their terms, avoid industry jargon. 
• As being self-employed inevitably means you’ll start out being quite solitary, offer to go in to the client’s office or join meetings as it’ll benefit you both
• Be tenacious, never give up
• Don’t take it personally if your emails etc aren’t answered as quickly as they would be if you worked for a larger company
• On pricing, know your industry and your worth.  Trust your instincts and don’t let commentary from others weigh you down
• Value your time and learn to say no
• Remember every mistake teaches you something new
• Accept that being self-employed will not be a smooth path & embrace the roller coaster
• Be brave, give things a go and enjoy it
• Create a safety net of a few people you trust, people you can consult if there’s a problem
• At the end of the day make a list of three things to do the next day - and make sure you do at least one of them before you start anything else 
• Action conquers fear
• Know that if it’s scheduled, it happens

You can reach Zoe on [email protected] and Nick on [email protected]
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded, hosted and produce by Juliet Fallowfield in December 2020, edited by Emma Dewhurst and published in Ja

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