Build strong foundations before starting your business

The higher the building, the stronger the foundations needed.

Here are three actions to take before developing your business plans to ensure you are building your self-employed life on firm ground.

1. Clarify your whole life vision

Perhaps some circumstances are propelling you towards self-employment. Redundancy, feeling you are lacking money and/or time, or falling out of love with your employment can all give your business plans impetus.

If you are producing a written plan for a funding provider, bank or business programme, they won't be interested in the long-term dreams and desires you have for your life. Yet these are the things that are going to keep you inspired and moving forward through all the ups and downs ahead.

They also provide the context for the key decisions you will need to make in your business. Along the way, there will be temptations and distractions. Your vision will help ensure the choices you make are aligned with your priorities.

You could take yourself into nature to do this, explore your vision through free-flow writing or make a visual representation, such as a vision board or collage.

2. Clear your space

When and where will you work on your plans and business set-up?

The chances are that your time is already full, so what are you going to stop doing (or do less of) to create the time for this?

I'd encourage you to make a timetable and set boundaries so you, and those around you, know your working pattern. The aim is for you to be fully engaged in the activity you have chosen, rather than half-heartedly multitasking or constantly feeling you 'should' be doing something else.

Self-care is also important during times of change, so make sure there is time for that too.

Perhaps you have some space you can dedicate at home, or another favourite place to work? For a fresh start, decluttering to create your workspace can feel great. You might even put together a 'work station' that you can bring out and set up quickly. The ritual of going into, or setting up, your space is part of stepping into your new business role.

Assuming your business is not yet bringing in money, it is sensible to keep costs low at this stage. Experiment with what you already have, then include any additional equipment you discover you need in your business plan.

3. Gather your team

Who do you need to get on board to help smooth your transition into self-employment?

Family, friends or key collaborators?

Some people will love being involved from the outset and have creative ideas and practical support to offer. Others may be better informed once you have all the facts and figures to hand. At the very least, those closest to you will need to understand the changes you are making to your time and routines.

Who do you know with relevant experience that you can talk to?

Who has expertise in different areas of business?

What online forums or groups might be useful?

This is also the time to identify any local resources available to business start-ups, such as training programmes, mentoring schemes or grants.

Looking at the free content produced by coaches and training providers can also help you identify who you may want to turn to for further support when the time is right.