Going solo during a pandemic...
Charlotte van der Vorm
Connecting Creative & Design Agencies to Strategy & Leadership Talent Globally * UK | EMEA | US | APAC *
If someone told me I’d be working remotely for myself during a global pandemic this time even at the start of this year, I’d have laughed. Fast forward 10 months and I’m three months in, having successfully placed my first candidate with a new client and getting busier with briefs. Not bad given the fact we’re now entering a sluggish quarter as the end of year looms and we’re still in a pandemic.
So, what have I learnt along the way?
1) I am loving it. The past ten years of hard work, networking and establishing strong relationships with candidates and clients was a huge enabler.
2) To trust myself. I’ve learned that taking risks pays off both in a personal and professional sense. It was the most daunting time I could have imagined starting a business, but I knew that taking the plunge and self-belief would pay off. It seems to be working so far…
3) I don’t miss corporate life. Being my own boss has restored my confidence, put the joy back into the job and enabled me to really get that life balance back. Don’t get me wrong, there are still days where I am working 12-hour days and the rest but some days only it’s only a few. Again, I’m learning how to balance.
4) I am much happier, healthier and excited for the next quarter and as we look into 2021 despite it still being turbulent.
5) There is still SO much to learn. Balance is still a trick, creating who and what VDV Search stands for is still something I am building (oh and then there’s the admin side… help!)
If anyone wants to share any tips or insights, I'd love to hear them!
Have a great weekend all!
Well done :)
Well done you! Great to hear life is treating you well over there. :)
P&G alumnus. Fractional CMO/Head of brand/Consultant/Teacher. Leveraging consumer knowledge to build profitable businesses sustainably. Global FMCG marketer calling New Zealand Aotearoa home. Soccer fan
4 年It sounds very familiar. let me add a few observations : 1 - What you can do , what you want to do and what the market needs may not be aligned immediately. Acknowledge that it will take the time to figure out where your sweet spot is and work on your professional brand once you have found it. It is surprising how opportunities surface when you are clear on what you sell 3 - Create, iterate, improve, create. again...there is so much diversity when you go solo...your new playbook will not be the one you left the corporate world with. And you may end up doing new things 4 - Build resilience and enjoy the wins. remember no one gets 100% conversion rate when they pitch 5 - Ask advice on the most. mundane things from those who have been there (whats your rate ?) 6 - Buy the easiest to operate printer/scanner combo. That is THE investment you cannot be cheap on. 7 - There are people who are better at designing powerpoint than you are. They may be your kids. And finally, know your worth and reach to your friend when you feel lost or unappreciated. it will happen. it will pass
It's all about Building Brands, Driving Growth
4 年it's never easy to startup and I am glad that you getting positive results. Best wishes.