I recently wrote an email to AAT Magazine (Association of Accounting Technicians) after reading a brilliant article about turning points. It got me thinking, I could identify so many but the two that I focused on in my email were the two that identified with the magazine in question. Winning the PQ Accounting Award and then starting my own accountancy practice early 2018 before being listed as one of the TOP 50 Women In Accounting, awarded by Practice ignition.
Looking back I could have taken a leap of faith in setting up my business after receiving the award, which had me crowned as PQ of the year 2012 and featured as a front cover double spread in an article about Adversity.
I say I could have taken the leap of faith back then, into a new role or more publications but I was happy where I was, Raising my 2 boys, managing my own feelings after my sons Autusm diagnosis – which seems ludicrous to me now, as his Di-frent-Ability (although challenging) has blessed us with some real proud moments! I was working for a big 4 accountancy firm, studying evenings and enjoying life. I mean this was Bliss compared to my old life, after moving via a womens refuge that saved my life.
I was going to write about that turning point for me but a few years on now married with 3 children, fully qualified, a bit more confident and wiser I found the biggest turning point at this moment was the very second I took my biggest leap of faith yet and well, my oh my what a challenging yet rewarding year this has been for myself and my business.
I was inspired to write this blog after reflecting on my first year in my own accountancy business, I feel that what people don’t tell you when you take that leap of faith is that as you jump into the unknown the faith is the only thing to keep you safe and the work..well.. the work is only just beginning.
There is lots of noise about the successes but no one writes a blog about the failures, which I believe should be defined as LESSONS not failures.
In my first year of launching not one but TWO new ventures I want to reflect on what I have learnt after taking that leap of faith:
1. It’s just YOU baby !
Honestly if you take anything from this please remember this. Even if you take that jump holding hands with a friend, business partner, investor or family member…once you start falling deeper its Just you. This took me a while to accept and was a difficult lesson I learned very quickly – thankfully. When you take that leap into the unknown you‘ve got to OWN that moment and that decision every single minute of every day. This is your risk,your passion and most importantly YOUR MOMENT.
2. Be kind but not stupid.
Kind with yourself and kind to others. So what do I mean? Let’s talk about being kind to yourself, weeks of CBT Taught me to control the little negative voice in my head – yep I get them too, when you make a power move ‘pat yo back, tap tap tap‘ but don’t let it go to your head as there is always more where that came from so don’t lose momentum. Rest when you need to, unfortunately I learned the hard way.
There will be hurt people trying to hurt you with unkind feedback but it’s ok because you use that feedback as a resource for the next power move even if you use it to make a choice to ignore it and chuck it in the F’it bucket. Kind to others? Well it’s simple just be respectful, always, even when your inner voice is wanting to flip the lid. Know what you can bring to the table but most importantly know what you will be taking from it!
3. Protect yourself and your wealth.
This can apply to so many things but mostly make sure you have a contingency plan A and plan B. Ensure your priority bills are covered whilst you are taking that leap of faith because it may be a while before you hit the ground running. The last thing you need is to panic about your mortgage whilst trying to get invoices raised and paid. It maybe months before you even make any income in those early days, you might even lose track of the days so get all your standing orders and direct debits set up so you can jump without distraction. When income is being received be careful with it I use my TIDE bank account to keep my income carefully organised into wallets so I know exactly what I should and shouldn’t be spending. Save 20% in a special wallet for tax and monitor your income levels to make sure you are well prepared for any brown envelopes that come through the door.
I’ve taken many leaps but this is the most relevant one setting up my own accountancy practice.
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Check out my interview with the amazing Carl Reader on his The Carl Reader Show’ – Ria-Jaine Raw & Uncut.
Check out my interview with the amazing Katie Godfrey, owner of KG salon, KG franchise and Lash training academy on ‘The Life Of KG’ – Guest Ria-Jaine
Have a lovely day x
Ria
*2018 Top 50 Women In Accounting
*MK Women’s Leaders
*Mk Beauty Awards
*PQ Award