When someone asks what you do, do you say, “I run my own business”?
But how true is that?
Many people start out using their skills to freelance or take on clients, often with a small budget and no big launch. You begin working, maybe attend some networking events, set up a website, a Facebook page, print some business cards and off you go.
Hopefully, things get busy. You carry on, and when the end of the year rolls around, you send your paperwork to your accountant. You get your accounts back — and maybe even hear you’ve made a profit.
But what is that profit hiding?
What’s Your Real Hourly Rate?
Have you ever worked out your actual hourly rate?
Take your net profit and divide it by the number of hours you’ve worked that year. When we’ve done this with clients, they’re often shocked to discover they’ve been earning less than minimum wage.
Is Your Business Working for You?
Now that you’re up and running, what happens when you take a holiday?
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Does your business come with you?
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Do you shut down entirely?
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Does income stop when you do?
If everything stops without you, what you really have is a job — not a business. And that’s totally fine if that’s what you want. But if your goal was to create more freedom, something needs to change.
Can Your Business Run Without You?
A business that relies solely on you isn’t an asset you can easily sell. If a buyer can’t keep things running without you, they’re just buying some equipment, a website, and maybe a client list.
But if you build something that can operate without you, you’re creating a valuable asset. It’s more attractive to a buyer, and more rewarding for you, giving you flexibility, freedom, and long-term value.
A Good Accountant Helps You Build a Real Business
This is where a proactive accountant makes all the difference.
You don’t just need someone to file your returns. You need a partner who can help you structure your business to support your goals.
At Fresh Clarity, we work with clients who want to move from simply owning a job to owning a business with structure, clarity, and long-term growth in mind.
Ask Yourself:
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Is my business heavily reliant on me?
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Am I working more hours than I would in a job?
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Am I earning less than I would as an employee?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then it may be time to rethink your model.
And if you answered “yes” to all three, then you’re overdue a conversation about what you really want your business to give you.
If you’re ready to build something that supports your life – not just your clients’ and we’d love to help.