You're the Business: How to Build a Successful Career When You Strike Out Alone

by Anna Codrea-Rado

Are you your own boss? No idea where to turn for help? This is the guide for you.The 9-5 isn't the only way to make a living. More and more of us are becoming freelancers, side-hustlers or creative entrepreneurs, drawn to flexible working, a better work-life balance and a greater sense of self-worth - all on our own terms. But once you've decided to strike out on your own, the reality dawns on where can you turn for help? How do you deal with a knotty client problem alone? What does "payments on account" even mean?These uncertainties left Anna Codrea-Rado feeling overwhelmed and alone when she first started out. But now, having documented the hard-won lessons and mistakes made along the way in her popular newsletter LANCE, she knows what makes up a successful freelance career. Based on these personal experiences, her candid advice has already helped thousands of people - florists, accountants and journalists alike - develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to thrive. And now you can too. From finding clients and setting rates, to saving for taxes and dealing with insecurities, You're the Business will help you build a long-lasting career you love. Packed with everyday examples and transformative insights, this book will remind you that although you're now going it alone, you don't have to be alone.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2021

Reviews

[Shona Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really useful book for anyone freelancing, self employed or wanting to build a business. Packed full of useful information.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this cover to cover in one evening in a very long bath! but will also be dipping back in and out to refer to this like a business handbook - which I think is exactly what Anna intended when she wrote it. A fantastic resource for anyone considering starting on their own to research and explore the daily realities of freelance life. I would also highly recommend Anna’s podcast as additional highly relevant content.

[Perri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The advice isn't groundbreaking, and as an American a lot of details on English taxes/pensions/etc. was irrelevant, but this book is great if you're looking for a kick to rethink your freelance career. If nothing else, it will inspire you to ask your clients for more money and do outreach to land original clients, and to think more strategically about your business. The examples throughout of real-life "case studies" were really boring and didn't have any good takeaways that stuck with me, she could have done a better job with those.

Worth noting: I'm a writer, and the only other examples she gave for freelancers seemed to be nail artists and hairdressers, so I can't imagine people who aren't writers (or in a field that involves a lot of writing like marketing) but running their own biz get a lot out of this, but for someone like me, it was a worthwhile read.

[Adina Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift to myself to mark my first anniversary as a full-time freelancer. There were many parts that were specific to the UK and some concepts I’ve already implemented into my work-life balance. But even so, I learned an incredible deal from what the author had to share, and I’m excited to put it all into practice.

[Sara Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All freelancers need this book. It’s practical and inspiring and gives you tools you actually need to succeed. It’s a very easy read and the author has made it relatable as well as informative. The best business book I have read.