Growing numbers of people are taking control of their careers and making that first step towards becoming a solopreneur. I first set up in business over 20 years ago in the recruitment sector. Five years ago I transitioned into a freelance writing career and almost began again. These are just some of the lessons I’ve learned – and relearned – about starting out on your own:-

Hold on to your USP (Unique Selling Point) : You may think you’re a newcomer but you possess a unique edge, something that your competitors don’t. Focus on that as you build your brand. During my time in recruitment, it was my specialist knowledge of the niche market (franchising) that separated me from the competition. In my freelance writing career, it’s my almost two decades in the recruitment sector which attracts many of my clients and has allowed me to expand my services to both hiring and careers advice an. Whatever it is, you will be able to offer something unique to your clients, a particular skill or an innovative approach. You’ve got it, so flaunt it.

​HR’s resistance to data driven recruitment and people analytics is gradually crumbling. Deloitte’s Global Trends Survey 2016 found that nearly one third of companies felt ready for analytics this year, compared to a quarter (24%) last year. That said, it still leaves two thirds of businesses reluctant to engage with any form of data and over half of UK companies relying on manual recruitment systems.