5 Things People Don't Tell You About Running Your Own Business...

Independent repping company Bot Inc. has been up and running for coming close to a year now and in that time, founder Ellie Botwood has had a crash course in what it means to run your own business. She's living the entrepreneurial dream that many in the ad industry harbour but Ellie has also picked up up some useful tips for anyone thinking of going it alone.

1. You will always feel guilty.

Gone to the shop for milk? Having a glass of wine with clients? Quick loo break? You are losing man hours. Even if they are yours. Even though you have worked until the first bird song in the morning. You can never do enough. You never switch off. And that guilt is immense. Because it is your reputation and your business.

2. You can never prepare for surprises.

Someone close to me once observed that since starting my company, there hasn’t been a single month that has passed without something completely left field happening, something that I could never have anticipated. From not being paid to being fired. If anything, it keeps you on your toes. And keeps you buzzing – if not slightly exhausted. 

3. Working from home is so much more productive. 

When I was employed, this was seen as "I'm working from my garden topping up my tan as it’s so hot". Rubbish. Working from home, I am up from 7:30 to kick start the day. I have no distractions. I am productive. I get my entire week planned, I can have quiet conference calls; I can write press releases in peace. Being in an office, as pleasant and engaging as it is, is a massive distraction. Time is precious and you make the most of it.

4. Friends rarely help you out.

Awkward. But true. Just because you have friends in high places never guarantees work. So grow your network and attack from all angles. I was once told business comes from the strangest of places. And this is very true. But saying that, I couldn’t have done this without the incredible support from my friends and family who constantly get me up when I’m down and tell me to keep going. I couldn’t have done this without them. They have been invaluable. 

5. When it works, it gives you more satisfaction than anything else.

Man, there have been times when I'm literally chomping at the bit waiting for a positive result. I sometimes question if the 'excitement' is worth the suffering. But, when all the stars align and you finally jump through enough hoops, the pay-off is second to none. And I'm not just talking financial; the feeling that you’ve taken pride in what you do and that it has become a success is a feeling better than any other reward.

Find out more about Bot Inc here.