One of the biggest costs for any company in almost any line of business is Staff/Labour/Wages. When you are first working for yourself, you have little if any money coming in to the business, so you often can't hire in additional help.
Team working together to get the Dahlias planted
However sometimes doing it all yourself is a false economy.
Things to think about:
Could you earn more per hour (doing something that pays you) than the person you are paying?
Would it take you far longer to do that task than a contractor?
“Example 1
When i first started my garden consultation business, I had 15 hours per week when my son was in childcare that I was paying for. I needed to work for 7 of those hours to cover his Nursery, 1 to cover my weekly expenses, and if I worked 12 or more I made a nice amount of money and could contribute a small amount to the home. I wanted time with my son when I was at home, so I was trying hard to clean up the house each morning after taking William to nursery before I went to clients, - but that was taking 1/2 an hour a day. So I paid a cleaner (from my after tax monies in this instance) so that I could work 2 extra hours a week. Her hourly rate was £10, mine was £25, so I gained £30”
“Example 2
My contract says that I keep my field cared for, even the areas I don’t use. I have a low power mower, so if we don’t mow every 2 weeks the grass gets too thick for it to cope with. It takes 3 hours minimum to mow. 3x£8.21 (minimum wage 2019) x 13 (every 2 weeks from April-October) = £320.19. If I use a contractor with a tractor and topper, they need to come in twice in the season, it takes them 2 hours @£45 = £180 - saving £140.19.”
Investing in Yourself
The rest of the time, you are going to have to rely on you. So it's a great investment in your company to keep both your mental and physical health in top shape.
What things help you to keep in the best possible physical and mental shape?
Eating well
Going on holiday every year
Taking regular exercise
Not over - doing it physically, or mentally
What’s your method for keeping in good shape? I have an allotment which my husband and I grow in a different way to the farm, and it’s our place to retreat to. It also means we have lovely fresh vegetables all year round, and has a wonderful community atmosphere.
Let us know what your method for keeping yourself (and so therefore your ability to run your business) in the best possible shape?