Memorygirls - Make Do and Mend

clairewop

Ok I'll send the size 16 things and maybe a 14 will give her an incentive then

just left you a message on dc

Firewalker

tirlittan wrote: »

As I'm trying to catch up, does it matter if I don't do the challenges in order? Some are just bit easier than others...I might have time to catch up properly over the weekend. Hoping so anyway.

My opinion about this one is: do the challenges in sequence. It is true that some are easier than others but:

1) They are connected (although I am finding that I keep going forward and back)
2) starting with the easy ones can have the effect of avoiding the more discomforting ones.

Then again, I might be entirely wrong.

Firewalker

tirlittan

I do see the sense in doing then in order, I'm sure there's a reason for sequence they're coming in...thanks.

crickett1234

Can I ask all you lovely people a question please? But first... some background.

I work as an accounting professional. I have passed all my exams and I know what I am doing, in addition to the fact that I have over 10 years experience working in the Public sector. Now, I have a business idea which I really want to make happen. It would mean working for myself, and building a company from scratch. I want to provide Accounting and Management Services to Charities, Churches and Faith Groups and small community groups - not just a helpline/website where they can become a member and get my help, but also provide a financial software package which I am goingto develop and administer for my members which will help them get good control of their finances. I also want to run courses and network sessions to help with fundraising ideas and marketing and publicity ideas. I came up with the idea before Cameron started talking about "the Big Society" but it plugs beautifully into that.

Working for myself was high on the list when I imagine my perfect week. One of the things on my "Must Have" list is to complete my qualification portfolio, which, after lots of jumping through hoops and making things look pretty and having an interview with my professional body, I will be able to put letters after my name. I have been avoiding doing this part of the qualification for... oh, 3 years so far. It is not going to be straightforward for me to jump through certain hoops because I have not worked in one organisation for 10 years... I have bibbed and bobbed around the public sector. It has given me loads of experience but it has made the portfolio business a bit of a nightmare.

So my question is: if you were in charge of a social enterprise/church/community group, would you want to see letters after someone's name, or is more important that the person is plausible and easy to get on with and approachable as well as knowledgable? (Or, Do I HAVE to do this portfolio?! Cos I really don't wanna!! )

(As an aside, and something I have just thought of, I am probably going to have to get Professional Indemnity Insurance in case organisations try and sue me for advice I have given them which maybe did not turn out quite as well as they had hoped, so this might be a completely spurious question. I might need to have letters after my name to secure that! That bit needs more research!)

Happytogetdebtfree

I imagine if people are paying they will want to see some plausable information more for comfort and trust, but it should be enjoyable doing the portfolio and tbh its a stepping stone on to the bigger picture but dont let it hold you back you could always put feelers out there good luck x

maryb

Crickett
Letters after your name probably do help - sorry.

You professional body might be able to help you with advice about PII but be warned - it's horrendously expensive. I assume you will operate through a limited company, however so that you don't have unlimited liability. That might help but then you probably need directors' liability insurance unless it really is a one (wo)man band. Do be careful about the tax on service companies - you will need to add in the cost of employer's NIC on everything you take out if you fall foul of that and your tax deductions will be limited. However you might well be able to demonstrate that you would be genuinely self employed if you provided the services directly. Surprising how often people get the details wrong though and you see things like letters saying 'you will be employed on a self-employed basis'!!! (I'm sure you'll have your clients better trained than that)

Happytogetdebtfree

quote of the day

"follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there was once only walls"

crickett1234

maryb wrote: »

Crickett
Letters after your name probably do help - sorry.

You professional body might be able to help you with advice about PII but be warned - it's horrendously expensive. I assume you will operate through a limited company, however so that you don't have unlimited liability. That might help but then you probably need directors' liability insurance unless it really is a one (wo)man band. Do be careful about the tax on service companies - you will need to add in the cost of employer's NIC on everything you take out if you fall foul of that and your tax deductions will be limited. However you might well be able to demonstrate that you would be genuinely self employed if you provided the services directly. Surprising how often people get the details wrong though and you see things like letters saying 'you will be employed on a self-employed basis'!!! (I'm sure you'll have your clients better trained than that)

Maryb,

Thanks for that! Unfortunately my professional body is worse than useless, and as it is not one of the "mainstream" accountancy bodies, and much more specialised, anyone who is going it alone is considered very much an oddity. I have looked at Hiscox Professional Indemnity Insurance and that looks okay... admittedly, I have not got a quote... but it is not looking bad at all at the moment!

However, your post is FULL to the brim of excellent advice. Have added it all to my ever expanding "to be looked into in detail" list! Thank you.

Guess I should bit the bullet and just get on with the portfolio, shouldn't I!

The Universe is good at applying a swift kick in the tushie when it is needed, isn't it!!

knitwit67

OMG MG, I was away for 11 days, only 11 days. I came back to find I was 52 pages behind, fine. Started to catch up, orderd your fantastic book. Just found out I was away for the most exciting 11 days:eek:. Mystery man from US, new blog ( I have joined, fab)you have done so much on there already:T, still 44 pages to get though here

I am so far behind there is only 1 thing to do. Put my life on hold get a cup of tea and have an afternoon of indulgence reading the blog and here. It is money saving as all the words of wisdom are free education and I have used loads of it for my home and work life.

Well done everyone this is the best social club ever, I need to catch up so I can join in and not be a week behind:T

crickett1234

Happytogetdebtfree wrote: »

I imagine if people are paying they will want to see some plausable information more for comfort and trust, but it should be enjoyable doing the portfolio and tbh its a stepping stone on to the bigger picture but dont let it hold you back you could always put feelers out there good luck x

Oh if only the portfolio was pleasant! I need to trail around my former employers asking them to sign bits of my portfolio to prove I worked there and my work was well done. And although I left most places without burning bridges, a lot can change in 10 years!! They may have forgotten me, decided my work was pants and not at all useful etc et al. That is what I am scared of most.

However... I have downloaded all the papers I need and I am going to read through them today while I am at work. Because... I HAVE FINISHED MY TO DO LIST AT WORK!! :eek::eek: I am in total shock, because normally it is as long as I am tall!! :rotfl: