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Business Advice

jools999

Hi, I'm 41 and have just been diagnosed on the ASD spectrum. I'm functional most of the time but get easily overwhelmed. At the moment I'm starting two fledgling businessess but have wasted loads of money on the wrong advice or not understanding terminology etc. I also have a very short attention span and often write lists all over the place so I don't forget things but don't actually get much done!

I'm down to my last penny (I don't qualify for benefits) but need to know about websites, logo designs etc without being ripped off. Are there any resources or mentors who can help people like me have the confidence to run their own business? I feel so overwhelmed I feel like throwing the towel in but can't afford to.

Thanks.

  • http://www.iwork4me.org.uk/

    This group operate in Scotland - does anyone know of a similar groups in other parts of the UK?

  • Jools999,

      Hello again, no I completely understand. IT/Websites can be extremely expensive, however, you can cut costs by approaching a web template company.

    You put in 'Beauty' for example and all the templates for that industry pop up. One of the best ones i've seen out their is Wix. An american company. It's growing in popularity and it's free unless you require premium services, but even then you can get a good deal for annual subscriptions using dicount codes. This will give you the autonony to change things when you choose, day or night,(Special offers etc) and you can customise the site to suit your business.

    www.wix.com/.../

    Choose your domain name and purchase it also. A logo can be just a photo if you want.

    Play with the templates and see how you get on. My friend built her website in 15 min!

    Also the wix sites have their own search engine optimisation tools. This will help you in search engine ratings, without having to employ a specialist.

    If you have the time and a little patience you can keep costs to a minimum, which is essential when starting out.

    Good Luck

    C.

  • WoW. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply so 

    thoroughly. I do have some business support but haven't 

    heard of business enterprise centres so will check that out. 

    I work in beauty from a room at home so need a logo and website

    plus some confidence, perhaps from gaining inspiration from other self employed Aspies so will look at the link you've posted. Just seems crazy that I'd get more help

    if I gave up and claimed benefits which is the last thing I want to do.  

  • Hi jools999,

      Can I ask, have you sat any courses with your local business enterprize centre? Courses are generally free and if you have issues with consolidation they may let you sit the course more than once, to give you a chance to take everything in. Getting initial and sound advice first, is always the key to getting it right before you start.

    You haven't said what area you live or what your ventures are. Can you say why you need to know about logos and websites. Is this just for the mentoring you require or for your business ventures?

    Running a business does require a good degree of executive function and most of us on the spectrum struggle with this. Surrounding yourself with enablers seems to be the key for a more successful outcome in the observations i've made of other businesses and deligating areas to others; that you struggle with, will allow you to focus on what you do best. Have you any family members or friends who would be willing to volunteer their help for free? Sometimes we forget to look on out own doorstep.

    In my experience their is little out their to support people like us who want to contribute, but need support. Access to Work is supposed to be an scheme to help support those with disabilities in the work area, but is restrictive and complex and i'd advise you get support you before you apply. 

    It may be that your local Autism Hub has a scheme to access mentoring, specific to the issues that those on the spectrum suffer with, additionally, you may wish to ring the NAS helpline and see if they can signpost you.

    You could also try and contact disability rights for advice

    www.disabilityrightsuk.org/.../employment

    I found this link very helpful in trying to assertain if S/Employment is for you.

    musingsofanaspie.com/.../

    Your local business enterprize centre may also have access to voluntary mentors who could help, alternatively, you could ask a local buisness university if they have any students who would be willing to mentor you, as part of their course studies.

    An advert in your local papers, business section, (If they have one) asking for voluntary mentors may be of some help, but for your own safety, i strongly advise any meetings with potential mentors gleened through the papers, are conducted with a member of the Business hub and/or an independant advisor, to assertain their suitability for your project, protect your business interests and to insure your own personal safety.

    Remember, their is strong competition in the wide world for your money. Everyone has something to sell and making sense of whether what they have is suitable to you, is a real challenge to any business person, but often an extra challenge for those on the the spectrum. Business is about risk, but it has to be calculated and informed. Reserach well and don't be tempted or pressured into handing over money to the first person that says they can help.

    I wish you luck.

    Their is truly a need for greater support in this area of employment for those on the spectrum.

    C