I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided I didn’t want a boss. But I can tell you that once it was in my head, there was no getting rid of it.
I was taking charge of my life. I would have a job that I was passionate about and I wouldn’t have to answer to a boss every time my child was ill or I fancied the afternoon off last minute. I would only do the sort of work I loved and create a business tailored perfectly to me.
This vision was inconceivable to most people I shared it with, they were amused by it. But I was determined it was possible.
Fast forward 13 years (and by the way, if I knew then what I know now it wouldn’t take a fraction of that time) I’ve proved it’s totally possible.
So, I’m now on a mission to help you achieve a lifestyle that you love. One that you spring out of bed for in the morning. Imagine bringing a smile to people’s faces when you work with them? It doesn’t get any better than that.
Let’s get on and design your new lifestyle then, shall we…
First, what types of work do you absolutely love doing?
Get writing them down and you’ll begin to create a list of the services you can offer as a Companionship Business owner. What makes you happy… what do you enjoy doing to help others… what interests you. It may be popping in for a chat and a cup of tea, helping with a tricky letter, taking your client for their weekly shop or helping them indulge in their favourite hobby.
Next – important – what sort of clients would you not want to work with?
Start making a list of the types of clients that you wouldn’t want to take on. It’s really important to have a clear idea of who you want to help – so anyone who needs personal care for example wouldn’t be a good fit as they would need a care agency… or the type of client who doesn’t really want to pay for help is another… along with those who really only want a cleaner.
What type of people are a great fit for you?
You know the ones – you get a real joy in bringing some brightness into their day and spending time with them. They look forward to your visit each week and you get just as much back – so perhaps those whose family are living away and you’re their only visit all week or those who you know only need a little extra support to allow them to stay in their own home, something that means the world to them. This will become your potential client list.
What days would you like to have off?
It may be just weekends or you may decide you only want to work a 3 day week. You may want Wednesday afternoons off. It’s your own business so you can do what you like. What type of week is the most appealing to you?
What about an hourly rate?
Again, purely your decision. Clearly you have to be realistic, but as a guide, for companionship services, you can charge on average between £18 and £20 per hour (perhaps more in certain areas).
What are your priorities outside of work?
Think about how you can fit them into your working day. For example, I won’t miss Pilates on a Friday for love nor money! And try to get a meeting in with me on a Thursday morning, you’ve no chance. Thursday morning is pottering time, Friday is Pilates and reading. And my weekends are precious family time. How about you?
What boundaries would you like to set?
How big an area would you like to cover with your visits? What hours of the day would you like to work? What would you like your payment terms to be? All these things – and more – are totally up to you. Remember you call the shots.
How does it feel to build that vision? I bet getting up in the morning would be easier for that.
If you’d like to make it a reality… why not watch my free 1 hour VA training. I’ll spend around an hour giving you valuable hints and tips to help and I’ll walk you through my FAB-Senior programme and explain how it can help to save you time and money when it comes to setting up your Companionship Service.
Sarah x
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