Taxing Day

Today has been a bit of a taxing day. In a few ways. Not just cause I completed my tax return and paid for it too. I’m poorer as a result. But it took an age to do!

I was heading over to my amazing friend who seems to be able to explain what I need in a way I can get. She also ignores my huffing, puffing and toddler-like tantrums and makes me do it!

It should have been a 30 mins max journey. Today it took well over an hour as there was an accident on the road I needed. Luckily I spotted that before I went that way. So I decided on an alternative route. Along with every man and his dog. It wasn’t just the volume of traffic, there were road closures, diversions and road works. I was seriously losing the will at times. It’s a good job Bert is so good in the car. He crashes out mostly.

Once I’d arrived, and everyone had had puppy cuddles, we cracked on. After several hours, it was all done. Honestly, I don’t think people realise the amount of ‘admin’ and ‘processes’ you have to do when you run your own business. There’s so much that needs to be done behind the scenes!

My tax return was a lot easier than my Corporation Tax return. Still makes me laugh. My little business is so far away from a Corporation!

I’m definitely getting less panicky when faced with brown envelopes. Well till I found one on my doorstep. Then I realised it was the Buddymobile’s road tax renewal. Very taxing indeed!

New learning

I’m rather excited about this. It’s the workbook for the latest training course that I’ve signed up for. Tonight was the kick-off session. It was really interesting listening to the other people who are in my cohort. They’re all Equestrian Coaches. Unlike me, I’m a BHS 0. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learnt a lot of the years.

I’ve always been very resistant to making horses my living. Horses are my passion and my hobby (more lifestyle than hobby). But I’ve always wanted to learn more and more. To improve myself to be the best rider for my horses.

Now I feel I want to give back to something that has given me so much. You see I’ve been the person standing on the mounting block terrified to get on their horse. It wasn’t until I had that experience that I really understood how crippling and debilitating fear could be. It broke my heart that something that brought me so much joy, was the source of so much pain and frustration. Slowly I rebuilt my confidence one ride at a time.

So I’m coming at this from a different angle. I think it’ll really help me to move my coaching business more towards working with riders.

Let’s get my little brain cells working…

Proud

I woke up this morning feeling like the walls were closing in. It can happen when I feel tired, overwhelmed or I’m processing things. So I sat with it, reflected back on the past few years and talked it through with a good sounding board.

I’m nearly at the end of my second year of running a limited company. I’m so proud of my business. I’ve come a long way in the last financial year. It’s hard work being the boss. It’s uncertain a lot of the time. There are lots of benefits too.

It doesn’t feel very British to say that I’m proud of myself. But I really am! I’ve had many moments where I’ve doubted if I could make the money I needed to pay my mortgage, my bills and for Buddy. The money has arrived when I needed it. And for that I’m very grateful.

Is my business where I want it? Not yet. But it’s a lot better than it was. I know I’m bloody good at what I do. My clients are very happy with what I do too. And I get paid to do things I enjoy doing. I’m very lucky indeed.

Thankful

Back home after a long couple of days in Wales. Very productive ones though. Last night I sat in my very luxurious hotel room feeling so thankful for the way my business is going.

You know it’s a posh room when housekeeping come to turn your bed down. And give you an Elemis pillow spray for good measure.

Don’t get me wrong, running my own business is bloody hard. But I get to do things that bring me joy, utilise my extensive skill set and I work with some great people. Oh and I get paid for it!

This morning I woke up to a rather stunning view. After eating so much yesterday, I wasn’t sure I’d want breakfast. Still managed a full Welsh though. I may not need to eat for the rest of the week now…

Still the food choices are all made for the conference. It’s going to be a good one.

9-5

I decided to change things around today. I normally tend to ride in the afternoons, but today I felt drawn to go this morning instead.

So glad I did as I had an incredibly productive afternoon. Over my career, I’ve worked out when I am at my most productive. Of course, I can be productive all day. And have frequently worked long hours. But my ‘sweet spot’ seems to be between 4-7pm.

I’m thankful that I have a business where I can set my own hours. And clients who don’t set when I need to do the work.

Going out with Buddy this morning definitely set me up for a good day. I came back with a smile on my face. Wonder if I can claim him back as a business expense?! He definitely helps with my wellbeing…

Outdated

I had a business strategy meeting today. This picture was on the wall of the co-working space. I’m guessing the building was once a factory that’s been converted. There were lots of old photos and historical references around.

This photo caught my eye for two reasons. Firstly as there isn’t a woman in sight. It was taken at a time when women weren’t allowed office jobs. And secondly because of the way the desks are laid out. Having spend over 30 years working in offices, I’m not sure I’d have enjoyed working in this way. I’m way too chatty for that.

There are times when I miss the collaboration that comes from being surrounded by people. Today it was really good to bounce ideas around.

Balloon arch

I’m slightly in love with the balloon arch we had at the event tonight. It’s been a very long day. But a very successful one. The feedback has been great. And my client is very happy.

I’ve been on my feet so long, they have their own pulse. I‘m now officially off duty and can have a drink. I will sleep very well tonight.

I consider myself very lucky to have created a business where I get to do so many things I love. And people pay me to do it!

And I have some wonderful clients who trust me to do a good job.

Thatch the way

Check out this stunning location I went to today for a client meeting. It’s an old farm building that’s been turned into offices.

I’m so thankful that I get to go to different locations and do so many different things with my business. And my life.

The older I get, the more I crave experiences and memories rather than material stuff. I love the life I’ve created. Don’t get me wrong, I have my challenges, stresses and disappointments. But I’m grateful for every lesson, opportunity and challenge.

Business show

Today I headed off to London to visit a business trade show.

It was fun wandering round the stands, chatting to people about what they do. Even better chatting with Katie over a rather extended lunch.

We did our best to grab as many freebies as possible. I ended up with 4 reusable bags, lots of pens, a teddy, an armadillo and a rose! Who doesn’t love a freebie!?!

Silent partners

So this is what the kittens get up to while I’m busy working?! They really are silent partners in my business.

It made me laugh as I finished my morning meetings. First a coaching session with a new client, followed by a Masterclass on sales copywriting that I’d been invited to deliver to a membership group.

I love helping people. And sharing my knowledge. I’ve picked quite a lot over the years.