I want to be my own boss and start a business but I have no idea where to start. Help!
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who wants to start a business but doesn't know where to start.
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Karren Brady gives you career advice
Q: I want to start my own business, but I have no clue where to begin!
Since graduating with a degree in business last summer, I've had a few consultancy jobs for friends and family, and it's shown me that what I really want is to be my own boss.
I love the flexibility and freedom that comes with working for myself, and I'm in a place where I can dedicate all my time and energy to it right now.
However, I don't have any experience in making contacts, pitching for work, or any of the practical side of starting a business.
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Do you have any advice on how I can set myself up for success?
Shona, via email
A: Congratulations on graduating and taking the first steps towards your own business.
Try to focus on one step at a time to make the process manageable.
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Most read in Fabulous
First, decide exactly what your business is, and what you offer that competitors do not.
Work on perfecting your pitch, as you need a clear and concise way to explain what you do, why it's valuable, and how you stand out.
Karren Brady is an 'ice queen' who ignores The Apprentice candidates - even when the cameras aren't rolling, claims ex-star
Networking is super-important, so attend local business events, industry meet-ups, and online webinars to build connections.
These are great opportunities to meet potential clients, mentors and partners who can offer support.
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When it comes to finances, it's vital to stay on top of budgets.
Seek out investment or grants to fund your business, and carefully manage cash flow and the tax side of things – you might want to consider using a financial advisor.
Also, utilise AI tools, such as ChatGPT and PrometAI, which can save you time and help refine your messaging as you begin establishing your business – they're great for brainstorming ideas and drafting proposals.
Good luck!
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Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
Five ways to save on roast dinners
From the best-value cuts of meat when cooking at home, to eating-out deals, The Sun's Consumer Reporter Sam Walker reveals how to get your delish Sunday feast for less.
CHOOSE CHEAPER CUTS
Chicken thighs, pork shoulder and beef brisket are cheaper cuts of your favourite meats.
We found a pork shoulder in Sainsbury's for £3.79 per kilo, while pork tenderloin fillet was £6.98 per kilo – £3.19 more expensive.
Also, opt for wonky veg, which may be misshapen, but no less healthy or tasty.
A bag of Tesco Perfectly Imperfect Carrots costs 53p per kilo – 16p less than regular ones.
COOK SMART
Generally, an air fryer is cheaper to run than an oven, but it's not always the case.
For a roast, you're better off with an oven – cooking half a leg of lamb, roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings for up to an hour in a 2 kilowatt oven costs around 54p, according to Uswitch.
But cooking these individually in a 1.4 kilowatt air fryer will cost you around 73p.
USE A FOOD BANK
Aldi partners with the app Too Good To Go to offer bags of fruit and veg approaching their sell-by dates for £3.30, instead of £10.
Check your local Aldi on the Too Good To Go app from 10pm to collect the next day.
Tesco is also trialling giving away yellow-sticker products for free in selected Express stores.
If you are really struggling, visit a food bank.
The Trussell Trust issues emergency parcels with three days' worth of food to families in crisis.
Visit Trussell.org.uk.
LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS
Leftover roast beef gone tough?
Just cut it into strips and pan fry to revive it – perfect for salads, wraps or stir-fries.
To tenderise roast pork, pop it in a pan with gravy, water and stock and simmer for 20 minutes.
Turn leftover veg into bubble and squeak or soup, or bring roasties back to life by tossing them in a pan.
DINE OUT ON DISCOUNTS
If you fancy a break from cooking, make the most of pub and restaurant offers.
Harvester has a deal where those signed up to its Flavour Fan Club rewards scheme can get 25% off food for up to six people.
That means, on a £60 order you'd save £15. Visit Harvester.co.uk to sign up.
Or head to one of The Hungry Horse pubs, where you can get a Sunday roast with a drink for just £10 – find your nearest one at Hungryhorse.co.uk.
Toby Carvery also has a loyalty scheme where, if you sign up to The Carvery Club, you'll get 25% off your food bill – see Tobycarvery.co.uk
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