Do you have what it takes?

Do you have what it takes to become a freelance trainer?

Here's an article submitted by Sharon Gaskin of The Trainers Training Company.

One of the consequences of the current economic downturn is that many companies are making staff redundant. When times are tough, training is often one of the first things that organisations cut back on (even though we know this is misguided). However, this may be a blessing in disguise for corporate trainers who have been toying with the idea of going freelance for years, but have never quite got round to it. Being made redundant and forced to step out of your comfort zone could be the kick-start needed to take your first serious steps towards self employment.

As a freelance trainer of 5 years I can testify to the many advantages of this way of life.

- Better work/life balance. You can choose the hours you want to work, making your work life revolve around the family rather than the other way round. I set up as a freelance trainer to enable me to work around my family commitments, particularly school holidays.
- You can work from home. No daily commute saving both time and money.
- You can choose the work you want to do. Work that you really enjoy.
- You are in control. If you have a great idea, there’s no-one stopping you from making it happen. The only ‘stopper’ in your life is you
- No office politics. No need to get dragged in to office bickering
- Freedom and independence. You choose when you work and where you work
- Variety. Every day is different
- Huge satisfaction in your own personal achievements
- It’s great fun!!

Running your own training business can be truly fantastic, for all the reasons outlined above and more. A lot of training consultants never go back into a ‘regular’ job again.

There are also many that do go back to the corporate world for a variety of reasons. Being a freelancer can be tough. It’s not for everyone. So, before you take the plunge with your precious redundancy money, it’s important to think about the downsides too.

- Lack of a ‘regular’ income. There’s no monthly standing order in to your bank account and you may have to juggle your cash flow from month to month
- Feast and famine syndrome. The balance of work is never even, you will have weeks when there are not enough hours in the day and others where you have no work at all
- Constant pressure to fill your pipeline. You have to balance delivery against sales time – you are under constant pressure to create your own future
- Feeling you have to do everything yourself. Marketing, selling, finance, admin, web design, IT, as well as research, programme design and delivery
- Money needed to set up as well as sustain the business. Balancing cash flow, marketing, paying out for all those things you used to take for granted in corporate life like self-development and professional subscriptions
Poorer work life balance. If you’re not careful, you end up working more hours not less
- Distractions of working from home. The friendly neighbour stopping by for a cup of tea through to the dishwasher or those soulful eyes of the dog asking you to take him out for a walk
- Slow payers. Not all clients will pay you according to your terms – just have a think how your old company may have paid their invoices
- Undervaluing yourself. Not charging what you are worth
- Loneliness and isolation. No team colleagues to share ideas with or just have a chat to
- Lack of self-motivation. Without a boss giving you deadlines to meet, you have to be disciplined to make those goals yourself

It’s not my intention to put you off completely, just to give you a realistic perspective on what your new life could be like.

Try working through this exercise to help you decide:

First write a list of your strengths. (If you find this difficult to do, ask your partner, friend or colleague for some feedback). Once you have made a list, think through how each of the strengths you have listed will specifically help you to run your business.


Now consider your weaknesses and challenges. What are the things that could, potentially, hold you back? What can you do to overcome them? Make a positive commitment to change.

Write down any conclusions you have reached about yourself. Make a proper business plan, look at the financial, social and further implications. Then, ask yourself this simple question: Do you have what it takes to be a freelance trainer?

Sharon Gaskin is Co-Founder – The Trainers Training Company
www.thetrainerstrainingcompany.co.uk
For more information about their 30 day home study programme "How to Launch a Training Business in Just 30 Days" please visit