That’s what friends are for…

I have thought about launching my own business many times over the years, but somehow it was never the right time. Life got in the way – family and financial commitments, a busy social life, global travel, a corporate career, a million other distractions. I got to February 2020, my kids had grown up and left home, I wasn’t enjoying corporate life, so what was holding me back? Nothing. It was now or never. So I quit my day job, set up a company and launched Jex Business Services. Between making the decision in February and opening for business in May the world was plunged into the Coronavirus crisis and life (and business) changed in some fundamental ways that I could not have predicted – great timing! But I can’t change the situation in which we all find ourselves, so the only thing to do is to remain positive and move forward.

Aside from the necessary administration of setting up a new business (company registration, bank accounts, insurance, branding, websites, social media, etc.) I have spent much of the first few weeks talking to people in my network to get the word out about the services that I am offering, and seek out opportunities. Happily, despite the uncertainties due to Covid 19, I have found that there is a strong interest in working with me. I am grateful to the former colleagues, customers and friends that have opened doors for me which will lead to paid assignments, connected me with others that may need my services, encouraged and advised me, and offered pro-bono work to do (yes, I might not get paid, but it is still valuable to hone my skills and create a portfolio of work). You all know who you are, and I appreciate the support more than you can imagine. I hope to repay the favour one day. That’s what friends are for.