Guest Post: Babu Basu

Babu Basu is a freelance writer and creator of adverts, articles and web content. As a fellow ‘redundant’, he picked himself up, dusted himself down, and set up babubasu.com

Mine’s the company Porsche.

Want to start your own company? Are you sure? Are you sane?

I admit it. I’ve been seduced by Dragon’s Den.

Seduced by the unfeasibly expensive cars. Intoxicated by impeccable clothes and emotionally hi-jacked by that hovering helicopter. The message of the show is clear, start a company, work damn hard and watch the money roll in.
Erm…

I set up my own freelance writing company in 2008. It has been the best and worst thing I have ever done.
Having your company is like being a parent.

You lie awake at night worrying how the company will prosper. Are you giving it the right start in life? Can you protect it from bad people?  What happens when it grows up?

Like parenting, running your own business eats into your free time, day and night.

Granted, I’m not changing nappies or bottle feeding, but stress and deadlines keep me awake. My head is often buzzing with ideas, worries, wisdom. It’s hard to switch off.

Parents spending time away from children are consumed with guilt. I’m the same with my businesses. How can I possibly leave it by itself, defenceless, cold and hungry?

But, it’s not all tears and fears.

Having something/someone to look after can be an incredible privilege.

You learn a lot.

If you’re prepared to make mistakes (and you will make them) the learning will take you places you never thought possible. You spot opportunity and develop great instincts. (After you’ve been burnt a few times, you learn to stay away from the fire, or at least turn it down).

You’re in control.

Working for others can be frustrating if you are limited by your role. Start your own company and suddenly you have TOTAL CONTROL. You are now the Finance Department, HR, Marketing, Security. YOU ARE EVERYTHING.
Scary yes, rewarding, you bet!