Give Yourself A Break

Jacqueline Long has created an online resource that aims to help others to do what she has done and escape the rat race. She tells us that it is time people gave themselves a break.

Name: Jacqueline Long
Age: 30+
Business: Give Yourself A Break.com
Type of business: Online resource on how to create a portable “Go Anywhere” business.
Start date: February 2005

When did you first decide you wanted to start your own business?
Believe it or not, I started daydreaming about it over 10 years ago. At the time, I was in a “job for life” situation working overseas with a tax-free income. So there was no real immediate hunger to pursue self-employment. It was when I was considering returning to the UK and wondering what I would do that the idea of starting my own business became a real possibility.

Tell us about your business
Give Yourself A Break.com (GYAB) is an online resource providing information, tips and tools for people who would like to escape the constraints of the rat race and create their own portable business which they can run from anywhere, whether that be from their home or their villa in Spain.

Was it your first business idea and where did it come from?
I have had many ideas and dabbled in a few things, but this is the first idea that truly reflects my personal values and interests. I have a real desire to have flexibility and freedom in my working life, and with modern technology this can be achieved in a way that was simply not possible in the past. The idea for GYAB was born out of this desire.

Was your decision to start a business inspired by any other companies or individuals?
My decision to start a business really came from my own growing need to do something for myself.

What makes you think there’s a market for your business?
I believe many people are searching for more flexibility in their work and lifestyles. The many popular TV programmes about business start-ups, relocating abroad, getting the dream life etc, are feeding a growing appetite. People need to see that their dreams can be reality and that’s where GYAB comes into it’s own.

What research did you do?
I requested specific feedback from online networking groups that I am a member of, and I also did research to identify competitors.

What advice did you seek?
I joined the Her Business Project which is a business support programme, providing advice, training and business coaching. My coaching sessions are invaluable, as it gives me someone to be accountable to and drives me forward with my goals.

What other help did you get?
I attended the Inland Revenue free sessions advising on what records to keep, and also how to fill in your self assessment forms.

Does the government need to provide more help to people trying to start a business?
I am impressed and encouraged by the variety of free or subsidised Government backed training available. However, I would like to see more help with the actual running of a business. A voucher scheme whereby you could claim an amount of money against services such as an accountant, bookkeeper, or the writing of a press release would be really helpful. Much like the old Individual Learning Account through which the Government awarded employed adults £150 voucher to use at a UK college to follow a course that would enhance their job skills. Except in this case, businesses could use it to spend on services that many of us try to do ourselves to save money but actually would positively impact our business in a big way if done by a professional.

Talk us through the process of writing your business plan.
I used a template from the “Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide” and just worked my way through the sections.

How useful has your business plan been and do you think you’ll stick to it as your business begins to grow?
The plan was essential to getting my thoughts and plans clear and identifying the gaps in my knowledge. I have followed it to a large degree, however, it has been modified as I have learnt and discovered more.

How much did it cost to start the business?
£1,500. I already had a computer, which helped but I have bought other hardware, business cards and web design etc.

How did you fund this?
The business is self-funded from my personal savings.