Scams: “freedom to work your own hours” really seem to slip through legislation IMO. I read: low $ – hidden hours – huge prep. & setup, pressure to go to poor quality meetings, risky payment structures. “Get out there and create a market for our brand” attitudes.

Even in my area of consulting/training there are still plenty of companies who would offer me a “better life” using “their” brand. e.g. I get a (hidden?) benefit as a sort-of employee. As long as I source clients, scope the work, design the product, close the sale, deliver the service, review the feedback, create constant improvements, help them market, carry lots of “small” costs – like phone calls, internet, paper, printing etc. Oh, I forgot, I hand over my intellectual property also for their brand. No thanks.

I recommend:

Cut your own path in an area of great, deep interest to you. There is a way to make income from almost any passion, even if you set up a not for profit organisation!

If appropriate, subcontract to learn new skills, but do what you can to leverage your own ideas.

Seek good alliances & partnerships, synergies and offer praise and encouragement at all times.

Be tough, but also cut yourself some slack when you go wrong.

Be tough, learn to take feedback as a sign of someone’s respect abnd care for your future development. Other people’s difficulties may be your opportunity.

Online businesses are wonderful, you may need some help though intially.

Many things are easier than they seem, even importing or exporting.

Focus on quality and a unique position, not price cutting.

Be creative, energetic, and inquisitive.

Don’t over-capitalise on equipment via rentals. Small payments can be a burden if affected by sudden cashflow drops. It can ruin a new SME and the tax benefit is minimal if there is no cashflow… wait, then upgrade.

Go to your local Council Ec.Dev. Officer & get referred to the huge number of very good value programs available, through multiple Government depts., join networks, read and ask a lot of questions.

Offer trials and/or easy payment options to help people “try”.

Set operational, budgetary and marketing plans.

Model your successful future on the methodologies of a few specifically talented people, even in different industries.

Hope this is useful.