Why should I start a new business?

Please seriously consider how running a business could change your life.

Even if you are currently very happy with your current employment, what would happen if you become ill, disabled or redundant? If there are potential dark clouds on the horizon, or if you don’t already have rock-solid plans in place in case of trouble, why not at least investigate some options – the research is pretty cheap, if not entirely free.

Think of it as an insurance policy and you never know – the process may even snowball! Music was a hobby for me, but the business took off slowly in the background, until I couldn’t ignore it any longer.

You may be happy with your current income, but does your current job really excite you? Do you wake up each morning ready and rearing to go to work? Life is too short to stick in a job you hate, especially if you can earn the same (and probably a huge amount more) doing something you love.

And even if you love your job, and are totally confident that you won't need a life boat or escape pod in the future, how much do your hobbies and interests cost you?

A fellow musician saved up all his gig fees over the course of a tax year. The day job fed, clothed, housed and educated the family, but this was HIS money. At the end of the year he bought the guitar of his dreams, a Martin D28 with both spare cash and a totally clean conscience!

Running your own company can bring security, enjoyment, a considerably greater income and even much greater flexibility in your life. It can offer the chance to take control of your own destiny.