So it has been roughly 6 months since I left my full-time job to concentrate on running my own business and here I am working on a Saturday night, updating my website and finishing off bits and pieces that I need to have done by Monday.

I had lots of reservations and concerns about going it alone, not getting enough work, not being able to deliver, not being able to motivate myself...and yet none of these are a reality. The contracts have come in, clients are happy with the level of service they are getting and I am up bright and early every morning even when I am working from home...so motivation is definitely not a problem.

What I have realised though is how all encompassing running your own Company can be. I am always thinking about work, there is never enough time to get all the things I want done, my social life takes a back seat a lot of the time and my diary is full to the brim with meetings, planning time, training and events. It has got to the point where I really do have to schedule in time with my friends and family, otherwise it just won’t happen.

The next 6 months are critical to the success of Urban 8. I have been laying the foundations for many years in terms of the experience and skills I have gained, and the contacts I have made...and the first few months of business have been better than I could have dreamed...however making Urban 8 sustainable for the future and ensuring that it doesn’t take over my life is going to be a huge challenge.

I understand now that I have to let the company grow and let other people come in and do their bit, so I will be recruiting a project manager in the new year to help with the workload and I will finally get round to writing my business plan, not only to keep my business advisor off my back but also to proactively shape the direction that I want Urban 8 to go.

Being completely in charge of your own success is empowering, I try not to think about it too much otherwise the fear seeps in...but I am truly enjoying working for myself and can’t wait to see how things pan out. So watch this space.

PS. The photo is of me by the way and my wonderful friends at Notting Hill Carnival... as even workaholics how to have fun from time to time (policemen too apparently)