Use apps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"iPhone](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/07\/one-person-1-apps.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYou may often find yourself working on\nthe go. There are thousands of mobile apps that will not only allow you to do this,\nbut that will also streamline the way you complete your tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a task manager app on your smartphone will help you to focus on the most important jobs of the day, whilst accounting apps will help you to keep track of your daily expenses \u2013 this is especially useful for maintaining compliance with the government\u2019s compulsory Making Tax Digital service<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nOther types of app that you may want\nto check out include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Office software apps<\/strong>, such as Microsoft 365 for Microsoft Word or Excel. <\/li>
- Cloud storage apps<\/strong><\/a>, like Google Drive, iCloud and Dropbox, which allow you to store your documents in secure online data centres which can be accessed from anywhere.<\/li>
- Time tracking apps<\/strong>, to identify how you\u2019re spending your time \u2013 some break down where you spend your time by website\/app, whereas others send you notifications if you spend too much time on one activity.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Automate admin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDid you know that micro businesses spend ten weeks just on financial admin every year, according to research by Starling Bank<\/strong><\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re currently taking the traditional paper invoice route, you may want to consider moving to an online invoicing system. \u2018E-invoicing\u2019 speeds up the whole process, allows you to track the payment status and creates a secure audit trail \u2013 meaning you won\u2019t have to search through piles of paperwork to sort out your tax return. It\u2019s better for the environment, too! Check out our 5 simple tips for speedier invoicing<\/strong><\/a> for more helpful suggestions that are perfect for a one-person business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Tradesperson](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/07\/one-person-2-invoice.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also useful to keep a balance\nsheet (a financial statement of your assets, liabilities and capital) and have\na profit and loss account (a financial statement summarising your revenues,\ncosts and expenses). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are more tools to help you save time on other areas of admin. With a Rated People account, you\u2019ll have access to our Lead Tracker feature<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s your one-stop-shop which organises your work, allowing you to see all the details of your customer job leads at a glance, as well as showing you how much value each lead is bringing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStrengthen your stock<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Smiling](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/07\/one-person-3-stock.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn the peak of the coronavirus (or COVID-19) lockdown, lots of builders\u2019 merchants were either closed completely, or only offering online orders (if you could get a slot!). So, it\u2019s a good idea to stock up on the key materials that you wouldn\u2019t be able to work without, especially with demand for home improvement work currently increasing<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no need to overstock on\neverything, though. As a one-person business, you\u2019ll likely have a tight\nmonthly budget, so don\u2019t tie up your cash in excess inventory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can keep track of how much stock\nyou\u2019ve got available by creating a simple inventory spreadsheet. Create a table\nwhich shows how much you\u2019ve got of each product, then set up a reminder on your\nphone to check your stock levels every couple of weeks or months (how often depends\non how large your inventory is). This will help you to recognise when you need to\ntop up certain products or equipment before you go right down to the wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out which builders\u2019 merchants are open to tradespeople<\/strong><\/a> on our Trade Advice Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFind your USP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Painter](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/07\/one-person-4-usp-mural.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA unique selling proposition (USP) is a feature of your one-person business that makes it better than the competition. For example, Nike\u2019s USP is that it offers the best shoes for athletes and people who want to excel in fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that lockdown\u2019s easing, thousands of people are searching for tradespeople to complete jobs in their homes each week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you have your USP, you\u2019ll become\nmore confident and focused on delivering the service that these potential\ncustomers need and want. It will also help you to attract new customers, as\nthey\u2019ll know exactly what you can offer them and why they should work with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYou can find your USP by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Comparing yourself to your competitors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Start off by listing the features and benefits of your service or product. Then, identify the aspects of your service or product that your competitors can\u2019t easily copy. Next, you should identify the features of your business that you want to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if you\u2019re a decorator who creates bespoke murals, that\u2019s something that could be unique to your business. However, if you know that this makes your product more expensive than your competitors\u2019, then you won\u2019t want to focus on price in your USP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Putting yourself in your customer\u2019s shoes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Apart from your product or service, think about what your customer is looking for from your business. This could be reliability, good customer service or convenience, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Translating your USP into a short phrase<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve identified your key\nbenefits and your customers\u2019 needs, you can create a short sentence to\nsummarise them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAn example of a USP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Made-to-order, creative murals that are handcrafted by a family run decorating business \u2013 for homeowners that want more than your regular paint job.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can share your USP on your social media platforms, website and directories. If you have a Rated People account, then it\u2019s a good idea to include your USP in your company description \u2013 it\u2019s one of the first things a potential customer will see! Find out how to update this section of your profile in our \u2018Update your Rated People profile\u2019 video<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMaintain your mental health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Tradesperson](\"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/assets\/2020\/07\/one-person-5-mental.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLots of one-person business owners have been working overtime to make sure that their businesses can survive the coronavirus pandemic. However, it\u2019s important that you also focus on taking care of your mental health. As well as being essential for your own wellbeing, it will help you to be better prepared to face any business challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou may often find yourself working on\nthe go. There are thousands of mobile apps that will not only allow you to do this,\nbut that will also streamline the way you complete your tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a task manager app on your smartphone will help you to focus on the most important jobs of the day, whilst accounting apps will help you to keep track of your daily expenses \u2013 this is especially useful for maintaining compliance with the government\u2019s compulsory Making Tax Digital service<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other types of app that you may want\nto check out include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that micro businesses spend ten weeks just on financial admin every year, according to research by Starling Bank<\/strong><\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re currently taking the traditional paper invoice route, you may want to consider moving to an online invoicing system. \u2018E-invoicing\u2019 speeds up the whole process, allows you to track the payment status and creates a secure audit trail \u2013 meaning you won\u2019t have to search through piles of paperwork to sort out your tax return. It\u2019s better for the environment, too! Check out our 5 simple tips for speedier invoicing<\/strong><\/a> for more helpful suggestions that are perfect for a one-person business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also useful to keep a balance\nsheet (a financial statement of your assets, liabilities and capital) and have\na profit and loss account (a financial statement summarising your revenues,\ncosts and expenses). <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are more tools to help you save time on other areas of admin. With a Rated People account, you\u2019ll have access to our Lead Tracker feature<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s your one-stop-shop which organises your work, allowing you to see all the details of your customer job leads at a glance, as well as showing you how much value each lead is bringing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the peak of the coronavirus (or COVID-19) lockdown, lots of builders\u2019 merchants were either closed completely, or only offering online orders (if you could get a slot!). So, it\u2019s a good idea to stock up on the key materials that you wouldn\u2019t be able to work without, especially with demand for home improvement work currently increasing<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no need to overstock on\neverything, though. As a one-person business, you\u2019ll likely have a tight\nmonthly budget, so don\u2019t tie up your cash in excess inventory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can keep track of how much stock\nyou\u2019ve got available by creating a simple inventory spreadsheet. Create a table\nwhich shows how much you\u2019ve got of each product, then set up a reminder on your\nphone to check your stock levels every couple of weeks or months (how often depends\non how large your inventory is). This will help you to recognise when you need to\ntop up certain products or equipment before you go right down to the wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out which builders\u2019 merchants are open to tradespeople<\/strong><\/a> on our Trade Advice Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A unique selling proposition (USP) is a feature of your one-person business that makes it better than the competition. For example, Nike\u2019s USP is that it offers the best shoes for athletes and people who want to excel in fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that lockdown\u2019s easing, thousands of people are searching for tradespeople to complete jobs in their homes each week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have your USP, you\u2019ll become\nmore confident and focused on delivering the service that these potential\ncustomers need and want. It will also help you to attract new customers, as\nthey\u2019ll know exactly what you can offer them and why they should work with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find your USP by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start off by listing the features and benefits of your service or product. Then, identify the aspects of your service or product that your competitors can\u2019t easily copy. Next, you should identify the features of your business that you want to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you\u2019re a decorator who creates bespoke murals, that\u2019s something that could be unique to your business. However, if you know that this makes your product more expensive than your competitors\u2019, then you won\u2019t want to focus on price in your USP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from your product or service, think about what your customer is looking for from your business. This could be reliability, good customer service or convenience, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve identified your key\nbenefits and your customers\u2019 needs, you can create a short sentence to\nsummarise them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n An example of a USP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made-to-order, creative murals that are handcrafted by a family run decorating business \u2013 for homeowners that want more than your regular paint job.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can share your USP on your social media platforms, website and directories. If you have a Rated People account, then it\u2019s a good idea to include your USP in your company description \u2013 it\u2019s one of the first things a potential customer will see! Find out how to update this section of your profile in our \u2018Update your Rated People profile\u2019 video<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lots of one-person business owners have been working overtime to make sure that their businesses can survive the coronavirus pandemic. However, it\u2019s important that you also focus on taking care of your mental health. As well as being essential for your own wellbeing, it will help you to be better prepared to face any business challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAutomate admin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStrengthen your stock<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFind your USP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Comparing yourself to your competitors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Putting yourself in your customer\u2019s shoes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Translating your USP into a short phrase<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Maintain your mental health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n